Sooners Going To Disneyland

Dec. 19, 2002

Norman, Okla. - Now that the collegiate bowl pairings are set and everything is coming up roses for the Oklahoma and Washington State football teams, what are they going to do next? They're going to DISNEYLAND!

The Sooners and Cougars, slated to battle in the New Year's Day match-up at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, will make their first official Southern California appearance on Friday, December 27, in DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE. The two highly ranked squads and their coaches will experience a festive "Welcome to California" in a colorful 2:30 p.m. ceremony at the park.

The teams' visit is an official Rose Bowl event held in cooperation with the Tournament of Roses, and also making an appearance will be Rose Queen Alexandra Wucetich and her court. Washington State Head Coach Mike Price and Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops, along with several selected players, will be featured participants in the afternoon ceremony. As part of the visit to DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE, the teams will also enjoy many of the attractions and entertainment found throughout the theme park.

The players and coaches will also dine at and experience ESPN Zone, the country's premier sports entertainment concept, located in the Downtown Disney District.

"Since 1959, the DISNEYLAND Resort has been partnering with the Tournament of Roses to host pre-game visits of the Rose Bowl teams, and we consider this tradition a great privilege," said Cynthia Harriss, president, DISNEYLAND Resort. "We are thrilled to honor the teams at DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE during their first official Southern California appearance."

In addition to the football teams from OU and WSU visiting, DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE, DISNEYLAND park will showcase the impressive musical ensembles from both Rose Bowl participants. The nearly 300-strong Cougar Marching Band will parade and perform inspiring tunes from their alma mater at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 29. At 2:15 p.m. on Monday, December 30, the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, also numbering about 300 musicians, will march in massed formation and entertain with their fight songs, accompanied by their cheerleading squad. Each band will perform in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., followed by a march through the park.

The upcoming gridiron contest marks the 89th edition of the Rose Bowl Game. The Washington State Cougars, ranked #6 in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) poll have a record of 10-2 overall this season and are the Pacific 10 Conference Co-Champions with a 7-1 record. The Oklahoma Sooners are ranked #7 in the BCS poll, have an overall record of 11-2, and are the Big 12 Conference Champions with a 6-2 record. This will be the Sooners' first-ever appearance in the Rose Bowl Game.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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