COACH CHESNEY MEDIA AVAILABILITY

LOS ANGELES – The UCLA football program officially kicked off its spring practice on Thursday, April 2, marking a new era as first-year head coach Bob Chesney led the Bruins on the field for the first time.

The Bruins took to Spaulding Field with energy and optimism, and enjoyed sunny skies with a temperature in the 60s.

Coach Chesney remarked that the squad's first practice went well, with a strong emphasis on fundamentals and keeping everyone healthy.

"It was day one, you know there is going to be excitement and intensity around it," said Chesney. "The question is was it clean? Did the fundamentals we worked on all throughout the winter carry over or not? The things that don't take skill, the things that don't take great genetics were the things I wanted to focus on today more than anything – the effort. Staying in front of the receiver if he had the ball, staying in front of the running back if he had the ball, getting downfield and blocking, relentless until the whistle."

The practice, which went for approximately two hours, featured walkthroughs, individual and team drills, and install periods. There were also multiple compete periods.

UCLA will practice 14 more times during spring ball, culminating in the 2026 Spring Game at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, May 2 at 12 p.m. PT. Admission to that game is free for all fans who request a ticket, available HERE. Gate A at the Rose Bowl will open at 10 a.m., with parking lots H, K and I opening at 9 a.m. Parking will also be free to all fans.

2026 UCLA FOOTBALL TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets for the first year of the Bob Chesney Era are now available to purchase. Fans can click HERE or contact UCLA Athletics Sales and Service at (310) 206-5991 or via email at tickets@athletics.ucla.edu for more information. Sign up for UCLA Athletics emails HERE to stay up-to-date on inside information, ticket deals and more. UCLA opens its seven-game home schedule in Week 2 on Saturday, Sept. 12 versus San Diego State.