Goodyear continues modern Cotton Bowl tradition

AKRON—Goodyear continued a modern tradition at the 87th annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, displaying life-sized mascot sculptures made from Goodyear tires.

The sculptures of University of Southern California's mascot, Tommy the Trojan, and the Tulane University mascot, the Green Wave, were handcrafted by artist and former minor league baseball player, Blake McFarland.

The sculptures—which stand between 6 feet and 7 feet tall and weigh more than 500 pounds collectively—were constructed from more than 300 Goodyear-branded tires, used approximately 10,000 hidden staples and took 438 hours to complete in 16 days.

"Goodyear Cotton Bowl Tire Art is a creative and connective tradition because it embodies the team spirit and road-tested perseverance each team exemplified throughout the season," said Meg Lee, vice president of marketing, Goodyear. "For loyal fans traveling across the country to support their teams, tire art is a celebration of their drive and their journeys well-traveled. We welcome both teams, along with their fans, to this year's game."

A tradition since 2016, the sculptures served as the centerpiece for many of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic festivities leading up to the Jan. 2 game at AT&T Stadium.The artwork was donated to the schools following the game.

No. 16 Tulane upset No. 10 USC, 46-45, scoring 16 points in the final four minutes of the game.

In 2021, Goodyear announced an agreement to renew its title sponsorship of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and will host a college football playoff semifinal game in 2024. The agreement extends a more than 60-year association with college football, starting when the Goodyear Blimp first provided aerial coverage at the 1955 Rose Bowl game.