National Championship Salute Event on January 2 Features Schools Marching Bands
National Championship Salute Event on January 2 Features Schools Marching Bands
The University of Miami Hurricanes and the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, slated to battle for the National Championship at the Rose Bowl on January 3, will make their first official Southern California appearance on Thursday, December 27, in the new Disney's California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort. The two top-ranked football squads and their coaches will experience a festive "Welcome to California" in a colorful 2:30 p.m, ceremony overlooking the park's seaside-theme Paradise Bay,
In addition, the park will host a special "National Championship Salute" on Wednesday, January 2 featuring spirited parade performances by the Canes and Huskers marching bands and a variety of special game-related features.
The teams December 27 visit is an official Rose Bowl event. Miami Head Coach Larry Coker and Nebraska Head Coach Frank Solich, along with several selected players, including Heisman Trophy-winning Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch, will be featured participants. As part of the visit to Disney's California Adventure, the teams will also experience many of the attractions found throughout the California-themed park. Also taking part in the event will be Tournament of Roses President Ron Okum and Rose Queen Caroline Hsu and her court. The Disneyland Resort has had an association with the Tournament of Roses since 1959 and has hosted many Rose Bowl teams over the years.
In addition to the teams' visit on December 27, the park will host a fun-filled "National Championship Salute" on Wednesday, January 2. The event features a 2:45 p.m. performance by the University of Nebraska Marching Band and a 4 p.m., performance by the University of Miami Marching Band, and each will parade through the park. Also offered will be complimentary tattoo locations so fans can show their support for the Hurricanes or Cornhuskers with temporary tattoos, special football-theme photo locations, Rose Bowl-theme food and commemorative merchandise.
The national championship game will take place at the 88th edition of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Thursday, January 3. The Miami Hurricanes, ranked #1 in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) poll have a record of 11-0 overall this season and were 8-0 in Big East Conference play; the Nebraska Cornhuskers are ranked #2 in the BCS poll, are 11-1 overall and went 7-1 in the Big 12 Conference.
--posted December 28, 2001
Source: Disneyland Resort Press Release