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Tournament Park: A Pasadena Landmark

Explore Pasadena's Tournament Park: where the Rose Bowl began and aviation history took flight, offering recreation and a glimpse into the past.

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Tournament Park in Pasadena, CA, is a historic park owned by Caltech. Once the site of early Tournament of Roses events and aviation milestones, it now offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and a glimpse into Pasadena's past.

A brief summary to Tournament Park

  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Bring a picnic to enjoy on the park's spacious lawns and picnic tables.
  • Visit the historical marker to learn about the park's role in early aviation and Tournament of Roses history.
  • Take advantage of the playground, making it a family-friendly destination.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of California Boulevard and Wilson Avenue, head south on Wilson Avenue. The park's entrance and parking lot are located on the east side of Wilson Avenue, south of California Boulevard. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Pasadena Transit offers several routes that stop near Tournament Park. Check Pasadena Transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. From the Metro A Line Memorial Park Station, transfer to a Pasadena Transit bus. A single fare on Pasadena Transit is $0.75.

  • Driving

    From the 210 Freeway, exit on Lake Avenue and head south. Turn left onto California Boulevard, then turn right onto Wilson Avenue. The park's parking lot is on the east side of Wilson Avenue. Metered street parking is available on California Blvd and Wilson Ave. Parking costs approximately $1-2 per hour with varying time limits. Check posted signs for specific rates and restrictions.

Unlock the Best of Tournament Park

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Discover more about Tournament Park

Tournament Park, located in Pasadena, California, holds a special place in the city's history. Maintained by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), this park was originally known as the 'town lot' before being renamed in 1900. Its name is derived from the Tournament of Roses, as it served as the venue for the earliest events associated with the Tournament. In the early 20th century, Tournament Park was a hub of activity, hosting chariot races, ostrich races, and even a spectacle involving a camel and an elephant. Beyond the Tournament of Roses events, the park also hosted the Southern California Horse Show Association's annual horse show. Most notably, Tournament Park was the site of the first eight Rose Bowl Games (1902, 1916–1922). The increasing crowds eventually led to the construction of the Rose Bowl stadium. Tournament Park also played a role in aviation history. It served as the official terminus for the first transcontinental airplane flight in 1911, when Calbraith Perry Rodgers landed his biplane after a journey from New York. Today, Tournament Park offers a more tranquil experience. Visitors can enjoy picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and playground equipment. A historical marker commemorates the park's rich past. Open to the public during daylight hours, Tournament Park remains a cherished space for recreation and a reminder of Pasadena's vibrant history.

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