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Heading out to cali for it. Anyone with experience want to weigh in with tips on the parade game and attractions to see?
Tia

Msu

I know on the news tonight the MSU Credit union is financing trips which start around 4k per a person. Im sure everything you would need would be included in that price.

I have been one time. It is an absolutely beautiful setting in the middle of the mountains. Great place for a game. But, the stadium itself is very dated and hard to navigate. I'll give you a few tips:

There are very few restaurants around the stadium. I would make it a point to eat before you get ready to start looking for parking.

Most of the parking is on a golf course. Take a very good mental note of where you are parked. When you come out and it's dark, all of the holes and fairways look the same. In fact, we would probably still be looking for our car if it had not been for one of the ladies who was with us.

Before you go in, be sure and get a picture in front of the famous Rose Bowl sign on the side of the stadium.

I would enter the stadium very early. There are a lot of things to see inside including the plaques of all the past games.

About an hour and a half before the game, I would leave your seat and make a restroom and concession stand run. I would try my best to maybe with the exception of a quick restroom run at halftime to plan on staying in your seats the rest of the game. Getting in and out of your seat is an adventure and a half. There are a ton of people on each row, and it usually takes 2-3 minutes to climb over everyone to get out of your row. Then, once you are out and either go up/down the steps, you get to the portals, which consist of these ENORMOUS tunnels that take probably a minute to walk through. Each tunnel is staffed with an attendant who will stop people from entering when too many people get in. Furthermore, the concession stands are very limited and very slow. Because of these issues, you will miss a lot of the game if you are constantly having to make runs to the restroom and/or concession stands. If you leave your seat an hour and a half before the game and make your run to both, you should be back in time for the pregame festivities.

If it sounds like I'm being negative, I'm not. I had a great time. And, as I said, it's a beautiful setting. But, I think that knowing in advance what I told you above will help you plan better and enjoy the game more.

I recommend not letting Bret Bielma coach your team in the Rose Bowl. You should be good.

In conjunction with what Gypsy said....I've heard you're better off using the shuttles to get to the game & not worry about parking yourself. The stadium is actually located in the middle of a neighborhood. I've also heard that while the parade might be something special....be prepared to invest a lot of time if you want to see it.

Welcome to Pasadena! We'll be sure to put the heater on for you.

The Rose Bowl has been extensively remodeled, so I'm not sure it's quite as bad as when Gypsy was there. Not sure if they will have a capacity crowd, Stanford doesn't seem to show up to these events...but you never know. Don't even bother driving. The area around the Rose Bowl is tough even for people who live here. People forget that it's in the Arroyo, which means nothing bisects it and therefore limited access routes. Take the Gold Line and the shuttles, you'll be much happier. And if you're traveling with females, make sure they wear appropriate footwear, there's a lot of walking.

The parade is well worth seeing at least once in your life...especially for the experience of having the Stealth Bomber fly 1000 feet over your head. I suggest you get Grandstand seats if they are still available, it's just easier. If that's not in your budget, it will just mean worming your way through the crowd to get to a place where you can see.

Where are you staying? Are you renting a car?

Here's a link to the Granstand info: http://www.sharpseating.com/
Here's a link to the visitor hotline handbook download and some maps: http://www.pasadenacal.com/index.php/vi ... cle&id=107
Here's a link to some general info that might be helpful: http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/calasa ... parade.htm

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:Welcome to Pasadena! We'll be sure to put the heater on for you.

The Rose Bowl has been extensively remodeled, so I'm not sure it's quite as bad as when Gypsy was there. Not sure if they will have a capacity crowd, Stanford doesn't seem to show up to these events...but you never know. Don't even bother driving. The area around the Rose Bowl is tough even for people who live here. People forget that it's in the Arroyo, which means nothing bisects it and therefore limited access routes. Take the Gold Line and the shuttles, you'll be much happier. And if you're traveling with females, make sure they wear appropriate footwear, there's a lot of walking.

