The Rose Bowl Game, themed Building Dreams, Friendships, & Memories, was a contractual sell-out, with 64,500 tickets allocated to the participating teams and conferences.
The bands and cheerleaders from both schools participated in the early morning Rose Parade on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California along with the floats representing the two conferences.
On December 30, 2010, Brad Budde (USC), Hayden Fry (Iowa), and Leroy Keyes (Purdue) were inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Pasadena Convention Center.
The Argonauts of Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-147, based in Lemoore, California, saluted American service men and women by flying over the stadium.
[10] The Navy Leap Frog Parachute Demonstration Team delivered the game ball and flip coin to Rose Bowl Game President Jeff Throop and special guest Marcus Luttrell, a recipient of a Purple Heart and the Navy Cross for combat heroism and the author of a number-one New York Times bestseller Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 (2007) — the story of his heroic service to the U.S. as a U.S. Navy SEAL and his experience in hostile enemy territory.
In support of Luttrell's heroism, the Tournament of Roses recognized The Boot Campaign, an organization that works directly with Luttrell and his foundation to raise awareness for our military by its sale of combat boots purchased and worn by supporters with proceeds benefiting military charities.
The teams, which were based on the final BCS Standings released on December 5, 2010, were selected by the football committee of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.
Both teams practiced at The Home Depot Center (now known as Dignity Health Sports Park) in nearby Carson, California.
Head coach Bret Bielema also played on the 1990 Iowa Hawkeyes football team that went to the 1991 Rose Bowl.
Dalton, playing in his final game as a Horned Frog, led the nation in career wins for an active quarterback at 41.