Disneyland Welcomes Rose Bowl-Bound Penn State and USC Football Teams Friday, December 26

ANAHEIM, Calif., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that Penn State and USC have won berths in the 2009 Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi in Pasadena, what are they going to do next? They're going to Disneyland!

The BCS-ranked No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions and No. 5 USC Trojans will make their first official appearances of the Rose Bowl Game week at 2 p.m. Friday, December 26, in a ceremony at the holiday-themed Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle at Disneyland.

Disneyland has been associated with the Tournament of Roses since 1959 and has had the honor of hosting many teams during that time. As Disneyland welcomes the 2009 Rose Bowl Game teams, Disney Parks is asking guests "What will you celebrate?" Whether it's an anniversary, graduation or celebration of time with family and friends, Disney Parks will make every milestone magical in 2009. Also in 2009, guests can visit a Disney park at Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort for free on their birthdays. Log on to http://www.disneyparks.com to register.

Penn State Coach Joe Paterno, USC Coach Pete Carroll and members of both teams will appear in the Castle ceremony with Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier, Mickey Mouse and the Disneyland Band. Among the Penn State players will be Nittany Lions defensive end Josh Gaines, safety Anthony Scirroto, center A.Q. Shipley and wide receiver Derrick Williams. Featured USC players in the ceremony will be Trojans quarterback Mark Sanchez, linebacker Brian Cushing, safety Kevin Ellison and offensive guard-center Jeff Byers.

Following the ceremony, coaches and key players will be available for media interviews in front of the Castle, and then will experience popular Disneyland attractions such as Matterhorn Bobsleds.

The 95th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi, played in Pasadena on Thursday, January 1, 2009, will mark the third Rose Bowl Game appearance for the Nittany Lions (11-1 in 2008). The Trojans (also 11-1 in 2008) will be making their 33rd appearance in the Rose Bowl Game.