Florida: The Sunshine State of Bowl Games (and Maybe a Little Melanoma)
Hey college football fanatics! It's that time of year again – well, not quite. But for those of us who live and breathe pigskin, the upcoming season is never far from our minds. And what better way to fuel the hype machine than by talking about bowl games? Especially when it comes to the undisputed king of bowl game destinations: Florida!
That's right, folks, Florida isn't just about theme parks and questionable spring break shenanigans. It's also a haven for postseason college football glory. We're talking about eight, yes eight, bowl games that light up the Sunshine State every December and January.
| How Many Bowl Games Are In Florida |
From Citrus to Gasparilla: A Bowl Game Buffet
- Craving a Cheesy Victory? Head over to Orlando for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where the only thing sharper than the cheddar is the competition.
- Feeling Fancy? The Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami offers a sophisticated atmosphere (and maybe a celebrity sighting or two).
- Want a Pirate Party with your Pigskin? Ahoy mateys! Set sail for the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa, where the only thing shiver-inducing (besides the defense) will be the January breeze.
These are just a taste of the gridiron delights Florida has to offer. We've got the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl of Champions (yes, that's a real name) in Boca Raton, and even the Bahamas Bowl in Orlando, because who wouldn't want a post-win beach trip?
So Many Bowls, So Little Time (and Liver)
With eight bowl games happening simultaneously, you might be wondering: how can a devoted fan possibly keep track of it all? Well, fear not, friend! Here are some pro tips (disclaimer: responsible consumption of adult beverages is highly encouraged):
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
- Pick your favorites: Eight games is a lot. Focus on the conferences or teams you care about most.
- Embrace the channel surfing:
- There's a reason they invented DVRs, folks. Record multiple games and flip back and forth like a maniac.
- Just don't blame us if you get whiplash.
- Befriend a sports bar with a ton of TVs: This is the ultimate spectator sport move. Plus, there's usually questionable food and questionable karaoke, which adds to the festive atmosphere.
Remember, pacing is key! You don't want to miss that game-winning touchdown because you're passed out on a pile of nachos.
FAQ: Your Florida Bowl Game Survival Guide
How to choose which Florida bowl games to watch?
Follow your heart (and your favorite teams)! But don't be afraid to explore some unfamiliar matchups. You might discover a new college football obsession.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
How to survive a day of back-to-back bowl games?
Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. Also, comfortable pants are a must.
How to impress your friends with your Florida bowl game knowledge?
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Drop a fun fact! Did you know the Gasparilla Bowl trophy is shaped like a pirate ship?
How to (safely) celebrate a bowl game win (or mourn a loss)?
High fives for victories, commiseration beers for defeats. Just remember, there's always next season!
Tip: Write down what you learned.
How to avoid sunburn while cheering on your team in Florida?
Sunscreen. Reapply liberally. A hat wouldn't hurt either. Trust us, your future self will thank you.