A sea of purple

Thousands of TCU fans flocked to Los Angeles for to see the Frogs play for the national championship

By Tristen Smith

The College Football Playoff National Championship kicks off today at 6:30 p.m. Central Standard Time, but Horned Frog fans made their presence known on Sunday.

Downtown LA

TCU introduced itself.

National championship banners heralding TCU are draped along South Figueroa Street.

Fans in TCU purple "threw the frog" as they made their way to the first pep rally of the day at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Playoff fan central

The TCU band, twirlers, cheerleaders, Showgirls and SuperFrog showcased their school spirit.

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From the city to the shore

The Riff Ram Rally — the day's second pep rally — took place at the Santa Monica Pier.

Thousands of Frog fans packed into the pier.

Brian Estridge, voice of the Horned Frogs, was the emcee.

TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini told fans regardless of the outcome, the Horned Frogs have already won.

"But I definitely want to win, too. Go Frogs," he said.

"Holy smokes," athletic director Jeremiah Donati repeated as he looked out into the sea of purple.

Gleam Davis, mayor of Santa Monica, became an honorary Horned Frog — she has the belt buckle to prove it.

Mattie Parker, mayor of Fort Worth, delivered a special proclamation from the city.

Marshall Newhouse, a former TCU and Green Bay Packers offensive lineman, has confidence in TCU's O-line against the Georgia Bulldogs.

"They're just going to bring the same toughness they've brought all year," said Newhouse

The final guest, former TCU baseball catcher Bryan Holaday, talked about how athletes mentally prepare for big moments.

"It's all about preparation," said Holaday.

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