The Rose Bowl...Finally

David R.

December 31, 2009 - 10:56 AM

It was painful to sit alone in my basement and listen to my roommate, who was already in Pasadena, describe to me how fun and energetic the Rose Bowl pep rally was. I was immediately overtaken by jealousy, and my father and I huddled around our computer trying to see if there was any way for us to get on an earlier flight to Los Angeles, so we too could enjoy the pre-game festivities. As you can imagine, every flight was full, and purchasing an additional one-way ticket to Los Angeles was in the thousands of dollars. I sat, frustrated, and continued to pack my bag, thinking how the remaining time until I left would seem like an eternity.

The morning finally came, and I couldn't get out of bed fast enough. Because of recent terror-related incidents, my dad, brother, and I decided to head to Denver International Airport extra early to try to account for the additional measures being taken to ensure security. One of my friends from high school, for whatever reason, is a HUGE Ohio State fan. He left for the Sugar Bowl yesterday, and informed me that Denver International Airport was overrun with Ohio State fans. Knowing this, I decided to take it upon myself to show some support for our Ducks. Once we entered the airport, I was decked out in Oregon gear from my head to my feet. An Oregon hat, with an Oregon basketball jersey and Oregon sweatpants were all I needed to represent my school and our nationally renowned football team.

I am sitting here at the gate, waiting for my flight to depart, and since I have been in the airport, I have seen multiple Oregon fans with a similar destination. It was fun to run into some fellow Ducks in a location so far away from Eugene, or Pasadena. We conversed for a few minutes about the plans for the weekend and then parted ways through the busy airport. It is entertaining to be in the airport right now, because it is full of many other bowl game participants, traveling to games, or home from them. On my way through the terminal I saw a large pack of Nebraska Cornhusker fans who were all traveling home from San Diego, where the Huskers and powerful Ndamukong Suh had no problem defeating the Wildcats of Arizona. All of the restaurants and bars in the airport have given in to the bowl fever, as every t.v. seems to be broadcasting the bowl game currently being played.

I remember, after Oregon defeated Oregon State, the plans for attending the Rose Bowl were born, but it seemed so far away. The day is finally hear, and I am having trouble sitting still due to my overwhelming level of excitement for the upcoming weekend. I have never been to any bowl game before, not to mention one with such significance. It will be nice to escape the frigid Colorado weather and enjoy some of that southern California sunshine. The Ducks have prepared for a month, and I'm anxious to see the tricks they have in store for those pesky Buckeyes. Go Ducks!