Inaugural “Bowl-a-Palooza” Introduced by FCSports
Already with two of the best bowl games in the nation, Florida Citrus Sports has plans to make the last week of December even better with the addition of Bowl-a-Palooza, a week-long extravaganza of events designed for football fans, residents, and Central Florida visitors of all ages.
In its inaugural campaign, Bowl-a-Palooza will bring together the worlds of sports, art, and cultural entertainment. Starting December 26th and spanning through the December 29th Champs Sports Bowl and Capital One Bowl on January 1st, Bowl-a-Palooza incorporates two classic bowl games with a plethora of new, exciting events. The only city to host two bowl games in one week’s time, Orlando will now host what amounts to a week-long party.
“Bowl-a-Palooza is going to be the party of the year,” said Steve Hogan, Executive Director of Florida Citrus Sports. “In the span of one week, Orlando will now play host to a series of 16 official public events that will interest both football and non-gridiron enthusiasts alike.”
The feature event of the week, the Bowl-a-Palooza Concert, features Third Eye Blind, one of the most popular bands of the last decade. The San Francisco-based group first hit it big with their self-titled debut which featured the songs “Semi-Charmed Life” and “How’s it Gonna Be” among others. All told, the album sold over six million copies in advance of their second album, Blue, which went ultimately double platinum. The band has had eight songs in the Billboard Top 40, three of which were top 10. The concert is free of charge to all guests at Orlando’s Lake Eola Park on December 30.
In addition to the Third Eye Blind concert at Lake Eola, the week will feature the internationally-televised Orlando Citrus Parade presented by Delta Air Lines in Downtown Orlando, the Electronic Arts Tiburon Bowl-a-Palooza Challenge, and a screening of “Rudy” at the Popcorn Flick in Winter Park.
Roseann Harrington (Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Community Relations at OUC) and Bill Peeper (President of the Convention & Visitors Bureau) are co-chairs of FCSports’ Bowl-a-Palooza effort.
“We wanted to find a way to thank the Central Florida community for hosting the bowl games by providing events and activities for them and their families during the holidays,” remarked Peeper.
Below are descriptions of the concert and other prominent events taking place throughout the Bowl-a-Palooza week:
Electronic Arts Tiburon Bowl-a-Palooza Challenge
Players from the Capital One Bowl teams match gaming skills at The Florida Mall in EA Sports’ NCAA Football 2007 video game. Fans are invited to watch as the players compete in a simulated preview of the actual bowl game. Children from Florida Hospital as well as local celebrities will also be on hand to participate in the festivities. Dec. 27, 1:00 p.m., The Florida Mall
Popcorn Flick in Winter Park
Families are invited to Central Park to watch a free screening of one of college football’s most famous and inspirational stories. “Rudy” captures the essence of college athletics as it chronicles the spirit and determination of an aspiring football player. Dec. 28, 7:00 p.m., Central Park (Winter Park)
Champs Sports Bowl
America’s fastest-growing bowl game pits top-tier teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big Ten Conference in primetime on December 29. Over 15 years old, the Champs Sports Bowl is played in the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Dec. 29, 8:00 p.m., Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.
Orlando Citrus Parade
Downtown Orlando’s most anticipated holiday event, the Orlando Citrus Parade presented by Delta Air Lines features custom citrus floats made of more than 100,000 pieces of grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines.
Impressive equestrian units, numerous marching bands from across the country, and many other entries highlight the festivities of this internationally televised parade. Dec. 30, 11:00 a.m., Downtown Orlando
Third Eye Blind Bowl-a-Palooza Concert
Immediately following the Orlando Citrus Parade, Florida Citrus Sports presents the first Bowl-a-Palooza Concert featuring Third Eye Blind. Free of charge and fun for the entire family, join FCSports as it celebrates the inaugural Bowl-a-Palooza in style with a concert in the park. Food vendors, a kids’ play zone, and many other attractions will make this event one not to be missed. Dec. 30, 1:00 p.m., Lake Eola
Capital One Bowl
America’s premier non-BCS bowl game returns to Orlando in its traditional New Year’s Day slot. Held at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, top teams from the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten Conference battle for bragging rights and gridiron superiority. Jan. 1, 1:00 p.m., Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium