Final Plans Underway for Rose Parade, Rose Bowl

The bands are set, the teams are set, and even the weather appears to be good once again as locals and visitors prepare for tomorrow's 120th annual Tournament of Roses Parade as curbside campers seek the perfect viewing spot along the parade route.

Campers began staking their spots on sidewalk space beginning at noon Wednesday. All people and property such as blankets and chairs must stay on the curb until 11 p.m. At that time, spectators may relocate to the blue honor line.

The parade starts at 8 a.m. Thursday and will last approximately two-and-a-half hours.

The parade kicks off at Ellis Street & Orange Grove, then continues North on Orange Grove, then East on Colorado Blvd. to Sierra Madre Blvd., then north on Sierra Madre Blvd. to Paloma Street -- a total of 5 1/2 miles. Among the things visitors may not bring to the parade are backpacks, coolers and large bags.

A curfew is in effect for those under 18 from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m. Thursday.

Parade Freeway Closures:

Long Beach (710) Freeway

• Northbound California Ave. on ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 10 a.m., Jan. 1
• Northbound Del Mar Blvd. on ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 10 a.m., Jan. 1
  
• Southbound Del Mar Blvd. off ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to Noon, Jan. 1

Foothill (210) Freeway

• Westbound and eastbound Sierra Madre Blvd. off ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 6:00 p.m., Jan. 1

Ventura (134) Freeway

• Eastbound Orange Grove Blvd. off ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
  
• Westbound Orange Grove Blvd. on ramp from 2 a.m. to noon, Jan. 1

Street Closures

• Pasadena Avenue, between Columbia St. and Del Mar Blvd., 8 p.m. Dec. 31 to 10 a.m., Jan 1.
  
• Orange Grove Blvd. between Colorado Blvd. to Columbia St., 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
  
• Colorado Blvd. between Orange Grove Blvd. & Sierra Madre Blvd., 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
  
• Sierra Madre Blvd. between Colorado Blvd. & Paloma St., 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
  
• Green St. between Orange Grove Blvd. & Grand Ave., 7 a.m., Dec. 31 to 1 p.m., Jan. 1
  
• Colorado Street Bridge, 2 a.m. to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
  
• Northbound Hill Ave. between Del Mar Blvd. & Cordova St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 1
  
• Corson St. between Pasadena Ave. to Walnut St., 9 a.m. to Noon, Jan. 1
  
• Terrace St. between Colorado Blvd. & Green St., 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., Jan. 1

Police ask anyone who witnesses unusual behavior at the parade to report it to Pasadena police at (626) 744-4241.

At 1:30 p.m. PST, Penn State and USC will meet in the annual gridiron contest at the Rose Bowl.