Cal Poly Universities Rose Float


The Cal Poly Universities Rose Float is a joint entry of a rose float into the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association's annual Rose Parade by both Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona universities. These two institutions have continuously participated in the parade since 1949; winning the Award of Merit in their first year. The Cal Poly floats have led in introducing technology to the Parade, including the first use of hydraulics for animation in 1968, the first use of computer-controlled animation in 1978, the first use of fiber optics in 1982, animated deco in 2014, and the first to create a color changing floral effect in 2017. As of January 1, 2024, the floats have won 63 awards. This program is one of the longest consecutive running self-built entries in the parade, as well as the only "self built" float designed and constructed entirely by students year-round on two campuses. They compete against professional float builders who manufacture entries for sponsors, many of them with development budgets approaching $1 million. This tradition continues today and marks the partnership between the two campuses.
Road & Track magazine did a road test of the Cal Poly Universities Rose Float as part of their annual April issue of unusual vehicles.
For the 2022 float, a football tribute was added in memory of John Madden, who received degrees from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The football read "Madden, Ride High", referring to the school's fight song "Ride High You Mustangs".

Awards

Since 1949 the floats have won 63 trophies.
TrophyTrophy DescriptionWinsWinning Years
AnimationBest Display of Animation 12022
Award of MeritDepicting the highest level of Merit11949
Bob Hope Humor Trophy & Humor TrophyMost comical and amusing, Best display of Humor41991, 2000, 2010, 2013
Crown City Innovation TrophyBest Use of Imagination & Innovation to Advance the Art of Float Design22014, 2024
Director TrophyMost outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral materials12020
Extraordinaire AwardMost Extraordinary Float on the Parade, Including Those Longer than 55' Long.22019, 2023
Fantasy TrophyMost Outstanding Display of Fantasy & Imagination22008, 2011
Founder's TrophyMost outstanding self-decorated entry.101976, 1980, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2017
Judges' SpecialMost Spectacular in Showmanship & Dramatic Impact21966, 1971
Lathrop K. Leishman / Leishman Public SpiritMost outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial participant32015, 2016, 2025
Mayor's TrophyBest display of Originality21967, 1972
Past PresidentMost outstanding innovation in use of floral and non-floral materials12018
Princess AwardBest Display of Animation 81968, 1969, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983
Sweepstakes AwardMost beautiful entry, encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment12026
Theme PrizeMost fitting presentation of theme41957, 1959, 1974, 2003
Viewers' Choice Trophy & KTLA Favorite Float AwardViewers favorite Rose Parade float poll 42009, 2010, 2011, 2012
1st Class H1st Place - Educational division131951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1981
2nd Class H2nd Place - Educational division21955, 1958
3rd Class H3rd Place - Educational division21950, 1953
4th Class H4th Place - Educational division0