Callers to Pasadena’s visitor hotline Friday morning might have, to their surprise, found themselves talking on the phone to Rose Queen Lindsay Charles or any one of five Rose Princesses as Visit Pasadena cut the ribbon on this year’s annual holiday information line at the Pasadena Convention Center.
And what do callers ask most about?
“They mostly want to know how many floats there are, and who the Grand Marshal is,” said Queen Lindsay, correctly answering “39,” and “Billie Jean King.”
Now in its 41st year, the Visitor Hotline gives locals and visitors attending Tournament of Roses events an opportunity to speak with a live Pasadena expert, and have their questions about parade details, celebrations and parking locations, answered.
The number, (877) 793-9911, allows callers to get information about all the New Year’s Day-related events, including the Rose Bowl game, Equestfest, Bandfest, Floatfest, the Run with the Roses 5K, and float decorating locations.
For those who prefer to do their own research, Visit Pasadena has rolled out a comprehensive digital guide at www.visitpasadena.com, complete with suggested itineraries for various lengths of stays. The website offers everything from dining recommendations to detailed maps of parade routes and parking locations.
Friday’s ribbon cutting ceremony was officiated with the help of 2025 Tournament of Roses Rose Court members, Visit Pasadena Board Chair and Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton, Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales and Visit Pasadena Executive Director Kristin McGrath.
“The last few weeks in December are some of the busiest in Pasadena, and as we gear up for the 136th Rose Parade and 111th Rose Bowl Game, we know questions will arise,” McGrath said.
“Our goal is to limit the frustration and confusion that can come with such large events by adding in a human connection,” McGrath added. “Our team and local volunteers are happy to answer logistic and directional questions about Pasadena’s year-end festivities, or simply provide shopping and dining recommendations.”
The hotline’s seven-day run marks one of the city’s longest-running visitor service traditions. Hotline volunteers will be available to answer questions from 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday, December 31, through Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Visit Pasadena’s digital guide to the Tournament of Roses can be found at https://www.visitpasadena.com/tournament-of-roses-guide/.
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