Preparations for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game are underway in Pasadena, where city leaders and Tournament of Roses officials huddled with first responders Thursday, Dec. 15 to highlight how spectators can celebrate safely from their seats on the street for the big day on Jan. 2.

Typically, the action in Pasadena begins on New Year’s Eve, but the 134th parade and 109th “Granddaddy of ‘em All,” as the bowl game is known in college football circles, are both scheduled for Monday, Jan. 2, since neither can occur on a Sunday.

A day’s wait won’t prevent Penn State and Utah fans from flying to witness a parade and college football game that’s unlike any other, Mayor Victor Gordo said from the steps of City Hall on Thursday. It may extend the celebration.

Fire Chief Chad Augustin explained shortly after that first responders often witness a 100% increase in calls for service on parade day.

Common calls often relate to drug and alcohol overdoses, hypothermia and other medical emergencies, according to Augustin. Some of the most troublesome, though, pertain to the washing machine drums that people fill with burning wood while out on the boulevard.

“The embers can easily cause a fire or injury to close bystanders,” Augustin said, noting only small, professionally manufactured BBQs elevated one-foot off of the ground are permitted so long as a fire extinguisher is nearby.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin speaks at a press conference with information on the 2023 Tournament of Roses events. A Press conference was held at Pasadena City Hall to announce latest public safety updates and other important information to help ensure all attendees have a safe and enjoyable experience. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Officers will be on the lookout for tents, sofas and ladders that are being used as unauthorized seating as well once Colorado Boulevard closes to vehicular traffic starting at 10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.

Residents, however, are allowed to begin camping along Colorado Boulevard at noon on New Year’s Day, according to Interim Police Chief Jason Clawson.

Some spectators camping out on Colorado Boulevard may attempt to snag a prime viewing location by roping off an area with cones or large pieces of furniture, Clawson said. But Pasadena leaders asked that spectators instead keep at least one person in the area to reserve a spot.

“Let’s bring some warm weather as well,” Clawson joked.

Pasadena Interim Police Chief Jason Clawson speaks at a press conference with information on the 2023 Tournament of Roses events. A Press conference was held at Pasadena City Hall to announce latest public safety updates and other important information to help ensure all attendees have a safe and enjoyable experience. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

But the morning’s cold weather is no laughing matter, so attendees were encouraged to dress in layers to can stay warm until the parade’s start at 8 a.m.

“The Rose Bowl stadium and the game are best enjoyed when you arrive early and dedicate a day,” Rose Bowl Stadium CEO Jens Weiden said, encouraging attendees to soak up Fanfest before heading to watch the game at the historic Rose Bowl.

“Then,” Weiden said, “everyone will see the beautiful sunset in the third quarter. It really makes for a wonderful experience for all.”

More: Rose Parade coverage here

Families may want to pack a mask since coronavirus case counts in Los Angeles County are rising.

Masking, which was required last year along with proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, is strongly recommended but not necessary to enter the 2023 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.

Still, officials said it’s important to remain aware of the risk-factors since the parade will attract a large crowd.

Despite the lingering coronavirus concerns, Tournament of Roses CEO David Eads said this year’s parade looks to celebrate “the unlimited potential that each new year brings – the opportunity of a fresh start.”

“As we turn the corner together,” Eads added, echoing the parade’s theme, “we share in that hope, beauty and joy of what 2023 will bring.”

Here are the do’s and don’t for parade goers, courtesy of the city:

What You Can Do:

Protect yourself and others by getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu (recommended at least two weeks in advance of parade day).
Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is strongly suggested if you’re unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from people you don’t live with.
Overnight camping is permitted only on the night of Jan. 1, 2023.
A position on the sidewalk may be maintained along the parade route beginning at noon on Jan. 1. All persons and property, such as blankets, chairs and personal items, must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. At that time, spectators may move out to the blue “Honor Line” but not past it.
Small, professionally-manufactured barbecues elevated at least 1 foot off the ground are allowed on the parade route as long as they are 25 feet from buildings and other combustibles. A fire extinguisher must be readily available.
Minors under the age of 18 may be on the parade route from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. only if they are supervised by an adult.
Dress for cold weather! Children and seniors may need extra layers of clothing to avoid hypothermia. Remember hats and gloves.
Drink healthy fluids and consume nourishing meals to avoid dehydration.
“If You See Something, Say Something®.” Report suspicious activities and packages to emergency authorities along the parade route.
In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 and know the cross streets from where you are calling. For non-emergencies, call (626) 744-4241.

What You Can’t Do:

Appearance in the parade is prohibited for any entries/marchers who have not been approved by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Stay off the street and do not pass the blue “Honor Line.”
Tents, sofas, and boxes of any type that can be used as stools or seats are prohibited along the route.Unoccupied chairs are not allowed and will be removed from the parade route.
Bonfires are strictly prohibited and considered “illegal burns.”
All fireworks are prohibited except as part of official scheduled events.
No items may be sold along the parade route without a City permit. Selling space along the parade route, other than grandstand seating, is illegal. It is illegal to buy, sell or give away horns on the parade route.
No public areas—sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets or ramps—may be blocked or roped off.
No ladders or scaffolding may be used as elevation for viewing the activities.
Pets are not recommended along the parade; keep them safe at home, officials recommend.
The throwing of any objects into the roadway or parade route, including seemingly harmless items such as tortillas, marshmallows or flowers, is prohibited.
Throwing any object into the parade—or at passing vehicles or pedestrians the night before the parade—is dangerous and prohibited. Violators will be cited and their property will be seized.
Unauthorized vehicles obstructing emergency travel lanes or parked in restricted areas will be towed at owners’ expense. No exceptions.
Open containers of alcohol are illegal on public streets, sidewalks and all other public areas. Violators will be cited or arrested.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be in place for both the parade and Rose Bowl Game.
Anyone who attempts to fly a drone will be subject to fine, arrest and/or imprisonment. Information about the TFR and all federal drone regulations can be found on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website.

Related links

Rose Parade survival guide: What you need to know before you go
Rose Parade 2023: The history of how the Tournament of Roses got its start
Rose Parade 2023: Parade viewing tips from a hometown veteran
Why the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl are on Jan. 2 in 2023
It takes a village to build the Torrance Rose Parade Float
More Rose Parade coverage