Step Inside the Mansion That Powers America’s Most Famous New Year’s Celebration

Free guided tours offer access to the historic Wrigley estate where the Rose Parade is orchestrated
Published on Aug 10, 2025

[photo credit: The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association]

The secrets of the Rose Parade unfold behind the doors of a historic mansion in Pasadena where America’s most celebrated New Year’s tradition has been orchestrated for nearly seven decades.

On Thursday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m., the public can explore the Tournament House, the iconic Wrigley Mansion that serves as headquarters for both the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.

The guided tour offers access to the landmark, revealing the legacy of its original owners.

The mansion’s story begins with William Wrigley Jr., owner of both Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field and the Wrigley Chewing Gum empire, and his wife Ada.

Following Ada’s death in 1958, the Wrigley family donated the estate to the city in Pasadena with a specific request: that it become the permanent home for the Tournament of Roses Association.

Led by volunteer Heritage Committee members, the tours uncover details, facts and trivia about the Tournament of Roses Association.

The experience connects visitors to historical and cultural movements while exploring Pasadena’s cultural heritage.

The program addresses themes about the preservation of cultural traditions and the importance of community celebrations in American society.

By providing free access to this historical landmark, the tours demonstrate societal impact through cultural education and heritage preservation.

The group setting allows for exploration of the mansion’s architectural and historical significance, offering visitors a perspective on how America’s most famous parade has been planned from this headquarters.

Tournament House Tour will run on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. Tournament House, 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena. For more call (626) 449-4100 or visit https://tournamentofroses.com/house-tours/. Tickets: “We ask all individuals to register at least one day in advance. Each guest must have a complimentary ticket”