TECO Energy Parade Kicks Off New Year's Eve Celebration

Tampa, FL -- The Outback Bowl's annual parade and pep rally will kick off New Year's Eve celebrations in historic Ybor City this year as tens of thousands of fans get ready for the major college football game on January 1.

The popular event again features the TECO Energy Parade, featuring floats, a record twenty-eight high school marching bands from throughout the country, along with the University of Michigan and University of Florida marching bands. Seventh avenue will be closed-down for the parade, which begins at 5:30 P.M. and will travel west on 7th Ave. from 20th St. to 14th St..

Following the parade the two college bands and the Wolverine and Gator cheerleaders will entertain fans at a Pep Rally at the northeast corner of 14th St. and 7th Ave.. 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 Centro Ybor entertainment complex.

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