New Book Celebrates 100 Years Of Alabama's Storied Rose Bowl History

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Paul W. Bryant Museum will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Alabama football's historic 1926 Rose Bowl appearance with the release of a new book chronicling the Crimson Tide's century-long connection to Pasadena.

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"Remember the Rose Bowl: The Alabama Crimson Tide's Storied 100-Year History in 'The Granddaddy of Them All,'" written by Tommy Ford and Mark Mayfield, will be released Friday, Sept. 18, during a special event at the Bryant Museum.

The book, with a forward written by college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, traces Alabama's Rose Bowl history back to Jan. 1, 1926, when coach Wallace Wade's undefeated Crimson Tide faced heavily favored Washington in Pasadena, California.

Alabama's 20-19 victory became one of the defining moments in program history, introducing the Crimson Tide to a national audience and helping change perceptions of college football in the South.

"Alabama's history with the Rose Bowl is truly one of the defining stories of our football program," Paul W. Bryant Museum Director Olivia Arnold said. "The 1926 Rose Bowl helped introduce Alabama football to the nation and opened the door for generations that followed. One hundred years later, this book gives us the opportunity to preserve that story and share why Pasadena holds such a special place in Crimson Tide history."

Drawing on the museum's collections and historical resources, "Remember the Rose Bowl" features photographs, stories and historical details documenting the players, coaches and games that connected Alabama football to Pasadena over the past century.

The book also explores how the Rose Bowl became intertwined with Alabama football tradition, beginning with the 1925 team that made the trip west before defeating Washington on New Year's Day.

The title recalls the phrase "Remember the Rose Bowl," which became part of Crimson Tide tradition following Alabama's early trips to Pasadena.

The Bryant Museum will host a book release celebration from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

Copies will be available at the museum for $59.95.

Ford and Mayfield will return to the museum from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, for an author signing. Copies purchased at the museum can be signed during the event.

The book is also available for preorder through the Bryant Museum's online store.

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