The first of two charter flights for Blue Band members began boarding before sunrise, as their fellow musicians, majorettes and silks waited their turn.

As the sun broke over Mount Nittany, rays of sunshine poured into the crowded departures waiting area.

Clear skies gave Alumni Bowl Tour members the opportunity to arrive in Los Angeles ahead of schedule. They were greeted with unusually smog-free skies with excellent visibility extending to the unusually snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Those staying at the Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel, the official team hotel of the Nittany Lions, entered the lobby to sights of Christmas decorations and blue-and-white spirit as they checked in and received refreshments.

Later in the afternoon, Penn Staters planned to attend official welcome receptions at their hotels, some aptly held poolside in the relatively balmy Los Angeles weather, about 70 degrees Fahrenheit at the time the receptions were to begin. Stay tuned to Penn State Live for updates from L.A. during Rose Bowl week.

The famous Santa Monica pier was a must-see for those Penn Staters staying in the vicinity.

Upon closer inspection, an LCD screen at the center of the Ferris wheel showed Penn State's logo, which alternated with other Rose Bowl images such as the Nittany Lions' plain blue-and-white helmets and icons representing USC as well. Those staying in the area said the nighttime views of the Ferris wheel and its logos were beautiful as well.