Tampa, November 8, 2018– Originally named the Hall of Fame Bowl, the Outback Bowl plucks from the Southeastern (SEC) and Big 10 (B1G) Conferences to produce a matchup with some of the biggest names in collegiate football. This telecasted event kicks off at noon and the selected teams faceoff in Raymond James Stadium for all Tampa fans to gaze upon. Here’s a BCP insider on the history behind this particular Bowl game still going strong for over three decades, and the direct effect it has on the Bay area community.
For each of the past 32 years the Outback Bowl has made a positive impact on the Tampa Bay region and college football. Over its history the 501 (c)3 organization has contributed $143 million to universities and generated an estimated $1 Billion in economic impact for the Tampa Bay area.
The Outback Bowl also generates millions of dollars in national and international exposure for the region each year and in just the last two years has donated $500,000 to dozens of local charities. In fact, the biggest winner each year is the Tampa Bay community. Per outbackbowl.com
“Football in Paradise”
As you may of already figure out, the first Bowl game in Tampa was held in 1986, the day before Christmas eve on December 23rd in which Boston College edged out the Georgia Bulldogs 27-24. It wasn’t until 1990 that the second SEC vs Big 10 showdown took place on January 1st– all Bowl games were played on the 2nd in attempt to avoid the NFL games on Sunday the previous three years.
In a record 68,085 fan attendance at Ray Jay, 9th ranked Auburn Pummeled No. 21 Ohio State 31-14 on the first New Year’s Day matchup (1990). The most recent dual last 2018 season included the South Carolina Gamecocks roughing up on the Michigan Wolverines 26-19. Shattering a 16-point second half deficit, SC scored 10 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to come out on top over the mighty Blue.
Overall, the Bay area here in the sunshine state of Florida have embraced this communal and historic CFB event for 33 consecutive seasons now and will do so for years to come. thanks to the crowd and mutual benefits!
Vaughan Sixbury, BCP Contributor