by Staff
The City and the Gator Bowl Association will host Downtown Countdown, a New Year Eve’s celebration Dec. 31 at the Landing.
The New Year’s Celebration festivities include Toyota Gator Bowl activities and Downtown Countdown Dec. 31 and lead into the Gator Bowl Game Jan. 1.
On Dec. 31, at noon there will be a luncheon at the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame and Coaches Luncheon at the Adam’s Mark Hotel.
The Gator Bowl Team Pep Rallies will be held in The Landing’s courtyard — Virginia Tech at 1 p.m. and Florida State at 5:30 p.m.
The Toyota Gator Bowl 5k Run will begin at 2 p.m.
Those who participate can run, walk or stroll the route that begins at the Landing, crosses the Main Street Bridge and ends at the Northbank Riverfront park.
Those who choose to don team colors and form a team of eight could win a prize. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative costumes.
The Bank of America Gator Bowl Parade will begin at 3 p.m. on the Southbank near the School Board building.
The Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve Celebration will take place at The Landing after the parade and lasts until 1 a.m.
Multiple stages of entertainment, food, pep rallies, Silverman Robotics and message boards will accentuate the event.
The bands performing are Slim Goody from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. on the Landing’s courtyard stage an Little Green Men from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. on the Landing’s front stage.
At 9 p.m. , Diggin’ In Dreamland will perform on the courtyard stage and Big Sky and Audio Orange will alternate sets on the front stage.
The New Year’s Eve Gala Party, hosted by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Gator Bowl Association will be held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
At midnight, there will be fireworks over the St. Johns River.
The Skyway will have extended hours for the events from 6 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1. Skyway locations are FCCJ Station, Hemming Plaza Station, Central Station, Jefferson Station, Osborn Center Station, San Marco Station, Riverplace Station and King Street Station.
On Jan. 1 The Toyota Gator Bowl Classic will start early with pregame festivities at Alltel Stadium.
Downtown, suburban and beach game day shuttles will operate for three hours before the game and for one hour after the game.