The history of Rose Bowl, California

The Rose Bowl is one of America’s biggest and most popular football stadiums located in Pasadena, California. The tournament of Roses football game that happens on January 1st every year is very popular and pulls a crowd of over 1 lakh people to this historic stadium. It has hosted football matches during 1932 and 1984 Olympics. January 1, 2011 will witness 97th Rose Bowl game presented by VIZIO. The events will start will colorful Rose Bowl parade at 8am followed y he football match at 1:30pm .

The stadium was designed by architect Myron Hunt in 1921 influenced by the Yale Bowl. In 1922, it was dedicatedly open to public. It was called as the tournament of roses until it was renamed as Rose Bowl game. In 1928, the southern stands were completed making a full bowl shape. The stadium was called as Rose Bowl incorporating two things. Pasadena is also called as the ‘city of Roses’ and the stadium was much like bowl shaped. By combining these two the stadium was called as the Rose Bowl stadium. The stadium is maintained and operated by Rose Bowl Operating Company PVT LTD.

The stadium has been reconfigured several times since its initial construction in 1922 to suit modern seating facilities. The official seating capacity of this stadium stands at 92,542 but 1973 Rose Bowl tournament visitor figures stands at 106,000. The tournament field is made of natural hybrid Bermuda grass overseeded with rye. The Rose Bowl stadium is constantly renovated with modern technological amenities to withstand changes over the years. Renovation plans for over $152million has been in proposal. Rose Bowl Flea market is another shopping extravaganza that happens second Sunday of every month. Other than football matches, Rose Bowl stadium is now used for various purposes namely hospitality receptions, corporate meetings, product launches, seminars, team building, retirement parties etc. Many hotels have uprooted in and around Rose Bowl to accommodate visitors for the Rose Bowl event on the New Year day.

Rose parade that happens before the start of tournament is another colorful display a must watch on January 1st. 2011’s Rose parade will have ‘Building Dreams, Friendships and memories’ as its theme featuring floral floats and high-stepping equestrian units. It is said that to organize these events without flaw, it takes around 80,000 man hours for the organizer of Rose Bowl Tournaments. The theme for 2010 was ‘A cut above the rest’ and this was celebrated with much fervor.

Rose Bowl has become inseparable from the heart of Americans and much awaited event every year. It is another proof of history combining with games that make Rose Bowl even more special year after year.