We booked a cheap hotel off of E Colorado St next to the mall in Glendale. About 8 min drive from the Rose Bowl. Good Bars and Restaurants within 5 min walk.
Sheraton in Rancho Cucamonga for $49 per night (sister works for Sheraton/Westin). We're 35 miles from Pasadena. Couldn't get anything closer. Also, will be driving from Phoenix, so this trip won't be too expensive. Just need tickets now.