The iconic 2025 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game saw diverging trends this New Year’s Day, underlining both the charm of tradition and the shifting dynamics of college football.
According to statistics released by the Tournament of Roses and the City of Pasadena, the parade drew an impressive crowd of 800,000 attendees, marking the highest turnout since the pandemic. This figure reflects growth from last year’s 750,000 spectators. The event was celebrated for its festive atmosphere and displayed numerous colorful floats, musical performances, and community spirit.
"The crowd was orderly, and everyone seemed to enjoy the day," reported City of Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian, emphasizing the event's successful management.
Security incidents during the parade were minimal, with only eight arrests made for violations related to local ordinances prohibiting interference with special events. Those arrested were processed and released with citations soon after.
Despite the parade’s success, the Rose Bowl Game experienced a dip in attendance. This year, only 90,732 fans watched the Ohio State Buckeyes defeat the Oregon Ducks 41-21. This marked a decline from last year’s 96,371 attendees and is seen as reflective of changes to the game itself, particularly its designation as one of the quarterfinals under the new College Football Playoff (CFP) format.
The Buckeyes’ TreVeyon Henderson was the standout player of the game, scoring two touchdowns and earning the title of Offensive Player of the Game. Henderson's performance included setting Ohio State's Rose Bowl record for the longest run, with a spectacular 66-yard touchdown. "When TreVeyon ran for the touchdown, it reminded me of his incredible runs back at Hopewell High School," recalled play-by-play broadcaster Jeff Butler.
Henderson's mother, LaKeesha Hayes-Winfield, shared her pride, saying, "I was screaming and shouting when he scored; I was one proud mom. We give all the glory to the good Lord above." His performance not only marked personal achievement but also the consolidation of Ohio State's competitive legacy.
Emergency response efforts during the Rose Bowl were comprehensive, involving medical teams to support the large crowd. The game featured approximately 78 medical personnel deployed within the stadium, including members from the Pasadena Fire Department and various other agencies. They managed 170 casual contacts, treated 44 cases, and transported 11 individuals to hospitals.
Similar coordination by emergency services occurred across the entire day, illustrating the city's preparedness. Derderian noted, "We had 110 Pasadena personnel on the ground, ensuring safety across three major events: the parade, the Rose Bowl Game, and Floatfest."
The response units encompassed various agencies, including Pasadena Police, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol, and even the FBI, demonstrating the scale of preparation required for such large-scale events.
The rose floats and displays were another highlight of the celebrations, with Floatfest showcasing the artistry and dedication of teams who put months of work behind their entries. This event, too, enjoyed relatively low levels of reported incidents, affirming Pasadena's commitment to safety and enjoyment during the celebration.
While the Rose Parade has evidently regained momentum, the drop seen at the Rose Bowl Game calls for reflection on what makes the pageantry of college football compelling to fans. With changes to the playoff format potentially altering the stakes and fan engagement, the tournament's decision to retain the Rose Bowl's legendary status is being critically viewed.
Mark Dantonio, the former Michigan State Spartans coach, was inducted this year alongside stars Reggie Bush and LaMichael James to the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, signifying continued recognition of the event’s rich history. Dantonio’s infamous 2014 Rose Bowl victory is commemorated by fans who continue to celebrate the program's achievements and legacy.
"Winning the Rose Bowl is always about the experience and the memories created around it," said Dantonio during the induction ceremony. "It’s not just about the game but the community and traditions surrounding it—for many, it’s the highlight of their year."
With its storied past and well-curated moments of triumph, the Rose Bowl remains emblematic of college sports culture, yet it must adapt to find the balance between tradition and modern fan engagement.
Looking forward to next year's events, Pasadena city officials and tournament directors will likely continue to strategize ways to recapture the Rose Bowl's former glory, ensuring it remains competitive and relevant.