With only days until Georgia faces Oklahoma in the 104th Rose Bowl No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners and No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs enjoyed the tradition of going to Disneyland before their game at the Rose Bowl.
Walt Disney created the tradition in 1959 and for decades teams have visited the Happiest Place on Earth prior to the famous bowl game.
Before meeting on the field for the first time ever, the teams met earlier today for their first official pregame appearance, in a ceremony at Disney California Adventure park, hosted by former all-pro and host of ESPN SportsNation, Marcellus Wiley. During the ceremony, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley and Georgia head coach Kirby Smart were welcomed by Disney California Adventure Vice President Patrick Finnegan in front of the rocking new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! along with Tournament of Roses President Lance Tibbet.
Representing the University of Oklahoma were tight end Mark Andrews, offensive lineman Orlando Brown, defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and defensive back Steven Parker. Representing the University of Georgia were running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn and linebacker Roquan Smith.
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield was sick and did not accompany the team on its visit to the Park on Wednesday. But coach Lincoln Riley said he wasn’t worried about his Heisman Trophy winner’s absence. “He’ll be ready to play”, he said.
After the ceremony, players and coaches from each team experienced Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and went on to enjoy even more Disneyland Resort fun.
The teams will face off in the Rose Bowl Game on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. Oklahoma finished the regular season with a record of 12-1 and claimed the Big 12 Conference title, while Georgia defeated Auburn to win the SEC Championship, also finishing with a 12-1 record.