Tournament Park

Tournament Park is a historic park located in Pasadena, California, owned and maintained by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The park has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it played a significant role in local sports and aviation events.

Originally known as the "town lot," Tournament Park was renamed in 1900 and became closely associated with the Tournament of Roses. It served as the venue for various events, including chariot races, ostrich races, and even a race between a camel and an elephant. Most notably, Tournament Park hosted the first eight Rose Bowl Games from 1902 to 1922, with a seating capacity of 43,000 in its final year as the Rose Bowl venue.

The park also has historical significance in aviation. It was the official terminus of the first transcontinental airplane flight, with Calbraith Perry Rodgers landing here on November 5, 1911, after taking off from Sheepshead Bay, New York, on September 17 of the same year. Earlier aviation events at the park included Roy Knabenshue piloting his dirigible in 1909 and Charles Willard landing his airplane in 1911.

Today, Tournament Park continues to serve as an important facility for Caltech and the local community. The southern portion of the park, known as South Athletic Field, is bounded by the Fox-Stanton Track and functions as Caltech's track and field venue. The surrounding park area, which retains the Tournament Park name, offers recreational facilities for public use during daylight hours.

Tournament Park is open to the public and available for various Caltech and private functions. Its location on the south side of the Caltech campus, just east of the running track, makes it easily accessible to students, faculty, and local residents alike.