Rose Parade 2015: A complete guide to viewing

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- The 126th Rose Parade, themed "Inspiring Stories," will take place New Year's Day along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. The parade -- featuring 39 floral floats, 19 marching bands and 18 high-stepping equestrian units -- gets underway at 8 a.m.

Olympian and World War II prisoner of war Louis Zamperini is this year's Grand Marshal. Despite his passing in July, the Tournament of Roses is dedicated to honoring the American hero. Zamperini will be represented in the parade by his daughter Cynthia Garris and her husband Mike, his son Luke Zamperini and his wife Lisa, and his only grandchild, Luke's son, Clay.

The 5 1/2-mile Rose Parade route begins at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard. The parade travels north on Orange Grove and then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard, where the majority of the parade viewing takes place. Near the end of the route, the parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and concludes at Villa Street.

Those interested in reserving grandstand seating can purchase tickets through Sharp Seating Company through Dec. 31. Contact Sharp Seating Company at (626) 795-4171 or reserve online at www.sharpseating.com.

Free curbside viewing is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parade-goers can begin camping out along the sidewalk on Colorado Boulevard at noon Wednesday. For tips and rules about curbside viewing, visit the city of Pasadena's website or download the Visitor Hotline Handbook.

Record cold is possible on New Year's Day in Pasadena as a cold air mass settles across Southern California Tuesday night through Thursday. People planning to attend the Rose Parade should be prepared for a potential record low temperature of 32 degrees.

Pasadena Fire Chief Bertral Washington says hypothermia is real concern. He's advising overnight campers and early morning parade-goers to wear warm clothes and extra layers, along with hats and gloves.

Bonfires along the parade route are prohibited. Small, professionally manufactured barbecues are only allowed if they're elevated at least 1-foot off the ground, placed 25 feet from buildings and other combustibles, and you have a fire extinguisher readily available.

ESPN's Hannah Storm and John Anderson, with Olympic medalist John Naber, will host ABC's Rose Parade coverage on Jan. 1st. Catch the parade on ABC7 and the WatchABC app beginning at 8 a.m.

Following the parade, the 101st Rose Bowl Game will be held at Rose Bowl Stadium -- pre-game festivities begin at 1:30 p.m., with kickoff at 2:10 p.m. The game will serve as a College Football Playoff Semifinal, with the No. 2 Oregon Ducks and the No. 3 Florida State Seminoles competing for a spot in the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship.

You can catch all the playoff action on ESPN and the WatchESPN app beginning at 2 p.m. Check out the viewing schedule for this year's college football bowl games here.

Hotline for All Rose Parade and Game Questions

Have questions about the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl events, post parade events or New Year's Eve activities? The Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau has opened its annual Visitor Hotline, (877) 793-9911. Over 60 volunteers are on hand to help answer all your questions about the events, including parking, directions, tickets, accommodations, dining and more. The hotline will be open through January 2.

Hours of operation:

Tuesday, Dec. 30 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 - 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 1 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 2 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Rose Parade Program

For a second year, the official program is available digitally. You can download it for free from the Tournament of Roses website, www.tournamentofroses.com, or the iTunes app store. Bonus digital content includes exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, video and audio clips, parade trivia and more.

You can still buy a printed copy of the program for $10 along the parade route.

Post Parade Float Viewing

Following the Rose Parade, float enthusiasts can get an up-close and personal view of the floral masterpieces as they're parked along Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards in Pasadena from Jan. 1 - Jan. 3.

Visitors are able to walk within a few feet of the floats to get a closer look at the creativity and detail, with volunteers on hand to answer questions. Tickets are required and can be purchased in advance for $10 at www.sharpseating.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the venue until 3 p.m. each day of the event.

Post Parade: A Showcase of Floats times:

Thursday, Jan. 1 - 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 2 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(Senior citizens and disabled visitors welcome 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday)

Get more information at www.tournamentofroses.com/events/post-parade.

For more on parking, transportation, directions and maps, go to www.tournamentofroses.com.