This was the first time the pageant was held in Pasadena, although it was the sixth time the pageant was held in California. It was broadcast from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
The event was hosted by Mario Lopez, who also hosted Miss Teen USA 1998 and Miss Teen USA 2003. In 2007 he also hosted the Miss America and Miss Universe pageants. The pageant was broadcast on NBC at 8:00 p.m. EST, rather than at 9:00 p.m. EST.
