Outback Bowl's "Ybor Blast" to Ring in Millennium

Tampa, FL -- Outback Bowl officials are busy finalizing plans for their popular New Year's Eve Festival in Ybor City this year as a warmup to the major college football game on January 1. The "YBOR BOWL BLAST" attracts tens-of-thousands of out-of-town fans and local residents each year. Of course, this years event will be special as it will help ring in the new millennium.

The bowl event kicks-off New Year's Eve with the TECO Energy Parade which includes professional quality floats and 16 high school marching bands, along with the participating college marching bands. Seventh avenue will be closed-down for the parade, which will travel west on 7th Ave. from 20th St. to 13th St. beginning at 5:30 p.m..

Following the parade the two college bands and their cheerleaders will entertain fans at a pep rally located at 13th St. and 7th Ave.. The event wraps-up with a 15-minute fireworks show at approximately 8:15 p.m.. Admission is free for Outback Bowl New Year's Eve festivities.

Spectators can stay around for "Y-2-KBor", the big guava's answer to Times Square. Y-2-Kbor will feature multimedia entertainment including a spectacular laser light show at midnight throughout Ybor City. Y-2-Kbor is being produced by Clear Channel Broadcasting, The City of Tampa, ABC 28 WFTS TV, Pepin Distributing and The Tampa Tribune, in cooperation with the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce.

A special Y-2-KBor pass is available that provides free admission and front-of-line privileges to six nightclubs: Harpos, Bar Tampa, Masquerade, Fly Trap, Elmers and Club Hedo. Y-2-Kbor Passes are sold for $50 through Ticketmaster outlets and at 813-287-8844.

The Outback Bowl festival is sponsored by TECO Energy Inc., Allied Domecq Spirits, Budweiser, 93.3 FLZ Radio, Newsradio 970 WFLA, City of Tampa and Ybor City.