LPWire: Disney's Adventure Hosts Rose Bowl-Bound Teams on Friday, Dec 26

A Special Day for USC and Michigan Fans; Rose Bowl-Bound Coaches and Players Will Appear in Official 'Welcome to California' Event at Disney's California Adventure(TM) Friday, December 26

Disney's California Adventure will be the goal line for football fans on Friday, December 26, when USC and Michigan players and coaches make their first official pre-2004 Rose Bowl Game® appearance.

Southern California and Michigan are slated to do battle January 1 at the 90th edition of the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, in what may be the biggest game of the college football season. The two squads and their coaches will experience a festive "Welcome to California" on December 26 in a colorful 2:30 p.m. ceremony overlooking the seaside-theme Paradise Bay in Disney's California Adventure.

In recognition of the teams' visit, Disney's California Adventure will be transformed into a football fan's playground throughout the day. In addition to the park's regular shows and attractions, there will be Disneyland® Resort pep bands and cheerleaders in the park, a chalk muralist drawing football scenes on the sidewalks, specialty foods including football shaped cookies in team colors, temporary tattoos, photo locations and plenty of special decor and banners. In-park "referees" will roam Disney's California Adventure throwing penalty flags for infractions by unsuspecting guests. Official Tournament of Roses merchandise will be available at a stand at the Disney's California Adventure main entrance.

The teams' December 26 visit is an official Rose Bowl event held in cooperation with the Tournament of Roses, and the players and coaches will be joined by the Rose Queen® Megan Chinen and her Royal Court. USC Head Coach Pete Carroll and Michigan Head Coach Lloyd Carr will be featured participants in the afternoon ceremony, along with several selected players including Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart and wide receiver Mike Williams, and Michigan quarterback John Navarre and running back Chris Perry. As part of the visit to Disney's California Adventure, the teams will also enjoy many of the attractions found throughout the park.

Later in the day, each team will enjoy a private party -- USC from 4:45 to 6 p.m.; Michigan from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. -- in the upstairs "Sports Arena" at the ESPN Zone® at Downtown Disney®.