Tournament of Roses Offers Free Grandstand and Floatfest Tickets to Residents Impacted by Eaton and Palisades Fires

The Tournament of Roses is giving free grandstand and Floatfest tickets to residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires, offering a community celebration.

Free Grandstand Tickets for Fire‑Impacted Residents

The Tournament of Roses announced that more than 1,000 free grandstand‑seating tickets will be made available to residents who have been affected by the recent fires in the Eaton and Palisades areas. These tickets are intended for the main parade event, allowing families and friends to witness the traditional New Year’s procession from a prime viewing location. The free tickets will be distributed through a network of community organizations, each of which will handle the allocation to local residents.

Thousands of Tickets for the Floatfest Showcase

In addition to the parade seats, the organization will provide 10,000 free tickets to the Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase. This event occurs immediately after the parade and offers attendees an up‑close view of the parade’s famous floats. Fire‑impacted residents are eligible for up to six free tickets each, and the tickets will be released on a first‑come, first‑served basis via the Tournament of Roses website. The Floatfest provides a unique opportunity for people to experience the artistry and craftsmanship of the floats without the crowds of the main parade.

Limited Free Tickets to Other Rose Events

Tournament officials also indicated that a limited number of free tickets to additional Rose events—namely the Rose Bowl Game, Equestfest, Bandfest, and Decorating Places—have been made available. These tickets are earmarked for select community organizations, which will distribute them to those “most affected” by the fires. The goal is to broaden the scope of relief and celebration beyond the parade and Floatfest, ensuring that residents can enjoy a range of community festivities.

Distribution Through Community Organizations

The free tickets for the parade will be provided to a variety of community organizations, which in turn will distribute them to fire‑impacted residents. The participating groups include the Altadena Town Council, Black Freedom Fund, California Community Foundation, Community Women Vital Voices, Eaton Fire Collaborative, Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation, Partnership for Children, Youth & Families, Pasadena Community Coalition, Pasadena Community Foundation, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Each organization will supply its own distribution details, ensuring that tickets reach the intended recipients efficiently and transparently.

Statement from Tournament of Roses Association President

“As our neighbors continue the hard work of recovery, we want to offer moments of joy, connection and celebration during the New Year’s festivities,” Tournament of Roses Association President Mark Leavens said in a statement. “These tickets are a small but heartfelt gesture of support and solidarity.” His remarks underscore the organization’s commitment to providing relief and uplifting the community during a challenging time.

How Residents Can Claim Tickets

Residents who wish to obtain tickets for the Floatfest should visit the Tournament of Roses website. The tickets are available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, meaning that early registration increases the likelihood of securing a seat. For the grandstand tickets, residents must coordinate with one of the listed community organizations, which will handle the final allocation. The organization has not yet released a specific timeline for when the tickets will be distributed, but it has emphasized that the process will be coordinated with the participating groups.

Impact of the Free Ticket Initiative

The free ticket initiative represents a tangible expression of solidarity from the Tournament of Roses. By offering access to the parade and related events, the organization provides a sense of normalcy and communal celebration for residents who have endured the devastation of the Eaton and Palisades fires. The initiative also highlights the role of local organizations in facilitating relief efforts, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

Community Organizations’ Roles

Each community organization involved will play a critical role in the distribution process. For instance, the Altadena Town Council will likely coordinate with local residents in the Altadena area, while the Black Freedom Fund may focus on communities that have historically faced limited access to such events. The California Community Foundation and the Pasadena Community Foundation are expected to leverage their statewide networks to streamline ticket allocation. The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, with its extensive volunteer base, will probably assist in outreach and distribution.

Future Availability of Additional Tickets

While the announcement details the immediate availability of grandstand and Floatfest tickets, it also signals that the Tournament of Roses will continue to provide support through other events. The limited free tickets to the Rose Bowl Game, Equestfest, Bandfest, and Decorating Places are intended to extend the celebration to a broader audience. The organization has not yet specified how many tickets will be available for each event or the exact distribution mechanism, but it has confirmed that the tickets will be reserved for community organizations.

Key Takeaways

• More than 1,000 free grandstand‑seating tickets are available for residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
• 10,000 free tickets to the Floatfest showcase are offered, with up to six tickets per resident.
• Limited free tickets to the Rose Bowl Game, Equestfest, Bandfest, and Decorating Places are earmarked for select community organizations.

The Tournament of Roses’ initiative underscores the importance of community solidarity and the power of shared celebration during times of recovery. By partnering with local organizations, the event ensures that those most affected by the fires can experience the joy of the Rose Parade and its related festivities, fostering hope and resilience as the community moves forward.