Sports bring people together. Residents of Pasadena
California can attest to that every 2nd of January when the annual Rose
Bowl Game is played. It was first played in 1902 and has been played annually
since 1916. It’s safe to say our grandparents’ parents probably enjoyed this
spectacle too.
If football isn’t enough to bring you to Rose Bowl Stadium, a parade just
might. The Rose Bowl Parade is an unsurpassed celebration that takes place
hours before the game, kicking off the long day ahead. In January 2017, Pasadena
will be hosting the 103rd Rose Bowl Game and the 128th
Rose Bowl Parade. It can easily be described as a fiesta of flowers, music and
sports.
Aside from college football games, the Rose Bowl Stadium has hosted
five Super Bowls, gold metal matches for two Summer Olympics, two FIFA World
Cup Finals and performances by some of the biggest names in music. Sports games are
nothing without a little friendly rivalry. The Rose Bowl Stadium is a home base
for the well-known UCLA Bruins. The Rose Bowl Stadium has hosted multiple
rivalry games between UCLA and USC, presenting the winner of the game
possession of the Victory Bell; a 295 pound brass bell from a Southern Pacific
railroad train.
If you are a history buff, the stadium also offers tours—an
up-close look at this historical landmark. It is the perfect way to spend an
afternoon in SoCal. Top tour stop locations are the 1922 locker room, playing
field and press box. If you find yourself in the area, it is worth the minor
detour! A fun day for the entire family!