Parade, Pregame Show, Pep Rally To Celebrate Outback Bowl

TAMPA, FL — On New Year's Day, No. 9 Auburn Tigers take the field against the No. 16 Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa at 1 p.m.

The bowl will be telecast on ESPN TV and available to an international audience.

But before the two teams take the field, they will be feted at a parade and pep rally in Ybor City on New Year's Eve and celebrated during a pregame show.

Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. -- Join the college marching bands at Busch Gardens Tampa as they square off for a special Battle of the Bands performance from 4 to 4:20 p.m. at Gwazi Park. Admission to the park is required.

Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. -- The Outback Bowl New Year's Eve Parade will feature floats and about 15 marching bands including the two college bands. It will run along 7th Avenue in historic Ybor City. A pep rally will follow the parade.. Note: no coolers, glass containers or open alcohol allowed on streets.

Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 9 a.m. -- Outback Bowl fans can warm up for the big game outside Raymond James Stadium on the south plaza between gates C and D and on Tampa Bay Boulevard starting at 9 a.m. with a Pregame Bowl Bash with live music and a pep rally, sponsored by Coca-Cola, 93.3FLZ, 970 WFLA and 95.3 WDAE Radio. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 12:20 p.m. -- Enjoy a colorful pregame show presented by Tampa General Hospital featuring the pageantry of high school and college bands along with numerous special activities including a flyover and coin toss by a special guest celebrity.

Once again, the Outback Bowl will host its Charitable Giving Initiative, which has given $1.5 million in support to more than 110 charitable organizations across Tampa Bay.

Earlier in 2019, the Outback Bowl announced its ongoing commitment to charitable giving. Over the next six years, the bowl will give an additional $3 million to charities throughout the region.

"We're thrilled to be able to showcase the importance of giving back to charity, as well as the amazing things locally based nonprofits are doing for our region on a national stage," said Jim McVay, president and CEO of the Outback Bowl.

The Outback Bowl celebrates its 34th game this year. Tickets are still available through Patch promotion partner, Ticket Network.