One of the finest pieces of football memorabilia that Lelands.com has ever brought to the auction block. We are proud to present the incredibly rare and equally important program first ever Rose Bowl football program, the most desirable football publication extant. The most expensive sports publication ever sold outside of baseball, a different specimen brought over $35,000 in 2003. A total of only two specimens have ever made it to the auction block EVER. While the Tournament of Roses existed since 1890, this was the first time the football game became a reality. Known as the "Tournament East-West Football Game" it conveniently coincided with the tour of the mighty 1902 Michigan Wolverines team which was underway in California at the time. The somewhat local Stanford Cardinals became their hapless victims and were defeated by a blowout score of 49-0. This had an obvious effect on the future proceedings as the Rose Bowl football game would not resurface until 1916 and become a tradition thereafter. Remarkably, we have the equally rare 1916 program in in this very same auction, in this very same collection. Forty pages in length and with remarkable content relating to this inaugural game, there are team pictures and detailed images of the players therein. This game may be long forgotten by the masses but will always be remembered in the form of this program and by we, the serious collector. Only a handful of specimens are known to exist, undoubtedly five or less. We know of only three personally in our 40+ years in this marketplace, and one of those is forever fortressed in a museum. This could be the finest specimen extant. Binding is tight. Has a top right corner chip 1.5x.5”. This could be restored to perfection as it is all one color. The only other imperfections are a 2” scuff on page 1 and a tiny puncture on the top of page 40. Otherwise this investment grade piece looks BRAND NEW. Here is your opportunity to elevate yourself to a position as one of the grandest of sports collectors in one fell swoop. And what a swoop it is.