The Rose Parade began in 1890 when the Valley Hunt Club organized a tournament ("Tournament of the Roses") and added a parade as well once they noted the multitude of beautiful flowers, even in winter. High society types back east were invited to enjoy a winter holiday in a more appealing setting. In a way, everything started as a means of celebrating SoCal's incredible weather (definitely worth celebrating).
There were all sorts of games and competitions until 1902, when football was added for the first time. Originally meant to be a feel-good fundraiser that would play upon the athletic rivalries between East and West, the game… did not go well for the West. Michigan played Stanford, and it was a slaughter. The game was so one-sided that the tournament organizers moved away from football for the next 13 years! Instead, they brought back the old favorites like chariot and ostrich races! There was bronc riding, and at one point, organizers put together a race between a horse and a camel (I believe that was only done in the pre-football run).
Football might not have come back until 1916, but it became the new normal and the oldest Bowl game in America. Quickly, the crowds exceeded the old venue, and a new stadium was needed. Rose Bowl Stadium was built up in time for the 1923 game and has since gone on to become a national landmark. Fears during WW2, especially after the recent attack at Pearl Harbor, caused the game to be moved to North Carolina in 1942. While it hasn't been the only venue, the Rose Bowl Stadium celebrated its 100th year in 2022.
2023 year was one of the rare years that the parade and game happened on the 2nd of the month. In 1893, the organizers ruled that the event would never occur on a Sunday so as not to disturb hitched horses outside of church.
This year's parade featured 16 equestrian units, 20 marching bands, and 32 floats! This year, the Marshal was Billie Jean King, and the theme was “The Best Day Ever."
USC has won more Rose Bowl titles than any other team with 25 victories!
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