Get ready for the iconic Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game as they return to kick off 2025! This year’s events, steeped in tradition and excitement, promise to be unforgettable as the Oregon Ducks take on the Ohio State Buckeyes after the annual parade.
On January 1, 2025, the 136th Tournament of Roses will take center stage at 8 AM PT (11 AM ET) with the Rose Parade, featuring stunning floral floats and vibrant marching bands. Renowned tennis legend Billie Jean King will serve as the Grand Marshal, inspiring the crowd as they celebrate this historic event with the theme, “The Best Day Ever.”
The parade is well-known for its elaborate entries and breathtaking artistry. Each float showcases the beauty of nature, reflecting the theme’s focus on joy and unexpected moments. Ed Morales, President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, shared insights on the theme's significance: "The theme aims to celebrate those special and unexpected moments..."
Following the parade, football fans can gear up for the much-anticipated 111th Rose Bowl Game, set to kick off at 2 PM PT (5 PM ET) at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium. This year, the game serves as the first-ever College Football Playoff quarterfinal, raising the stakes for both competing teams.
The Oregon Ducks, ranked No. 1 and riding high on their undefeated season (13-0), will face off against the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes, setting the stage for fierce competition. Oregon enters as the Big Ten champions, having claimed victory over Penn State, and they aim to extend their success at the Rose Bowl where they have previously achieved equal records of wins and losses.
Ed Morales expressed his enthusiasm for the matchup: "We look forward to hosting the first-ever College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game... Oregon's return adds a special layer to the game." Fans eagerly await to see if the Ducks can maintain their momentum against the Buckeyes, who are known for their powerful performance on the field.
The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game are not just highlights of the day; they’re also beloved traditions for families and fans alike. While the parade offers entertainment with colorful floats and bands, the football game caters to sports enthusiasts eager for thrilling compliance and unparalleled athletic talent.
Viewers wanting to catch all the action have plenty of options for tuning in to both events. The Rose Parade will be broadcast live on NBC, ABC, Univision, and other local networks, with streaming availability on Peacock, featuring hosts Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, who is marking his 26th year as part of the festivities.
Meanwhile, the Rose Bowl Game airs live on ESPN, with streaming options available through various platforms like ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo, ensuring accessibility for fans nationwide.
This year, the Rose Parade and Bowl reinforce their longstanding status as quintessential New Year’s Day celebrations, blending festive spirit with thrilling sportsmanship. The floats symbolize creativity and dedication, and the game showcases elite competition on one of college football's most prestigious stages.
Whether you're attending the events or watching from afar, the 2025 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl set the tone for hope and excitement for the year to come. With the combined energy of parade festivities and the heart-pounding action of college football, there's no doubt this New Year’s Day will embody the best of community spirit and athletic excellence.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness this rich tradition as it unravels against the backdrop of Pasadena's beautiful weather and vibrant culture. Here’s to joy and elegance leading us all to kick off 2025 with positivity and celebration!