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Rose Bowl won't allow fans due to local COVID-19 restrictions

Alika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced that it won't permit fans at the Rose Bowl due to local COVID-19 restrictions.

"Due to the COVID-19 restrictions set forth by the state of California, Los Angeles County, and the city of Pasadena, spectators will not be allowed to attend the 2021 (College Football Playoff semifinals) at the Rose Bowl game on New Year's Day," the Tournament of Roses said.

The Rose Bowl, which has been played annually since 1916, is the longest-running bowl game in college football.

The Tournament of Roses said it requested permission to allow for a limited number of spectators or student-athletes and coach guests. That request was denied.

"While we are disappointed that the Rose Bowl game will not be played in front of spectators, we are pleased that we are still able to hold the game this year, continuing the 100-year-plus tradition of 'The Granddaddy of Them All,'" said David Eads, the executive director and CEO of the Tournament of Roses.

"We continue to work closely with health department officials and the Rose Bowl Stadium to provide the safest possible environment for our game participants," Eads added.

The Fiesta Bowl also announced that fans wouldn't be allowed at the Jan. 2 game in Glendale, Arizona. Immediate families of players will be permitted.

The 2021 CFP semifinals will be comprised of the 107th edition of the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl.

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