Rose Bowl
TIER
US - Pacific West
CATEGORY
January
REGION
January
TIMING
US - Pacific West
FREQUENCY
January
DuRATION
January
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Dates
Confirmed
Confirmed
Confirmed
OVervieW
HIGHLIGHTS
🏈 College Football Powerhouses – As part of the expanded College Football Playoff, the 2026 Rose Bowl could host a semifinal, ensuring top-ranked teams battle for a shot at the national championship.
🌹 Pageantry & Tradition – From the Tournament of Roses Parade to the iconic setting beneath the San Gabriel Mountains, the game is steeped in history and spectacle.
🌟 Rising Stars & Future Pros – The Rose Bowl often showcases players who will go on to NFL stardom, making it a stage for the sport’s next generation.
🎉 New Year’s Day Atmosphere – For fans nationwide, the Rose Bowl is synonymous with the holiday, blending sport, celebration, and American tradition.
🌍 Cultural Impact – More than a game, the Rose Bowl reflects the enduring importance of college football in U.S. culture, drawing millions of viewers around the world.
INSIGHTS
Event General Timing
Consistently held on January 1st (or Jan 2nd if Jan 1st is a Sunday). (Same Day of Week)
Venue Selection
Consistently held at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Application Deadlines
• No public application
• Based on college football conference qualification
• Float, Band, and Equestrian Applications:
• – Applications for the 2026 Rose Parade are now closed
• – Applications for 2027 are open
• Deadlines for floats, bands, and equestrian units vary
• – For floats, direct inquiries and applications are managed via the Rose Parade Participant Portal: Float Entry Application
• – For more information, email: floats@tournamentofroses.com or call 626-817-9326
•:
• – Organizations must create an account in the Rose Parade Participant Portal and follow instructions to complete the application
• – The process includes submitting details about the float, band, or equestrian unit, including design, participants, and support personnel
• – Volunteer opportunities for float decoration are available and managed separately
Ticket Availability
• Tickets usually available in the Fall
• Start Date to Purchase Tickets:
• – Tickets for the 2026 Rose Bowl Game are available for purchase through Ticketmaster and other official outlets
• – Tickets typically go on sale several months in advance
• For 2026, sales began in August 2025
• – For the Rose Parade, tickets are available at Sharp Seating and Visit Pasadena
• Ticket Purchase Process Notes:
• – Tickets are digital and distributed mid-November to early December
• – There are limits on the number of tickets per person for the game
• – For the parade, early booking is encouraged
• Children five and under are free for Floatfest viewing
Event Preview Dates
• Parade and official pre-game events occur on or before New Year’s Day
• Early Preview Dates:
• – Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase allows the public to view floats up close after the parade
• – Floatfest is open January 1. afternoon through January 3, 2026
• – No evidence of exclusive VIP or press-only preview for the general public
• All communities can attend Floatfest with a ticket
• VIP/Press Preview Process Notes:
• – VIP packages for the Rose Bowl Game may include premium seating and hospitality, but do not provide early access to the parade floats
• – Media credentials for press are managed via the Tournament of Roses Media Resources page
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Find us on online and/or check out our newsletter where we analyze the calendar for opportunity. This is where we go to discuss innovative strategy. This is where we tend to drop our best insider tips and application deadline reminders.