Oct 12, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) runs past UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Siale Taupaki (92) during the second quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

A collection of friends from Minnesota tailgated outside the Rose Bowl Stadium on sunny Saturday afternoon and reminisced about times they got hopes up that the Gophers could someday make it back to the Rose Bowl Game.

The Gophers estimate 12,000-15,000 of their fans will be there Saturday when they play UCLA in Minnesota’s first game in Pasadena since the 1961 and 1962 Rose Bowls.