Asweetdeal awaits Mountaineer fans who stop by Tamarack on their way to Atlanta for the Jan. 2 Nokia Sugar Bowl match-up between West Virginia University and the University of Georgia.

The popular tourist attraction near Beckley, with help from WVU and The Register Herald of Beckley, will become aSweet Spotrest stop for bowl-bound motorists with visions of victory dancing in their heads.

Fans who stop can help themselves to free refreshments, discounts on gold-and-blue merchandise, Register Herald window banners, such WVU giveaways as the Flying WV face tattoos and stick-on logos, cinch sacks and perhaps somethingsweetfor those Sugar Bowl taste buds.

Hours of operation at Tamarack during these days are: Dec. 30, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Jan.1, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Mountaineer fans will remember that The Register Herald, WVU and Tamarack also teamed in the past to offer a �€~Pit Stophere in conjunction with the Continental Tire Bowl and other activities associated with past Gator Bowls,said Chuck Jessup of The Beckley Register Herald.Its just a way to say good luck to the home state team and a way to reward fans for their loyalty and support.

Upon arrival in Atlanta, fans are encouraged to stop by the popular Mountaineer Fan Center, sponsored by WVU s Office of Institutional Advancement, Sunday and Monday, Jan. 1-2, in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Imperial Ballroom in downtown Atlanta.

The Fan Center will operate from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 1 and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 2, game day. Admittance is free, and all Mountaineer fans are welcome.

Mountaineer faithful should also plan to stop by the Marriott Marquis Saturday, Dec. 31, from 4-6 p.m. for a pre-Sugar Bowl Mardi Gras Parade sendoff. A premiere giveawaylight-up pom-pomswill be provided courtesy of WVU , while supplies last. The Sugar Bowl parade begins at 7 p.m