The TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl – the 68th edition of Jacksonville's annual college football classic – kicks off at noon Tuesday on Bill Gay Grounds at EverBank Field, but there's more to the experience than what happens on the field.
As Gator Bowl Association President and CEO Rick Catlett points out each year, "It's a big party leading up to a great college football game."
Official Gator Bowl festivities begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the Landing with the VyStar 5K Run to benefit Wolfson Children's Hospital. Last year, almost $13,000 was donated to the hospital's "Run for a Child" program.
The Gator Bowl Coaches Luncheon presented by CSX is scheduled at noon Monday at the Osborn Center.
The Mississippi State University pep rally is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the courtyard at the Landing, followed at 5 p.m. by the rally for Northwestern University.
At 3 p.m. Monday, the Gator Bowl Parade begins in front of Maxwell House on East Bay Street. This year's route takes the procession of marching bands, floats and the Budweiser Clydesdales to Newnan Street, then to Water Street, where the parade will pass in front of the Landing. The parade will end near the Osborn Center.
At 7 p.m. the party starts at the Landing with live music and food and beverage vendors, capped by fireworks at midnight over the St. Johns River.
The Budweiser Tailgate Party is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the EverBank Field Entertainment Zone before the game, scheduled for a noon kickoff.
This year's pregame show, presented by Fidelity Financial Services, includes a Marine Corps swearing-in ceremony and the official coin toss by NASCAR TaxSlayer.com driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.
For ticket information and details about shuttle transportation to and from the stadium on game day, visit gatorbowl.com.
@drmaxdowntown
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