Jackson State University’s famous marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South, will perform at the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade.
The Rose Parade is a grand tradition that kicks off every New Year. It features floats covered in flowers, talented marching bands, and entertainers. The parade leads up to the Rose Bowl football game. In 2025, the Rose Bowl will host a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Oregon.
The Rose Parade is older than the Rose Bowl game. The first parade happened in 1890, while the first football game was played in 1902 between Michigan and Stanford. Today, the parade stretches 5.5 miles along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena and is watched by millions.
Sonic Boom’s Amazing History
The Sonic Boom of the South is a 300-member band known for its powerful performances. They have played at major events, including the Motown anniversary, the NAACP Image Awards, and Super Bowl LVIII. They’ve also performed halftime shows for NFL teams like the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Cincinnati Bengals.
Their excellence has earned them features in magazines, documentaries, and a place in the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis. Performing at the Rose Parade is another great achievement for this talented band.
136th Tournament of Rose Parade Location
The Rose Parade takes place in Pasadena, California, along a 5.5-mile route. The parade begins at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard and travels north on Orange Grove at a slow pace of 2.5 miles per hour. It then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard, where most spectators gather to watch. The route continues east before turning north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard, ending at Villa Street.
Parade Details
- Start Time: 8:00 AM on January 1, 2025
- Route: The parade begins at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard. It moves north on Orange Grove, turns east onto Colorado Boulevard, and ends at Villa Street after turning north on Sierra Madre Boulevard.
The floats, made with flowers and other natural materials, are a highlight of the parade. Marching bands and equestrian units also add to the festive atmosphere.