‘Unprecedented’ security ramps up for Rose Bowl

More than two dozen federal agencies and Los Angeles-area law enforcement will deploy an 'unprecedented volume of resources and technologies' to protect next week's Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl game in which the Hawkeyes play, authorities said Tuesday.

While the University of Iowa and Stanford University faithful revel in the hype around one of the biggest college football matchups of the season, the FBI, Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations and others will be focused on preventing terror attacks like those seen recently in Paris and San Bernardino, officials said at a news conference.

'In the wake of the tragedy two weeks ago in San Bernardino, I really don't think anybody needs to be reminded of the necessity and the vital importance of security,' said Mark Selby, deputy special agent in charge for Homeland Security in Los Angeles.

During the New Year's Day parade and game in Pasadena, Selby said, authorities will use a variety of explosive detection methods, including bomb-sniffing dogs and 'sophisticated devices that register even minute amounts of radiation.'

And, Selby said, the security assets will be 'augmented by a surveillance capacity unmatched in the city's history.'

A sophisticated network of cameras has been set up to track activities at venues and along the parade route, according to Selby, and investigators said they're using electronic license-plate readers leading up to the event 'to collect information.'

'Customs and border protection aircraft will also be providing protective surveillance from the sky,' Selby said.

The Federal Aviation Administration is planning temporary flight restrictions during the events.

'This is a no-drone zone,' Selby said.

As part of ramped-up security, fans headed to the game will be allowed to bring only clear bags and authorities along the parade route will crack down on anyone throwing items — including the marshmallows, flatbread and silly string seen in years past.

Crowds might notice the larger police presence and some of the new security-related technology, including all-terrain vehicles capable of carrying up to eight officers and detaining suspected law breakers. But some of the measures will be hidden.

More than two dozen undercover officers are planning to patrol the parade route, along with more than two dozen bomb-sniffing dog teams. And, although officers have learned from attacks like the Dec. 2 shooting just an hour east in San Bernardino, Selby said the Rose Bowl-related security was not thrown together at the last minute.

'I think it's really important to realize these preparations started more than a year ago,' he said.

With the Rose Bowl in its 127th year, officials are expecting 700,000-some spectators to line the parade route and campers are expected to come out the night before — although Pasadena authorities will not allow the use of tents or sofas.

Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez said his community maintains an 'aggressive state of readiness 24/7/365.'

'With respect to active shooters,' he said, 'my biggest concern is the lone-wolf nonstate actor. That is the person that is the most difficult to detect.'

Still, Sanchez said, he believes Pasadena is well positioned to keep the peace in and around the Rose Bowl and parade. And, officials stressed, one of the 'greatest force-multipliers' are those planning to attend.

'Probably the most important asset that will be here is the eyes and ears and instincts of the hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the country, and really the world, that will converge on Pasadena,' Selby said. 'If you see something, say something.'

The UI was allotted 22,000 tickets to the Rose Bowl, and thousands more are expected to descend on Pasadena. More than 54,000 requested tickets through the UI Athletics Department and sales are continuing through third-party vendors like StubHub.

In addition to playing in the Rose Bowl's main event, the UI marching band will be performing in the parade, and many Hawkeye faithful are expected to attend.

Kevin Kastens, director of the Hawkeye Marching Band, said Pasadena authorities have prepped him on security during the parade.

'The police chief of Pasadena made the comment that he is bringing his wife and children to the event as well,' Kastens said. 'So we should feel very safe.'s