Despite wildfire, UCLA to play opener at Rose Bowl
by AP
Posted: 09.03.2009 at 5:00 PM

LOS ANGELES (AP) — UCLA will go ahead with its season-opening game against San Diego State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday despite the wildfire in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.

Athletic director Dan Guerrero said Thursday the decision to play was made after consulting with Pasadena officials and discussing projected air quality conditions at the venerable stadium.

The Rose Bowl is less than 10 miles south of the fires burning in the Angeles National Forest.

Guerrero said UCLA will monitor the situation. The forecast for Saturday calls for sunny skies and a high of 90 degrees.