Tampa, Fla. (December 18, 2019) - Today, EventFest, Inc. and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla proudly announced its newest partnership between the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest and the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl. Two brands synonymous with entertainment, excitement and historic Tampa moments are now joined together. With the December 23 matchup on the horizon, the multi-year partnership sets the calendar for the Gasparilla Bowl to serve as the official launch for Tampa’s Gasparilla season.   “When forming our partnership with the Gasparilla Bowl, we knew that they shared a vision of providing fans and guests with an unforgettable Tampa experience,” said Darrell Stefany, President of EventFest. “We’re excited for one of the first games of bowl season to also signal the start of an incredible series of Gasparilla events for our community.”   “At the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl, we believe that truly great events do more than entertain. They unite a community,” said Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl Executive Director, Scott Glaser. “We’re proud to partner with the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest, a Tampa Bay institution that shares our passionate commitment for community and celebrates the warmth and hospitality for which our city is beloved.”   Since 1904, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla has proudly presented Tampa’s historic Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates. The 2020 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest begins on Saturday, January 25, with the Gasparilla Invasion. Hundreds of pirates aboard the Jose Gasparilla will sail to the Tampa Convention Center’s Invasion Brunch at 1 p.m. Upon surrender of the key to the city by Mayor Jane Castor, the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will begin at 2 p.m. Each year, Gasparilla Pirate Fest welcomes 153 Krewes and community partners as they travel down Bayshore Boulevard to the delight of more than 300,000 guests in attendance.   Ticket packages are available for the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest and the 2020 Gasparilla Invasion Brunch. To purchase, visit GasparillaTreasures.com. You can also follow the Gasparilla revelry on social media (@GasparillaTampa).   Now in its 12th year, the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl is owned-and-operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN. The game hosts top tier teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), American Athletic Conference (AAC), and Conference USA (C-USA). Beginning in 2020, the Bowl has agreements that will incorporate the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the American Athletic Conference.   On Monday, December 23, the UCF Knights (AAC) and Marshall Thundering Herd (C-USA) will face off at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the 2019 Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl start at only $25. As part of the partnership, the Gasparilla Bowl has announced discounted tickets and group seating available exclusively to local Krewe members.