City Officials Issue Guidelines for July 4 Rose Bowl Soccer Match Amid Extreme Heat Concerns

Extreme heat could pose health risks for some of the 60,000 fans expected to attend today’s Galaxy vs. Los Angeles Football Club soccer match at the Rose Bowl today, prompting city officials to issue safety guidelines.

Forecasters predict a high of 98° under cloudless skies for the July 4 event, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses among spectators.

“Hydration is a top priority,” said Pasadena city officials in a statement. 

They urged attendees to drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for protection against the intense summer sun.

The match, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., will see parking lots open at 1:30 p.m. and thousands are expected to attend tailgating activities for hours.

Tailgating areas have been designated, but officials warn that large-scale organized parties are not permitted. Drinking games and mass consumption of alcohol are prohibited.

Fire safety is another key concern, with open flames prohibited in tailgating areas. Charcoal grills are allowed only in specifically designated zones. Overnight parking, including RVs, was not allowed.

“Tailgate areas are for tailgating only,” the city guidelines stated, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and proper behavior. Officials cautioned that failure to follow rules may result in citation or arrest.

Despite the heat, the event will feature several special activities, including a pre-game SoccerFest from 2:30-6:30 p.m. outside Gate A. Activities will include live music from Mobility, a U.S. Air Force Band, DJ Los, Futpool, face painting, photo booths, and caricature drawings. Grammy Award-winning DJ AFROJACK will perform pregame and halftime sets.

Pre-game ceremonies will include a flyover by the Condor Squadron, the national anthem performed by Senior Airman Alycia Cancel from the U.S. Air Force Band of Pacific-Asia, and a color guard provided by the Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, Fourth Marine Division. The first 25,000 Los Angeles Galaxy fans will receive commemorative posters upon entry.

A fireworks display is planned after the match. Residents can anticipate hearing noise associated with the event, including brief pyrotechnics at approximately 7:30 p.m. and a 20-minute fireworks display at the conclusion of the game, beginning at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Emergency services will be standby. Attendees are instructed to call 911 for emergencies, while non-emergency situations can be reported to (626) 744-4241.

City officials strongly advise those without tickets to avoid the area and surrounding foothills due to fire hazards exacerbated by the extreme heat.

The Rose Bowl Stadium’s Recreational Loop will be closed from 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., though the Equestrian Loop will remain open. Residents can expect heavy traffic from 3-8 p.m. and again from 9:30-11 p.m. For any resident questions or concerns, the Rose Bowl Event Day Resident Hotline at (626) 397-4141 will be available.