It’s hard to tell which fan base outnumbers the other at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Anytime you think you’ve seen more maize and blue surrounding the exterior of the classic sporting venue, a river of crimson and white slides through your periphery to remind you Bama fans travel, no matter how far the Tide might roll.

Crimson Tide and Wolverine fans smothered the grassy and still somewhat muddy tailgate area to grill some meat, toss the football and take as many selfies as possible before the Granddaddy of Them All to decide half of the College Football Playoff final.

Others crossed a nearby walking bridge to a fan fest area where they could play some games, buy some official merch and just kill time before the 2 p.m. (pacific time) kickoff.

And everyone appeared to get along well, some divided households taking the walk together while other larger groups locked arms and smiled big for group photos. Why wouldn’t you? This is historic stuff. Soak in the moment. It helps the California sun will shine all day, especially since it’s a slightly brisk New Year’s Day out here on the coast.

Take a look at what the pregame scene at the Rose Bowl looked like before Bama and Michigan trade helmet paint in Pasadena.