The parade is well worth seeing at least once in your life...especially for the experience of having the Stealth Bomber fly 1000 feet over your head. I suggest you get Grandstand seats if they are still available, it's just easier. If that's not in your budget, it will just mean worming your way through the crowd to get to a place where you can see.

Where are you staying? Are you renting a car?

Here's a link to the Granstand info: http://www.sharpseating.com/
Here's a link to the visitor hotline handbook download and some maps: http://www.pasadenacal.com/index.php/vi ... cle&id=107
Here's a link to some general info that might be helpful: http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/calasa ... parade.htm

thanks for the info; I will never get to go but glad you could help a BNer you rock!!!

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:Welcome to Pasadena! We'll be sure to put the heater on for you.

The Rose Bowl has been extensively remodeled, so I'm not sure it's quite as bad as when Gypsy was there. Not sure if they will have a capacity crowd, Stanford doesn't seem to show up to these events...but you never know. Don't even bother driving. The area around the Rose Bowl is tough even for people who live here. People forget that it's in the Arroyo, which means nothing bisects it and therefore limited access routes. Take the Gold Line and the shuttles, you'll be much happier. And if you're traveling with females, make sure they wear appropriate footwear, there's a lot of walking.

The parade is well worth seeing at least once in your life...especially for the experience of having the Stealth Bomber fly 1000 feet over your head. I suggest you get Grandstand seats if they are still available, it's just easier. If that's not in your budget, it will just mean worming your way through the crowd to get to a place where you can see.

Where are you staying? Are you renting a car?

Here's a link to the Granstand info: http://www.sharpseating.com/
Here's a link to the visitor hotline handbook download and some maps: http://www.pasadenacal.com/index.php/vi ... cle&id=107
Here's a link to some general info that might be helpful: http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/calasa ... parade.htm

Any chance you have or know anyone who is selling BCS Championship game tickets?

DQ

seminoledq wrote:

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:Welcome to Pasadena! We'll be sure to put the heater on for you.

The Rose Bowl has been extensively remodeled, so I'm not sure it's quite as bad as when Gypsy was there. Not sure if they will have a capacity crowd, Stanford doesn't seem to show up to these events...but you never know. Don't even bother driving. The area around the Rose Bowl is tough even for people who live here. People forget that it's in the Arroyo, which means nothing bisects it and therefore limited access routes. Take the Gold Line and the shuttles, you'll be much happier. And if you're traveling with females, make sure they wear appropriate footwear, there's a lot of walking.

The parade is well worth seeing at least once in your life...especially for the experience of having the Stealth Bomber fly 1000 feet over your head. I suggest you get Grandstand seats if they are still available, it's just easier. If that's not in your budget, it will just mean worming your way through the crowd to get to a place where you can see.

Where are you staying? Are you renting a car?

Here's a link to the Granstand info: http://www.sharpseating.com/
Here's a link to the visitor hotline handbook download and some maps: http://www.pasadenacal.com/index.php/vi ... cle&id=107
Here's a link to some general info that might be helpful: http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/calasa ... parade.htm

Any chance you have or know anyone who is selling BCS Championship game tickets?

DQ

Haven't heard anything but I'll keep an eye and ear out...I'll toss the question out to some local peeps.

I just counted, I've been to 20 Rose Bowls (USC fan) including the one MSU beat USC in.

All of the above advice is good. There are shuttles that let you park off site but after the game it can take up to an hour to just get on the shuttle. Get there early and tailgate. The weather usually cooperates and the grounds of the Rose Bowl are nice. By early I mean 8-9:00 am. It may curtail your New Years Eve celebration but the tailgating is worth it. Plan your entrance to the Bowl parking to be closer to your seat. There are multiple entrances. Google maps should help.

Good luck in the game, if we beat Stanford you should be able to.

