The Tournament of Roses is more than a the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. There are many events occurring in the week before and after New Year’s Day celebration: Equestfest, Bandfest, and float viewing before and after the event. Sharp Seating Company is the official ticket vendor for these events, announced on Tuesday they are opening sales on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at 9 a.m. in person and over the phone. Online ticket sales begin the evening of Jan. 31.
These events add to the enjoyment and spirit of the Rose. You Tournament of Roses Examiner recommends that you attend at least one of the float viewings and festivals.
Decorating Places (pre-parade float viewing), $10
Deco Week is second only the Rose Parade in the excitement it generates in Pasadena. Floats in the final stages of decoration are on view in three locations. Thousands of volunteers work to get every last seed or flower on the floats in preparation for final judging.
Bandfest, $15 per performance
In addition to marching six miles in the Rose Parade, the bands put on a field show at Pasadena City College in the days before the parade. There are three shows with different bands performing at each; the schedule will be released later in the year. These shows often sell out before the event, so make sure to order tickets ahead of time.
Equestfest, $15
Horse lovers get the opportunity to see the equestrian units perform in the Los Angeles Equestrian Center arena before they ride in the Rose Parade. Trick riding and reenactments are part of the fun. Merchandise and food are on sale at the venue and the units can be viewed in the warm-up ring. Paid parking is available onsite.
Equestfest Limited VIP Reserved Seating Package, $35
Included in this package are a preferred reserved seat, early VIP entrance, an official souvenir seat cushion, a goody bag and other surprises.
Post Parade: A Showcase of Floats sponsored by Miracle-Gro (post-parade viewing), $10
See the floats in all their glory, but standing still! Tickets are available for the day of the Rose Parade and the day after. White Suiters and builders are on hand to offer details about the floats and flowering, and there are food and merchandise vendors onsite.
Post Parade Park-N-Ride Shuttle, $3
Parking can be difficult close to the Showcase of Floats, so the Tournament of Roses offers a shuttle from three locations in Pasadena, with advance tickets available through Sharp Seating. Children age 5 and under are free. Shuttle riders have access to a priority entry line upon arriving at the venue. Showcase of Floats tickets are required with advance Park-N-Ride Shuttle ticket purchase.
Sharp Seating Company, (626) 795-4171, is located at 737 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Enter from the rear parking lot off Meridith Ave.
For Rose Parade grandstand seating tickets, read “2014 Rose Parade tickets & parking on sale at Sharp Seating Feb. 1”
The theme of the 125th Rose Parade and 100th Rose Bowl Game is “” The Tournament of Roses is a celebration that lasts several weeks in the fall and winter, with the high points being the Rose Parade presented by Honda and the Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. Keep following your Tournament of Roses Examiner for the latest news and for upcoming announcements.
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