Alastair Baines, Matt DePasquale ’07, Michele Engle ’88, Ali Shahnami ’81 ’...
On Thursday, Dec. 23, our Knights take on the University of Florida Gators in the sold-out Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa.
We know UCF fans will show up and show out. That's why we asked our local alumni group, the Tampa Bay UCF Alumni Chapter, for their best recommendations for Knights making the trip!
Things To Do
We've got your pre-game plans covered with three events for alumni and friends!
Wednesday, Dec. 22 | UCF Men's Basketball Watch Party
Ducky's, 6 p.m.
Join us on the eve of the bowl game to cheer on our Men's Basketball team as they take on the North Alabama Lions! All Knights fans are welcome. Ducky's is the official Tampa Bay Watch Party location, so Knights fans can look forward to drink specials like the Citronaut and Knightro Drink, $15 Bud Light Buckets, $18 Corona/Corona Light Buckets, and $20 High Noon Flavors.
Register for the Watch Party to be entered to win two tickets to the sold-out ChargeOnTailgate. Winners must be present to win and must be attending the Gasparilla Bowl game. We will select winners at the end of halftime.
Thursday, Dec. 23 | Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful-Riverwalk Cleanup
Meet at Armature Works, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Meet the Tampa Bay UCF Alumni Chapter at Armature Works to check in and get your supplies to clean up the Riverwalk. We'll provide gloves and trash bags. This is a family friendly event, so bring the whole crew! After beautifying Tampa Bay, we'll head back to Armature Works to grab some lunch.
Register for the Riverwalk Cleanup here.
Thursday, Dec. 23 | Pre-game Tailgate (SOLD OUT)
Raymond James Stadium-Hyundai Club, 4-6:30 p.m.
Your tailgate ticket includes early access to the stadium, a commemorative lanyard card, unlimited buffet access, soft and mixed drinks, beer, wine, a photobooth and more!
For the rest of your time in Tampa, our local alumni recommend the following activities:
- Enjoy coffee, cocktails and food from 15+ top Bay Area chefs at Armature Works
- Get into the holiday spirit at Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
- Check out retail, dining and entertainment options at Sparkman Wharf or Midtown
- Golf indoors, play games, and enjoy the beer and wine bar at Par Pub (We recommend booking online!)
- Visit Busch Gardens Christmas Town for some family fun
Best Food and Drinks
We know that #UCFood game is strong, so our local alumni have shared the best food in the area for Knights to enjoy:
AlumKnight Owned: Pacific Counter, The Black Pearl, V9 Eats, The Stone Soup Company
Waterfront Dining: Salt Shack, Ulele, Hula Bay Club, Oystercatchers
More Bay Area Favorites: On Swann, Columbia Restaurant, Noble Crust, Miguel's Mexican Seafood & Grill, Goody Goody Burgers
Drinks: M. Bird, The Blind Goat, Pete's Place South (karaoke dive), The Canopy at the Birchwood (upscale rooftop), Cigar City Brewing
Breakfast: Oxford Exchange, Daily Eats, Datz, Graze
Places to Stay
Our friends from the Gasparilla Bowl recommend the following official bowl hotels in Tampa:
We hope this helps as you plan your travels to cheer on our Knights! We look forward to seeing you in Tampa.
Go Knights, Charge On!
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