Outback Bowl TECO Energy Parade Boasts Record Number of Bands

Tampa, FL -- Outback Bowl officials have announced a record thirty-two marching bands for their popular New Year's Eve event 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 for a parade, pep rally and fireworks show.

The evening kicks-off at 5:30 p.m. with the TECO Energy Parade featuring floats and 30 high school marching bands, along with the two participating college marching bands. Seventh avenue will be closed-down for the parade, which will travel west on 7th Avenue from 20th Street to 13th Street.

Following the parade the two college bands and their cheerleaders will entertain fans at a Pep Rally at the southwest corner of 13th Street and 7th Avenue. The event wraps-up with a spectacular fireworks show at approximately 8:15 p.m.. Admission is free for Outback Bowl New Year's Eve festivities.

Following the fireworks spectators can take in the many restaurants and night clubs of Ybor City and the new Centro Ybor entertainment complex.

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