New Year’s Day means football! There are five big college bowl games on New Year’s Day, and for the fans lucky enough to attend the bowls in person, it’s not just about the game – there are lots of other pre-game festivities to enjoy.
Tickets are still available for most of these bowl games, so there’s still time to plan a getaway to one of these warm, sunny game locations for some football and fun.
The New Year’s Day Bowl Games
Outback Bowl (Noon ET – Iowa vs Mississippi State) – The Outback Bowl is played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. There are several opportunities for fans to enjoy the Tampa area sights alongside the players during the days leading up to the game, including Team Night at Tampa Bay Lighting hockey, Players Night at Splitsville, and team outings at Busch Gardens. On the 30th, both teams join fans for Clearwater Beach Day with live music, skydivers, a tug-of-war, and more. There’s a New Year’s Eve parade in Ybor City on the evening before the game, and a Pregame Bowl Bash at the stadium on game day. Outback Bowl hotels.
Citrus Bowl (1:00 pm ET – Kentucky vs Penn State) – The Citrus Bowl is played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando Citrus Parade is held on Saturday, December 29th in downtown Orlando. Fans can enjoy pre-game festivities at the Citrus Bowl Fan Fest, which takes place at Tinker Field, next to Camping World Stadium, from 9:00 a.m. until game time. Citrus Bowl hotels.
Fiesta Bowl (1:00 pm ET – LSU vs USF) – The Playstation Fiesta Bowl is held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Fiesta Bowl Parade is held on Saturday, December 29th along N. Central Avenue and W. Montebello Avenue in Central Phoenix. The Playstation Fiesta Bowl Fan Fest, with pep rallies, marching band performances, interactive games, food and beverages, happens on the Great Lawn at State Farm Stadium on game day, beginning at 7:30 a.m.. Fiesta Bowl hotels.
Rose Bowl (5:00 pm ET – Ohio State vs Washington) – The granddaddy of college bowl games. Part of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the game is played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The famous Rose Parade is held New Year’s Day morning in downtown Pasadena. Interesting Fact: Did you know that Colorado Boulevard, which is the main part of the parade route is part of Historic Route 66? See Rose Bowl hotels and Rose Parade hotels.
Sugar Bowl (8:45 pm ET – Georgia vs Texas) – The Allstate Sugar Bowl takes place at the iconic Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Allstate Fan Fest is held at Jackson Square on New Year’s Eve and includes Pep Rallies, a Mardi Gras Parade, and free New Year’s Eve entertainment. The Sugar Bowl Fan Jam, with food, interactive games, and entertainment, takes place in Champions Square, adjacent to the Superdome, for the three hours prior to the game. Sugar Bowl hotels.