4th Of July Fireworks Show Returns To Rose Bowl

PASADENA, CA — Fireworks are set to go off above the Rose Bowl again for this 4th of July after Pasadena officials announced the return of the city’s Independence Day celebration.

Councilman Steve Madison, whose district includes the neighborhoods above the Rose Bowl, made the announcement at the end of the City Council's nearly five-hour meeting on Pasadena’s proposed operating budget. Madison is also a member of the Rose Bowl Operating Co., the nonprofit organization that runs the sports venue.

“This will be an exciting event, not just because it’s Independence Day, but also it’s a bit of a coming out for the Rose Bowl to welcome it back to the city,” he said.

Last year’s celebration — along with other fireworks shows across California — was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions.

California is set to lift all coronavirus restrictions on June 15. But Pasadena will still observe any appropriate public health protocols deemed necessary by the Pasadena Public Health Department, Madison said.

The Rose Bowl has remained quiet for most of the year as the pandemic forced the cancellation of many events at the venue. The inactivity dug the venue deeper into financial trouble: The Rose Bowl sunk into nearly $200 million in debt, according to the Pasadena Star-News.

Councilman John J. Kennedy raised the question of funding and asked how much money from the city’s coffers will pay for any costs not covered by sponsorships and ticket sales for the July 4th event.

“I do appreciate … that all of us are seeking ways to give a sense of normality to all of this, and one way to do that is to have the event,” he said. “But we also need to be cognizant of what is the approximate amount we believe the general fund will have to kick in to make it happen.”

City Manager Steven Mermell estimated that the event would cost $350,000.

But the Rose Bowl has historically lost $200,000 when hosting the 4th of July celebration, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said on Monday.

“The city has contributed, in the past, $60,000,” Gordo said. “No question this year, in order to keep the event, the city will have to contribute more than $60,000 — probably closer to that $200,000.”