By Alexis Taylor
AFRO Managing Editor
Members of Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine will start the year off strong, proudly representing the historically Black institution at the 137th Tournament of Roses (Rose Bowl) parade on Jan. 1, 2026.
The marching band of the National Treasure, led by Dr. Jorim Reid, will bring the flavor and style of more than 100 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) to the esteemed 5.5 mile parade route through Pasadena, Calif.
The band arrived in California on Dec. 28, settled in and began rehearsals for the big day. On Dec. 29, they toured Hollywood, Calif. before performing at a Main Street parade hosted by the Disney Imagination Campus. The next day, Dec. 30, the Magnificent Marching Machine was featured at Bandfest and explored downtown Los Angeles. More rehearsals were slated for Dec. 31, along with a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. After the Jan. 1 performance, the musicians will enjoy a Celebration Dinner Dance and time at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on Jan. 2, before returning to Charm City on Jan. 3.
The first Rose Bowl football game was held in 1902 and this year, the Indiana Hoosiers and the Alabama Crimson Tide will go head to head inside of Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium.
Each year the Rose Bowl game serves as just one of multiple college football playoff quarterfinals. The Cotton Bowl will be held in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 31, with the University of Miami and Ohio State facing off at 7:30 p.m. EST. On Jan. 1, in addition to the Rose Bowl, the Orange Bowl and the Sugar Bowl will take place. The Orange Bowl, held in Miami’s Hard Rock stadium, will showcase the talents of the University of Oregon and Texas Tech at 12 p.m. The Sugar Bowl, held in New Orleans, will decide if the University of Georgia or the University of Mississippi will advance to the semifinals. Two semifinal games will take place on Jan. 8 and 9, with the college football national championship taking place on Jan. 19 in Miami.
Though the game is one of the most-watched college football events each year, the parade immediately before the game is just as popular. According to information released by organizers of the 137th Tournament of Roses, the event originally began in 1890 as a time to showcase creativity and the floral offerings of California in winter. The tournament was then followed by “an afternoon of chariot races, jousting, foot races and tug-of-war.”
Today, a trio of judges decide the tournament winners, judging each parade float by the design presented, floral presentation and entertainment value. The parade features floats, equestrian units and about 20-25 marching bands, which can only perform in the event once every four years.
Jan. 1 will serve as the Magnificent Marching Machine’s Rose Bowl parade debut. The band will march under the parade theme of “The Magic in Teamwork,” a fitting title, as former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson will serve as grand marshal.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 8 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, and those seeking to tune in should check local listings for the televised Rose Bowl activities.
For more information, please visit the Pasadena Tournament of Roses website.
