Dec. 17, 2009
PHOTO GALLERY: Tampa Bay Area Attractions
EVANSTON, Ill. -- The Tampa Bay Bowl Association will host its 24th game on Jan. 1, 2010 -- Northwestern vs. Auburn in the Outback Bowl. The bowl has been a part of the prestigious New Year's Day bowl lineup for the past 22 years and features teams from the two most successful and popular conferences in college football: the Big Ten and SEC.
As such, the bowl has played host to some of the game's best players and coaches over the years and had some great matchups. It also has provided life-long memories to more than 4,400 players, 64,000 halftime show performers and 1.3 million college football fans.
Known originally as the Hall of Fame Bowl for its first nine years, the bowl began playing on a rainy December night in 1986 and was televised by Mizlou. Since then the bowl has become the seventh-highest paying of 34 games and is the marquee game for ESPN in their bowl week lineup. The game is typically one of the network's most viewed programs of the year and is typically seen in dozens of foreign countries.
Tampa-based Outback Steakhouse became the bowl's title sponsor in 1995 and holds the second-longest title sponsorship in college bowl history.
Over the years the bowl has played host to many memorable games. The first two games were decided in the final minute of play, including Michigan's 28-24 victory over Alabama in the first-ever meeting between the two storied programs. In 2000, the bowl was the first major sporting event of the new millennium, a game that also featured the greatest comeback victory in the history of bowls (at the time) as Georgia overcame a 25-point deficit to defeat Purdue in overtime.
In 2002, Ohio State scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to tie South Carolina, only to lose the game on a field goal with no time remaining. The 2003 game saw Michigan outlast Florida 38-30 in a game that featured six lead changes. In 2005, Georgia held off a Wisconsin rally in the final quarter for a 24-21 win and in 2008, Tennessee intercepted a pass on the 1-yard line in the final minute to preserve a 21-17 win over the Badgers.
Of course, what make up the great teams that have played in the Outback Bowl are their quality coaches and players. Ten different coaches that have walked the sideline of this bowl have at least one national championship to their name. And three have won more than 200 games at the FBS level.
Some of the best players in the game have also played here in Tampa. In fact, over 580 alumni of this bowl have since gone on to the NFL. That includes 270 players in just the past 11 years of which 42 were first-round picks.
Of course, one major goal of the Outback Bowl is to create an economic impact for the Tampa Bay region and, indeed, the game has created an estimated $600 million impact since its beginning and generated tens-of-millions of dollars in national and international exposure for the Tampa Bay community.
The nonprofit bowl also will have contributed $89 million to participating teams and their conference members after this year's game.
Finally, the Outback Bowl is more than a football game for the fans, as they enjoy the many events and amenities during bowl week throughout the picturesque Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater area. From theme parks to beaches, golfing to fishing, this area has something for everyone.
Come join us in this beautiful destination as we celebrate the best of college football!
(Courtesy of the Outback Bowl)
KEY OUTBACK BOWL FAN EVENTS
Monday, Dec. 28
Busch Gardens Team Outing -- Both teams and their fans will enjoy the unique blend of thrilling rides, live shows and a premier zoo. Admission tickets are available at buschgardens.com or at the front gate. (Teams will visit the park between 3 and 8:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Dec. 29
Players Night at GameWorks -- Join the teams as they enjoy an array of fun and games at GameWorks in historic Ybor City. Watch the teams compete off the field with interactive video games. Teams only from 6 to 8 p.m. Doors open to the general public at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 30
FCA Breakfast -- This breakfast is at 7 a.m. and is open to the public and attended by some players and coaches. Call the FCA at (813) 504-4834 in advance to purchase tickets.
Clearwater Beach Day -- Join the school marching bands and cheerleaders as they enjoy the sun and beaches at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Hilton, 95.7 the Beat and 93.3FLZ Radio sponsor this fun day which includes live music, skydivers, a tug-of-war and other contests from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 31
UnitedHealthCare Children's Foundation New Year's Eve Parade -- Eclectic Ybor City is the site of this festive celebration featuring the Outback Bowl New Year's Eve Parade and a pep rally by the college marching bands and cheerleaders. The parade will feature floats and at least 17 marching bands. This free family event is sponsored by our friends at Budweiser, The Tampa Tribune, 93.3FLZ Radio and the City of Tampa. Be there early: the parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs along 7th Avenue.
Light Up Tampa Bay -- Channelside will "Light Up Tampa Bay" on New Year's Eve with live entertainment and a midnight Fireworks Show and Ball Drop along the downtown Tampa waterfront. Enjoy the numerous restaurants and night spots at Channelside. For more information call Channelside at (813) 223-4250. Watch the show from the Florida Aquarium New Year's "Aqua Eve" party featuring food buffet, drinks and live entertainment for one price. Call (813) 273-4568 for tickets.
Friday, Jan. 1
Pregame Bowl Bash -- Bowl fans can warm up for the big game with live music and a pep rally, sponsored by Bright House Networks. The Tampa Tribune, US 103.5 FM, 98 Rock, 95.7 The Beat and 620 WDAE Radio. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase, including Johnsonville brats. The begins at 8 a.m. on the south plaza between gates C & D, so come out early.
Spartan Staffing Pregame Show -- Enjoy a colorful pregame show featuring the pageantry of high school and college bands along with numerous special activities including a U.S. Marines flyover and military skydivers. A popular Outback Bowl tradition you won't want to miss. Show time begins at 10:15 a.m.
Outback Bowl 2010 -- The first bowl game of New Year's Day, the 24th annual Outback Bowl matches the Northwestern Wildcats from the Big Ten Conference vs. the Auburn Tigers from the Southeastern Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. (Gates open at 9:30 a.m.).
Outback Bowl Halftime Show -- Wait until you see this colorful show featuring more than 4,000 performers!