Tournament Park

A Glimpse of History

Set in Pasadena, California, Tournament Park is a charming green space with stories to tell. Owned and maintained by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), this park's roots stretch back to the early 1900s when it was not simply a place to picnic - it was a hub for sports and pioneering aviation events.

Originally just the "town lot," it got its more prestigious name in 1900 and became intertwined with the Tournament of Roses. Imagine the scene: chariot races, ostrich races, and even a peculiar race between a camel and an elephant once entertained crowds here.

From Rose Bowls to Track Meets

If these grounds could talk, they'd tell you about hosting the first eight Rose Bowl Games from 1902 to 1922. By its final year as the Rose Bowl venue, the park could seat an impressive 43,000 spectators.

Today, the southern section of the park - known as South Athletic Field - is home to the Fox-Stanton Track, functioning as Caltech's track and field facility where future scientists occasionally trade lab coats for running shoes.

When Aviation Was New

Look up at the sky above the park and picture Calbraith Perry Rodgers completing the first transcontinental airplane flight here on November 5, 1911. After taking off from Sheepshead Bay, New York, nearly two months earlier, his landing at Tournament Park marked a pivotal moment in aviation history.

Even before Rodgers' famous landing, the park witnessed Roy Knabenshue navigating his dirigible overhead in 1909 and Charles Willard touching down in his early airplane in 1911. Pretty impressive for what now seems like such a quiet place.

What You'll Find Today

For modern visitors, Tournament Park offers a pleasant retreat from urban life. The playground with its sand surface is particularly fantastic for little ones just finding their feet - parents of toddlers, take note!

Planning an outdoor meal? Several picnic tables and a BBQ setup make this an ideal spot for family gatherings. The mature trees cast generous shade over both the playground and picnic areas, so you'll stay comfortable even when the California sun is showing off.

The Feel of the Place

Many consider Tournament Park something of a "hidden green." Its somewhat tucked-away location means you're rarely dealing with crowds. The grounds and restrooms are kept in good condition, adding to the overall sense that this is a safe, clean space to unwind.

If you're looking for a quieter park experience, especially with small children in tow, the intimate setting and protective canopy of trees here might be exactly what you're after.

Visiting Information

Though it represents an important facility for Caltech, Tournament Park welcomes the public daily from 8AM to 6PM. You'll find it on the south side of the Caltech campus, just east of the running track - easy to access whether you're a student, faculty member, or just someone looking for a pleasant spot to spend a few hours outdoors.