I only know one person that's ever been. He's a big football fan, and he said if you only go once and have to choose between the parade and the game, go to the parade.
Not that he didn't enjoy the game, but it was well, a football game. The parade is something unique that you'll never see again.

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:

seminoledq wrote:

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:Welcome to Pasadena! We'll be sure to put the heater on for you.

The Rose Bowl has been extensively remodeled, so I'm not sure it's quite as bad as when Gypsy was there. Not sure if they will have a capacity crowd, Stanford doesn't seem to show up to these events...but you never know. Don't even bother driving. The area around the Rose Bowl is tough even for people who live here. People forget that it's in the Arroyo, which means nothing bisects it and therefore limited access routes. Take the Gold Line and the shuttles, you'll be much happier. And if you're traveling with females, make sure they wear appropriate footwear, there's a lot of walking.

The parade is well worth seeing at least once in your life...especially for the experience of having the Stealth Bomber fly 1000 feet over your head. I suggest you get Grandstand seats if they are still available, it's just easier. If that's not in your budget, it will just mean worming your way through the crowd to get to a place where you can see.

Where are you staying? Are you renting a car?

Here's a link to the Granstand info: http://www.sharpseating.com/
Here's a link to the visitor hotline handbook download and some maps: http://www.pasadenacal.com/index.php/vi ... cle&id=107
Here's a link to some general info that might be helpful: http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/calasa ... parade.htm

Any chance you have or know anyone who is selling BCS Championship game tickets?

DQ

Haven't heard anything but I'll keep an eye and ear out...I'll toss the question out to some local peeps.

Thank you. I appreciate you looking out.

seminoledq wrote:

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:

seminoledq wrote:

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:Welcome to Pasadena! We'll be sure to put the heater on for you.

The Rose Bowl has been extensively remodeled, so I'm not sure it's quite as bad as when Gypsy was there. Not sure if they will have a capacity crowd, Stanford doesn't seem to show up to these events...but you never know. Don't even bother driving. The area around the Rose Bowl is tough even for people who live here. People forget that it's in the Arroyo, which means nothing bisects it and therefore limited access routes. Take the Gold Line and the shuttles, you'll be much happier. And if you're traveling with females, make sure they wear appropriate footwear, there's a lot of walking.

The parade is well worth seeing at least once in your life...especially for the experience of having the Stealth Bomber fly 1000 feet over your head. I suggest you get Grandstand seats if they are still available, it's just easier. If that's not in your budget, it will just mean worming your way through the crowd to get to a place where you can see.

Where are you staying? Are you renting a car?

Here's a link to the Granstand info: http://www.sharpseating.com/
Here's a link to the visitor hotline handbook download and some maps: http://www.pasadenacal.com/index.php/vi ... cle&id=107
Here's a link to some general info that might be helpful: http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/calasa ... parade.htm

Any chance you have or know anyone who is selling BCS Championship game tickets?

DQ

Haven't heard anything but I'll keep an eye and ear out...I'll toss the question out to some local peeps.

Thank you. I appreciate you looking out.

In addition to the various ticket outlets there is this one: http://www.barrystickets.com/bcs-nation ... 14-1343607. I *think* it's mainly a SoCal based outfit. Tickets are pricey!!

chippewa wrote:I only know one person that's ever been. He's a big football fan, and he said if you only go once and have to choose between the parade and the game, go to the parade.
Not that he didn't enjoy the game, but it was well, a football game. The parade is something unique that you'll never see again.

Having been a participant twice, attended numerous times, worked on floats and slept out overnight...I have to say that it really is magical. I'm unhappy with the way it has become commercialized in recent years, and the decision to not ask large marching bands to perform anymore. And then the Clydesdales stopped participating!! Happily, they'll be back this time. But I'm still like a kid when it comes to the parade...for 2013 I realized that some of the floats have to drive right by our complex on NYE to get to the judging area. I kept walking out to the street until I finally saw them, although they were only there for a few minutes. I'll plan it better this year, lol.

