News and Updates

Sunday, Dec. 19, 2011

Mario Cristobal, FIU Head Coach
“This trip has been such a great first-class experience.  It’s hard to believe it’s time to play the game.  We haven’t played in three weeks, so in our final walk-through we’ll be making sure we are organized and haven’t let anything slip.”

Doc Holliday, Marshall Head Coach
“There isn’t any question after watching FIU play against Louisville and Central Florida that they are an extremely talented team.  Our kids understand that and are very excited for this outstanding opportunity.”

KICKOFF LUNCHEON at Renaissance Vinoy Resort:
The annual Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl kickoff luncheon, featuring FIU head coach Mario Cristobal, Marshall head coach Doc Holliday and keynote speaker Vince Papale was held on Monday afternoon at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in downtown St. Petersburg.  Papale, who was the subject of the blockbuster Disney movie, “Invincible,” the stirring football drama starring Mark Wahlberg as Papale, shared his motivational story with coaches, student-athletes, athletics staff, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl staff, sponsors, community leaders and fans at the luncheon. Papale’s speech provided tremendous motivation for all in attendance. At the conclusion of his speech, he received a standing ovation. Two former Tampa Bay Buccaneer players participated in the luncheon, including former quarterback Shaun King, who served as emcee and former Pro Bowl Mike Alstott, who is serving as the game’s Honorary Chairman.

Vince Papale, Keynote Speaker
“I took away a lot of energy and passion from the kids on FIU and Marshall.  To get a chance to hang out with Mike Alstott was also pretty cool.  I sat next to Doc Holliday and I can tell you the coaches are already in game mode. They have their game faces on.”

Mario Cristobal, FIU Head Coach
“Vince (Papale) delivered a great message for our team as well as everyone else at the luncheon.  I think everyone (on our team) raised their hand when he asked if anyone had seen his movie (Invincible).  He has a very inspirational story.  We can relate to his story in the fact that we are only playing in only our sixth year of (FBS) football.”

BATTLE OF THE BANDS at TradeWinds Island Resort
Fans, bands, cheerleaders and team mascots in beach attire joined for an afternoon full of fun and festivities, including a beach cook out, tug‐o-­war, flag football, boxing ring, and more on beautiful St. Pete Beach. The event is free to the public.

Contest Winners:
Battle of the Bands Competition: FIU
Wing Eating Contest: FIU
Tug-O-War: FIU

5K Run / Walk benefits The Mike Alstott Family Foundation and Athletes for Hearts, Inc.
Runners competed Monday evening in a 5K race that began at Tropicana Field and finished at the popular sports bar Ferg’s in downtown St. Petersburg. The proceeds from the race and silent auction, held after the race, went to Athletes for Hearts, Inc. and the Mike Alstott Family Foundation.

UP NEXT
What’s Happening — on Tuesday, Dec. 20
Game Day
Weather Forecast:
Hi:  74 degrees
Lo:  65 degrees
Mostly Sunny

Weather Forecast – IN DOME:
Hi:  72 degrees
Lo:  72 degrees
Clear

FAN TAILGATE EXTRAVAGANZA
Fans are encouraged to attend in their game day attire and enjoy the fun at our gameday interactive area with entertainment for fan of all ages at The Fan Tailgate Extravaganza on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Tropicana Field, Lot 7A from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Food and beverage will be available for purchase.  The event is free to the public.

GAME DAY DETAILS
2011 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg, Tropicana Field
Stadium Ticket Office opens at 9:00 a.m.
Parking Lots open at 2:00 p.m.
Will Call opens at 4:00 p.m.
Stadium Gates open at 6:00 p.m.