The Rose Bowl will light up the Fourth of July sky with hundreds of buzzing, synchronized drones instead of traditional fireworks Friday night.
The 15-minute aerial display begins at approximately 9 p.m. as part of the stadium’s reimagined Independence Day celebration. The 750 Pablo Air F 40 drones will create patriotic patterns and high-flying animations visible only to stadium attendees.
“We’re definitely weaving a narrative that’s celebrating the nation’s independence,” said Paul Souza, Pyro Spectaculars vice president and show producer.
Pyro Spectaculars, the company behind Dodger Stadium and Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks displays and for many years producers of the Rose Bowl fireworks show designed the eco-friendly show. The switch from pyrotechnics addresses concerns about fire risk and air quality.
“With concerns over fire risk and air quality, this is a modern take on celebrating freedom—with a lighter footprint and just as much ‘wow,'” Souza said.
Each drone features four propellers that keep it hovering in the air and runs on lithium ion batteries. The battery life limits the show to 15 minutes, including takeoff and landing time.
The drone display serves as the centerpiece of FoodieLand, a three-day July 4 weekend street food festival featuring 200 vendors. The culinary lineup spans from birria tacos and Korean corn dogs to mochi donuts and vegan banh mi. Live music, games and artisan pop-ups will complement the food scene throughout the weekend.
General admission costs $12, with children under 5 free.
“Just like the Rose Bowl game is the granddaddy of the mall. The Rose Bowl stadium features premium entertainment for its patrons, and this drone light show is of no less than. It’ll be an amazing experience for all,” a show representative said.
Event tickets are available only through Eventbrite and must be bought before you arrive at the event.
The festival runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, and from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with free parking available.
This reimagined celebration offers a distinctly 21st-century approach to the traditional summer holiday—featuring drones in the sky and global street food on the ground.
Tickets are available now, here.
For more information, visit https://foodielandnm.