I attended tons of Rose Bowls as a kid, but none in recent years. I'm always out on the roof waiting for whatever cool aircraft will be flying over.

thanks for the info. Got four free nights in Sherman Oaks. Nothing was open in pasadena. I could switch to a Residence Inn in Burbank. I heard the 405 will have lane closures??

Want to do the parade but my traveling companion gets out of work at 7am then we are on the road to chicago and in the air until 9pm Cali time. Midnight for us. Dont know if I can get her up in time for the parade so I havent bought any grandstand tickets yet . Sounds like most are sold out anyway.

We are flying into ontario then getting a rental car. Flights from anywhere close to michigan were insane!!! They really put the screws to us. I luckily was smart enough to reserve the game tickets before msu beat osu.

Any idea how long it would take us to get to the golf course from sherman oaks if I dont switch hotels? Id really like to find a spot to see the parade even if its only for an hour or so. Any idea where a spot to park and see the parade for free would be. I havent looked at the links yet but will tomorrow. Im spending the weekend getting all the ducks in a row.

Really excited.

msu#1 wrote:thanks for the info. Got four free nights in Sherman Oaks. Nothing was open in pasadena. I could switch to a Residence Inn in Burbank. I heard the 405 will have lane closures??

Want to do the parade but my traveling companion gets out of work at 7am then we are on the road to chicago and in the air until 9pm Cali time. Midnight for us. Dont know if I can get her up in time for the parade so I havent bought any grandstand tickets yet . Sounds like most are sold out anyway.

We are flying into ontario then getting a rental car. Flights from anywhere close to michigan were insane!!! They really put the screws to us. I luckily was smart enough to reserve the game tickets before msu beat osu.

Any idea how long it would take us to get to the golf course from sherman oaks if I dont switch hotels? Id really like to find a spot to see the parade even if its only for an hour or so. Any idea where a spot to park and see the parade for free would be. I havent looked at the links yet but will tomorrow. Im spending the weekend getting all the ducks in a row.

Really excited.

Sorry I can't root for your team but I hope you have a Most excellent adventure

msu#1 wrote:thanks for the info. Got four free nights in Sherman Oaks. Nothing was open in pasadena. I could switch to a Residence Inn in Burbank. I heard the 405 will have lane closures??

Want to do the parade but my traveling companion gets out of work at 7am then we are on the road to chicago and in the air until 9pm Cali time. Midnight for us. Dont know if I can get her up in time for the parade so I havent bought any grandstand tickets yet . Sounds like most are sold out anyway.

We are flying into ontario then getting a rental car. Flights from anywhere close to michigan were insane!!! They really put the screws to us. I luckily was smart enough to reserve the game tickets before msu beat osu.

Any idea how long it would take us to get to the golf course from sherman oaks if I dont switch hotels? Id really like to find a spot to see the parade even if its only for an hour or so. Any idea where a spot to park and see the parade for free would be. I havent looked at the links yet but will tomorrow. Im spending the weekend getting all the ducks in a row.

Really excited.

Sorry I can't root for your team but I hope you have a Most excellent adventure

msu#1 wrote:thanks for the info. Got four free nights in Sherman Oaks. Nothing was open in pasadena. I could switch to a Residence Inn in Burbank. I heard the 405 will have lane closures??

Want to do the parade but my traveling companion gets out of work at 7am then we are on the road to chicago and in the air until 9pm Cali time. Midnight for us. Dont know if I can get her up in time for the parade so I havent bought any grandstand tickets yet . Sounds like most are sold out anyway.

We are flying into ontario then getting a rental car. Flights from anywhere close to michigan were insane!!! They really put the screws to us. I luckily was smart enough to reserve the game tickets before msu beat osu.

Any idea how long it would take us to get to the golf course from sherman oaks if I dont switch hotels? Id really like to find a spot to see the parade even if its only for an hour or so. Any idea where a spot to park and see the parade for free would be. I havent looked at the links yet but will tomorrow. Im spending the weekend getting all the ducks in a row.

