Tournament of Roses ‘Fully Expects’ to Hold Parade, Game

As COVID cases rise once again across the country forcing the cancelation of events and some school closures, the Tournament of Roses said in a statement on Tuesday morning plans are still on for the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl Game.

“At the present time, we fully expect the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game to be held as scheduled on New Year’s Day, 2022 in beautiful Pasadena, California,” the statement said.

The Tournament is currently monitoring rising COVID-19 infection rates very closely, according to the statement.

Tournament officials said the health and well-being of its parade participants and guests, as well as that of our volunteer members, professional staff and partners, remains our number one priority.

Last year the parade was canceled for the first time since World War II and the Rose Bowl Game was moved to Arlington, TX due to the pandemic.

But the pandemic has surged again, and health officials have predicted that the current increase in cases will lead once again to packed hospitals.

Health officials are encouraging vaccinations and booster shots to help combat the spread which now could be spurred on by the Omicron variant. As of Tuesday, Omicron was named the dominant variant in the United States.

The National Hockey League has canceled all games through Christmas. New York is reviewing its New Year’s Eve Time Square event and an announcement is expected soon on that event.

Israel banned travel to the U.S. and Canada, France has closed to the U.K, and the Netherlands has gone into lockdown.

“As we continue to work with the Pasadena Public Health Department in regards to their health order, we are confident in our ability to host both the parade and game successfully, and in compliance with all the applicable government protocols needed to keep everyone safe,” Tournament officials said. “We are prepared to adjust our plans as necessary.”

This is a developing story and Pasadena Now will have more information as it becomes available.