with the united states' entry into world war ii, by the december 7, 1941 attack on pearl harbor, there was concern about a japanese attack on the west coast of the united states. much discussion focused on the possibility of an attack where any crowds might gather. the rose parade and its estimated one million spectators, as well as the rose bowl with 90,000 spectators, were presumed to be ideal targets for the japanese. on december 14, 1941, lieutenant general john l. dewitt, commander of the western defense command, recommended that the rose parade and rose bowl festivities be canceled. by december 15, the tournament of roses committee decided to cancel the parade and game. soon afterward, the government banned all large gatherings on the west coast. this ruled out bell field, oregon state's on-campus venue, as an alternative site for the game.