Really excited.

I'm sorry, I forgot to check back on this thread. Haven't heard of closures on the 405 but it wouldn't surprise me. Traffic shouldn't be much of an issue coming from the Valley anyway, since it's a holiday. You'll run into more issues on the 134/210 with Rose Bowl traffic as well as parade traffic. Not sure which exits will be closed for the parade. Your best bet for parade viewing will be when it turns onto Sierra Madre Blvd. Lots more side street parking along there. The parade ends at Villa St.

I should have told you to look for hotels east of Pasadena...Arcadia, Monrovia, Glendora, San Dimas.

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:

msu#1 wrote:thanks for the info. Got four free nights in Sherman Oaks. Nothing was open in pasadena. I could switch to a Residence Inn in Burbank. I heard the 405 will have lane closures??

Want to do the parade but my traveling companion gets out of work at 7am then we are on the road to chicago and in the air until 9pm Cali time. Midnight for us. Dont know if I can get her up in time for the parade so I havent bought any grandstand tickets yet . Sounds like most are sold out anyway.

We are flying into ontario then getting a rental car. Flights from anywhere close to michigan were insane!!! They really put the screws to us. I luckily was smart enough to reserve the game tickets before msu beat osu.

Any idea how long it would take us to get to the golf course from sherman oaks if I dont switch hotels? Id really like to find a spot to see the parade even if its only for an hour or so. Any idea where a spot to park and see the parade for free would be. I havent looked at the links yet but will tomorrow. Im spending the weekend getting all the ducks in a row.

Really excited.

I'm sorry, I forgot to check back on this thread. Haven't heard of closures on the 405 but it wouldn't surprise me. Traffic shouldn't be much of an issue coming from the Valley anyway, since it's a holiday. You'll run into more issues on the 134/210 with Rose Bowl traffic as well as parade traffic. Not sure which exits will be closed for the parade. Your best bet for parade viewing will be when it turns onto Sierra Madre Blvd. Lots more side street parking along there. The parade ends at Villa St.

I should have told you to look for hotels east of Pasadena...Arcadia, Monrovia, Glendora, San Dimas.

oh no not San Dimas.. they have Vampires there

Brown Eyed Girl wrote:

msu#1 wrote:thanks for the info. Got four free nights in Sherman Oaks. Nothing was open in pasadena. I could switch to a Residence Inn in Burbank. I heard the 405 will have lane closures??

Want to do the parade but my traveling companion gets out of work at 7am then we are on the road to chicago and in the air until 9pm Cali time. Midnight for us. Dont know if I can get her up in time for the parade so I havent bought any grandstand tickets yet . Sounds like most are sold out anyway.

We are flying into ontario then getting a rental car. Flights from anywhere close to michigan were insane!!! They really put the screws to us. I luckily was smart enough to reserve the game tickets before msu beat osu.

Any idea how long it would take us to get to the golf course from sherman oaks if I dont switch hotels? Id really like to find a spot to see the parade even if its only for an hour or so. Any idea where a spot to park and see the parade for free would be. I havent looked at the links yet but will tomorrow. Im spending the weekend getting all the ducks in a row.

Really excited.

I'm sorry, I forgot to check back on this thread. Haven't heard of closures on the 405 but it wouldn't surprise me. Traffic shouldn't be much of an issue coming from the Valley anyway, since it's a holiday. You'll run into more issues on the 134/210 with Rose Bowl traffic as well as parade traffic. Not sure which exits will be closed for the parade. Your best bet for parade viewing will be when it turns onto Sierra Madre Blvd. Lots more side street parking along there. The parade ends at Villa St.

I should have told you to look for hotels east of Pasadena...Arcadia, Monrovia, Glendora, San Dimas.

If going to San Dimas, look for the Circle K to see if Bill and Ted are there.