Rose Bowl

A broad, sun-scarred athletic bowl defined by wide concrete terraces and a commanding sweep of stairs that test endurance and invite spectacle. The place smells of turf and concession grease; voices ricochet off cavernous stands, and sunlight pools on climb-worn steps. In the episode it functions as an offstage metric of physical exertion and public ritual — a rhetorical touchstone invoked during medical banter to suggest strain, stamina, and the theater of performance.

2 events

2 rich involvements

Detailed Involvements

Events with rich location context

S1E2 · Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

Shot, Photo, and the Burden of Command

The Rose Bowl is mentioned jokingly in relation to physical exertion affecting the President's pulse; it functions as a colorful aside that contrasts public spectacle with this private medical moment.

Atmosphere

Lighthearted and idiomatic; used to punctuate medical banter.

Functional Role

Colloquial reference that characterizes Bartlet's physical regimen and staff familiarity.

Symbolic Significance

Represents public performance and stamina in contrast to private vulnerability.

Described as wide terraces and stairs in prior material. Invoked to suggest exertion and public spectacle.

S1E2 · Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

Intimacy Interrupted — Leo Brings the Machine

The Rose Bowl is mentioned in Bartlet's casual banter about running stairs — it functions as a colorful aside that humanizes him and punctuates the medical exchange with everyday imagery.

Atmosphere

Light, anecdotal — a domestic image dropped into a formal space.

Functional Role

Provides a relatable benchmark for physical exertion and comedic effect during the check-up.

Symbolic Significance

Offers a contrast between public spectacle (stadium) and private duty (health exam).

Invoked as a familiar public place with wide terraces and stairs Used as rhetorical device to assess pulse and exertion

Events at This Location

Everything that happens here

S1E2 · Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

Shot, Photo, and the Burden of Command

In a quiet Oval Office beat, President Bartlet trades light banter and a baby photograph with Dr. Morris Tolliver while Morris performs a routine physical and gives him a flu …

S1E2 · Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

Intimacy Interrupted — Leo Brings the Machine

A private, human moment between President Bartlet and Dr. Morris is suddenly closed down when Leo returns to the Oval with two distinguished visitors. The scene moves from paternal banter …