2008-09 Outback Bowl Schedule of Events

JUNE 7

SUNTRUST SUMMER SPLASH A special weekend for Outback Bowl sponsors and club members at Saddlebrook Resort. The outing includes a tennis tournament, golf tournament, banquet and plenty of time by the pool. To find out how you can qualify for an invitation, contact the bowl at (813) 874-2695 or by email at info@outbackbowl.com. (Invitation Only)

SEPTEMBER 4

OUTBACK BOWL HUDDLE AT GAMEWORKS Summer's over and college football is back as the Outback Bowl kicked off its fall event calendar with a festive evening at GameWorks in Ybor City. (Invitation Only)

OCTOBER TBA

DELOITTE KICKOFF LUNCHEON About 800 Bowl guests will celebrate the 2008 college football season with a special luncheon at A La Carte Pavillion. An ESPN celebrity will be the special guest speaker at this popular annual event featuring food from Outback Steakhouse. This is an invitation only event. (Invitation Only)

NOVEMBER 6

TRANE FEAST ON THE FIFTY Sponsors and Club Members of the bowl will feast on barbecue and enjoy fun and games on the field of Raymond James Stadium. The night is capped off with a private fireworks show. (Invitation Only)

DECEMBER TBA

BUSCH GARDENS TEAM OUTING Both teams and their fans will enjoy the attractions and festivities at the world-famous Busch Gardens theme park during bowl week. Admission tickets for the general public are available at the gate.

DECEMBER TBA

TEAM NIGHT AT TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING Both teams will be hosted by the 2004-05 NHL Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning for a game at the St Petersburg Times Forum in downtown Tampa. For additional information or to order your tickets, please call Michael Ceccarelli at 813.301.6892 or e-mail him at mceccarelli@sptimesforum.com

DECEMBER 11

JIM WALTER HOMES CONTRACT SIGNING PARTY Jim Walter Homes and bowl supporters will welcome the participating college head coaches and athletic directors to the Tampa Bay area for the first time. The party will be held in the Club Lounge of Raymond James Stadium. (Invitation Only)

DECEMBER 26

TEAM WELCOME CEREMONY & OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE TEAM DINNER Bowl VIP's, city officials, and media greet the participating teams as they enjoy a private welcome dinner from Outback Steakhouse at the Tampa Convention Center. (Invitation Only)

DECEMBER 27

PLAYERS HOSPITAL VISIT Players and coaches from both teams will bring some cheer to children at the St Joseph Childrens Hospital in Tampa. (No fans please) (Invitation Only)

DECEMBER 29

DEBARTOLO TEAM LUNCHEON This 1,400 person luncheon features both team's official travel parties and bowl club Members and Sponsors. The Tampa Convention in Downtown Tampa will host the event sponsored by DeBartolo. (Invitation Only)

DECEMBER 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 6:00 - 8:00; Doors open to the public at 8:00 P.M.

DECEMBER 30

FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES BREAKFAST This breakfast 7:00 A.M. held during Bowl Week is open to the public and attended by some players and coaches. Call the FCA at (813) 504-4834 to purchase tickets.

DECEMBER 30

OUTBACK BOWL BEACH DAY Join the teams, their marching bands and cheerleaders as they enjoy the sun and beaches at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. The Hilton, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater, 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 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 30

METLIFE / MERCEDES BENZ PRESIDENTS' RECEPTION MetLife and Mercedes Benz host this prestigious evening for bowl VIP's and the college presidents and administrators at the A La Carte Pavilion. Carrabba's Italian Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, A La Carte Catering, Outback Catering, Bonefish & Outback Steakhouse will be providing their food at the event. (Invitation Only)

DECEMBER 31

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARADE & BAND BLAST Eclectic Ybor City is the site of this festive celebration featuring the New Year's Eve Parade and a pep rally by the college marching bands and cheerleaders. The parade will feature floats and twenty 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. Please note: no coolers, glass containers or open alcohol allowed on streets.

DECEMBER 31

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

JANUARY 1

MERCEDES BENZ CORPORATE TENT VILLAGE More than 5,000 Bowl sponsors and VIP's will enjoy a festive pregame warmup at the Outback Bowl Corporate Tent Village with a private brunch, entertainment and games across the street from Raymond James Stadium. (Invitation Only)

JANUARY 1

PREGAME BOWL BASH Bowl fans can warmup for the big game outside the stadium with live music and a pep rally, sponsored by Bright House Network, The Tampa Tribune and US 103.5 FM. Food & refreshments will be available for purchase. The fun begins at 8:00 a.m.on the south plaza between gates C & D, so come out early. (Location subject to change)

JANUARY 1

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. Marine Corps flyover and skydivers delivering the game ball. A popular Outback Bowl tradition you won't want to miss. Show time begins at 10:15 a.m.

JANUARY 1

OUTBACK BOWL 2009 The 23rd Annual Outback Bowl matches two of college football's best teams from the SEC and Big Ten Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. (Gates open 9:30 a.m.).Raymond James Halftime ShowWait until you see this colorful show featuring more than 4,000 performers!

Note - All events, dates and times are subject to change.