Yesterday, Utah and Penn State made their first stop on their way to the 2023 Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California, with a traditional visit to the Disneyland Resort. Before meeting on the field, the teams joined for their first official pregame appearance: a festive cavalcade on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park.
In the cavalcade was Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, along with Utah players: quarterback Cameron Rising, wide receiver Devaughn Vele, safety R.J. Hubert, and defensive tackle Devin Kaufusi. Also featured was Penn State coach James Franklin along with Penn State players: tight end Brenton Strange, long snapper Chris Stoll, linebacker Jonathan Sutherland and defensive end Nick Tarburton.
Additional participants were 2023 Rose Queen, Bella Ballard, and the 2023 Royal Court as well as The Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band.
Following the cavalcade, coaches and players were hosted in the historic Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A., for media interviews, then commemorated their visit with a group photo.
The teams will face off in the 109th Rose Bowl Game on Monday, January 2, 2023. Utah won its second consecutive Pac-12 Championship and finished the regular season with a 10-3 record while Penn State finished the regular season with a 10-2 record. This year’s Rose Bowl Game will be the first meeting of Utah and Penn State.
Be sure to tune in for the exciting events!
The 134th Rose Parade will be broadcast nationally, live on ABC at 8 a.m. PT/11 a.m. ET on Jan. 2. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be on the parade route to deliver the iconic “football toss” over to the Rose Bowl.
And the 109th Rose Bowl Game featuring the No. 8 University of Utah against the No. 11 Pennsylvania State University will air at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 2, on ESPN and the ESPN app. Tune in to the game to see Mickey and Minnie deliver the game ball prior to kick-off!