As Mountaineer families continue to purchase tickets to the Jan. 1 Toyota Gator Bowl match-up with Florida State, West Virginia University officials have announced official fan activities will take place Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 in Jacksonville.
The popular Mountaineer Fan Center, sponsored by WVU , will offer an exciting new experience this year as a result of an innovative Gator Bowl activity called Fan Fest, according to officials.
Fan Fest is something new to the Gator Bowl this year,said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Chris Martin.Its designed to be a festive, family-oriented atmosphere.
Martin said Fan Fest would include a number of interactive games, such as the Red Zone Challenge and You Call the Play, as well as physical challenges like a Fourth and Goal Bungee Run and Gator Bowl Obstacle Course.
WVU s Fan CenterdubbedWhere Mountaineers Meetwill fit nicely within this format, Martin noted, and will feature exclusive WVU giveaways such as Mountaineer wristbands to all guests, the popular AMountaineer Spin @ game show, Foto-Fun in Mountaineer garb, a viewing area for video highlights, a PRT car and simulated ride, a meet and greet with former Mountaineer players and celebrities, and much more.
All activities will take place in the entertainment zone at Alltel Stadiums Practice Facility from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, and from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1. The stadium is in d owntown Jacksonville, near the St. John’s River.
In the past, fans have been used to the University hosting our Fan Center at one of the area hotels, but because the bowl is offering such an extensive package of family-friendly activities, it seemed a natural to tie the activities together,Martin said.
In addition to free wristbands and other exclusive WVU giveaways, the first 3,000 visitors to the Fan Center will receive free t-shirts compressed into the formation of the Flying WV.
Fans can also sign message banners to the team there and enjoy drop-in visits by the cheerleaders and Mountaineer throughout the two days.
Where Mountaineers Meetis sponsored by the WVU Office of Institutional Advancement and corporate friends Coca-Cola and United Bank.
Admission to Fan Fest requiresThe Patch,the official emblem of the Toyota Gator Bowl. The patch costs $10 and in addition to serving as a souvenir from the game, entitles the bearer to discounts at selected Jacksonville gathering spots such as restaurants, bars and shops from Dec. 26-Jan. 1. Fans can purchaseThe Patchby calling the WVU Alumni Association at 1-866-WVU-ALUM or by visiting www.gatorbowl.com. In addition,”The Patch”can also be purchased at various locations in Jacksonville.
After dropping by the Fan Center on Friday, WVU fans are also encouraged to participate in the New Years Eve pep rally at 1:30 p.m.just next door to Fan Fest. Gold and blue balloons will be handed out to guests as they make their way to the staging area to support the team, coaches, band, cheerleaders and mascot.
Following the pep rally at 3 p.m., the Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade will get set to roll through downtown Jacksonville. The”60 Years-A Super Tradition”themed parade will feature colorful floats, high school bands, university bands, includingThe Pride of West VirginiaMountaineer Marching Band, giant helium balloons and entertaining specialty units.
MSN s popularMountaineer Magazinetelevision showwith co-hosts Tony Caridi and Laura Bakeris also expected to be broadcast from the Fan Center on Friday afternoon.
At midnight, fans should watch the Jacksonville skyline for a fabulous fireworks display.
On game day, Jan. 1, drop by the Fan Center for more exclusive giveaways, while supplies last. In addition, free gold thunder sticks will be on the seats of WVU fans inside Alltel Stadium. Fans are encouraged, as always, to cloak themselves in gold for the best visual effect.
For travel arrangements, fans can still call National Travel to be a part of official Alumni Association air or land travel packages: 304-357-0800 ( Charleston); 304-736-0625 ( Huntington); or 304-598-0160 ( Morgantown).
For other accommodations in Jacksonville, contact the Jacksonville Convention and Visitors Bureau, 904-475-0270, orhttp://www.visitjacksonville.com/
“WVU’s match-up in the Toyota Gator Bowl against Florida State University and former Mountaineer Coach Bobby Bowden should be a terrific game between two strong programs,”said WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. A The two schools, with identical records of 8-3 and second place finishes in their respective conference, should match up well.
WVU received approximately 15,000 tickets to the game, priced at $40. Fans are urged to call 1-800-WVU-GAME to place orders, or stop by the ticket office at the Coliseum Monday-Friday. Tickets can also be purchased on-line at www.wvugame.com.
Fans unable to attend the game can assist the Mountaineers bowl effort by purchasing tickets to be donated to military personnel. All tickets purchased through this special effort will be donated and distributed to those stationed on the USS West Virginia and the USS JFK .
For more information on WVU s Gator Bowl activities, go to:http://www.wvu.edu/BowlGameor call 1-888-988-2269.
Further information regarding the 60 th annual Toyota Gator Bowl can be obtained online athttp://www.gatorbowl.com
WVU Alumni Association and Mountaineer Team headquarters will be at Sawgrass Marriott Resort; the Mountaineer Marching Band will stay at the Holiday Inn on the beach.