UA’s Bryant Museum Opens New Exhibit: ‘California Rose to Southern Sugar’

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Bryant Museum on The University of Alabama campus has opened a new exhibit, “California Rose to Southern Sugar.”

The display highlights the unprecedented history of the Crimson Tide in post-season college bowl games. The University of Alabama football team holds the record for the most bowl game appearances (53) and bowl game victories (30). The exhibit was designed by LaPaglia Studio in Washington, D.C. and fabricated by Design Display of Birmingham.

“California Rose to Southern Sugar” spotlights eight bowl game trophies spanning the history of the Tide’s teams. Included are trophies from the Rose, Sugar, Cotton and Orange bowls. Photographs and artifacts trace the rich bowl traditions and stories. Sports Illustrated featured the exhibit in its recent special issue “Alabama: A Celebration of Crimson Tide Football.”

A music video produced by museum videographer Gary Shores enhances the experience with photos and film clips of fans, players and coaches that contributed to the university’s bowl history. Some video clips are being seen by museum visitors for the first time.

“We have included the scores of every bowl game, every MVP and some of the lighter moments from the games such as when the 1995 Citrus Bowl was delayed by a stray dog on the field,” said Bryant Museum Director Ken Gaddy. Photographs and artifacts create a timeline of the rich bowl traditions and stories.

“The connection between the bowl games and the Alabama football team is integral to the history of the campus,” said Taylor Watson, Bryant Museum curator and exhibit coordinator. “We are especially grateful to the donors of artifacts that made this display possible.”

The Bryant Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Check for special hours on home game days. For more information call toll free 1/866-772-BEAR (2327), visit on the web at www.bryant.ua.edu, or e-mail the museum at Bryant-info@ua.edu.