Rose Bowl ditching fireworks in favor of drones for popular 4th of July show

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena is dropping its traditional fireworks show this year and switching to drones for the first time in the history of the popular Independence Day celebration.

Friday night’s synchronized drone light show will headline a three-day FoodieLand Food Festival

at the iconic Rose Bowl.

The Rose Bowl is the latest in a long list of Southern California venues that have switched to drones due to the environmental risks of traditional fireworks shows.

Concerns are especially high this year, following the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires that made national headlines after erupting in January.

Even without fireworks, the show promises to be a spectacular one with over 700 drones hovering 400 feet above the stadium’s field.

Tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite only and will not be sold at the door, according to the Rose Bowl website.

Friday’s event begins at 3 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m., with the drone show scheduled to start around 9 p.m.

“There is no limit on how long you can stay for the day. Event tickets typically sell out prior to the event, so we recommend purchasing them in advance,” the Rose Bowl site says.