College Football Is Back Players return to the field, fans return to the stands, and every game now plays a role in determining which SEC and Big Ten teams will face each other in the 41st ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa Bay on New Year's Eve. A true Tampa Bay tradition and an economic engine for the region, the bowl has played host to some of college football’s best programs, players and most respected coaches throughout its history. The ReliaQuest Bowl is considered one of the most popular postseason games. It has become a marquee matchup featuring teams from the two most accomplished conferences in college football history. Over the years, fans and supporters of the bowl have
seen highly competitive, record-setting, ESPY award-winning, and electric matchups hosted in one of Florida’s premier destinations. With another exciting college football season underway, the road to Tampa Bay has officially begun as teams across the SEC and Big Ten set their sights on successful seasons and post-season opportunities.
Inside the Lines • Fall 2026 • ReliaQuest Bowl
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Official Newsletter of the Tampa Bay Bowl Association
That journey will feature many must-watch matchups along the way. In the coming weeks Florida and Georgia will continue their historic rivalry in Atlanta, while Oklahoma will make its first-ever appearance at The Swamp. Alabama will travel to Knoxville and Baton Rouge while LSU hosts Texas A&M and Texas. The Big Ten conference brings its own array of premier matchups this season. Ohio State will travel to defending national champion Indiana for a rematch of last season’s conference championship game. Oregon will visit Ohio State in a matchup between two programs that have quickly developed a competitive Big Ten rivalry. Michigan will face six ranked opponents including conference rivals Penn State, Oregon and Ohio State in the regular-
season finale, a rivalry that always carries major significance for the conference and the postseason. With conference races, playoff spots and bowl game opportunities on the line, every week and every matchup brings teams one step closer to determining who will earn the chance to take the field in Tampa Bay. The excitement continues through the 41st ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve, with kickoff set for noon ET at Raymond James Stadium. Until then, enjoy the journey!
SEC Media Days Comes to Tampa Bay This summer, Tampa Bay took center stage in the college football world as SEC Media Days was hosted in the area for the first time. Coaches, players, and over 1,000 members of the media gathered in Tampa to discuss the upcoming season and kick off another exciting year of SEC football. The ReliaQuest Bowl was part of the excitement throughout the week, featured at the SEC Media Days FanFest and serving as a co-sponsor of the Media Party at Raymond James Stadium.
Inside the Lines • Fall 2026 • ReliaQuest Bowl
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Official Newsletter of the Tampa Bay Bowl Association
ReliaQuest Bowl Charitable Giving Initiative Continues Impact On Tampa Bay Non-Profits The Tampa Bay Bowl Association Charitable Giving Initiative continues to be an important part of the ReliaQuest Bowl’s efforts to impact the Tampa Bay region, along with generating business and promotion through both national and international exposure. The initiative surpassed 230 non-profit organizations supported, with more than $5 million in funding since it began in 2016. The ReliaQuest Bowl has been recognized three times as a One Tampa Bay Honoree for Corporate Philanthropy by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The award recognizes businesses and
nonprofit organizations that go above and beyond in giving back to the Tampa Bay community. This giving is in addition to the $190 million contributed to universities throughout the bowl’s history, as well as more than $1.3 billion in estimated economic impact for the region and millions of dollars in annual exposure. “You’re talking about tens of millions of dollars in economic impact every year, but then you’re also talking about the exposure – it’s seen in so many places, so many countries,” notes Santiago Corrada, President /CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. The bowl selects recipient organizations that assist residents in need through a diverse variety of causes, such as disadvantaged youth, the disabled, the homeless, military veterans, and more, as well as through numerous initiatives such as medical research, food banks, mental health, youth enrichment and others. “When you think of the ReliaQuest Bowl being a treasure to our community, I think of the faithfulness and dependability of what the bowl does each and every year,” notes Metropolitan Ministries former
Inside the Lines • Fall 2026 • ReliaQuest Bowl
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Official Newsletter of the Tampa Bay Bowl Association
President/ CEO, Tim Marks. “The funding from the ReliaQuest Bowl has been an absolute game-changer for our organization,” adds Freddy Williams, President / CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay. Learn more about the ReliaQuest Bowl’s Charitable Giving Initiative and the organizations it has supported online at reliaquestbowl.com.
Inside the Lines • Fall 2026 • ReliaQuest Bowl
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Official Newsletter of the Tampa Bay Bowl Association
Bowl Supporters Celebrated the Start of College Football Season at Kickoff on the Coast ReliaQuest Bowl Sponsors, Club Members and their families celebrated the end of summer and the return of college football at Kickoff on the Coast in August at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach. Guests gathered along the Gulf Coast for an evening filled with food, live music and family fun on the beach. Attendees enjoyed a buffet, an open bar and a variety of beach games and activities while connecting with fellow Bowl supporters.
The evening was capped off by a beautiful Florida sunset overlooking the Gulf. The celebration provided the perfect setting for one last summer celebration while welcoming the start of another exciting college football season. The event also marked the beginning of many activities leading up to this year’s ReliaQuest Bowl.
Welcome New Supporters New Sponsors
Kickoff on the Coast is just one of the many special events ReliaQuest Bowl VIP Club Members and Sponsors have the opportunity to attend throughout the year leading up to the big game. For more information on the ReliaQuest Bowl’s VIP Club Membership program and how you can get the best seats to the game along with invitations to other VIP events, contact Blake Guthrie at blake@reliaquestbowl.com or 813-874-2695.
New VIP Club Members (As of September 10th)
AWS Title Services LLC Benchmark International Channel 10 Tampa Bay Declare No More Foundation GTE Financial Holiday Inn Westshore Inside the Lines • Fall 2026 • ReliaQuest Bowl
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IBS Lighting Naples Hotel Group National Pediatric Cancer Foundation O’Malley Family Optiri Optum Dental Arts Pennoni
Official Newsletter of the Tampa Bay Bowl Association
MARCH 13
RELIAQUEST BOWL CELEBRATION RECEPTION PRESENTED BY STORM SHIELDER
A reception for bowl sponsors and Club Members to celebrate the success of the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl.
AUGUST 15
RELIAQUEST BOWL KICKOFF ON THE COAST
ReliaQuest Bowl supporters celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of college football season with a family outing on the beach at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Guests are treated to a cookout, live music and fun beach activities capped off with a Florida sunset. (invitation only)
DECEMBER 27
SPOUSES WELCOME
Spouses of both teams’ coaching staff will enjoy a special luncheon at Casa Cami. (Private event)
PLAYERS HOSPITAL VISIT Players from both teams will brighten the day for children at Tampa General Hospital (no fans please).
DECEMBER 28
BUSCH GARDENS TEAM OUTING**
Both teams and their fans will enjoy the unique blend of thrilling rides, live shows and animal exhibits. Admission tickets are available at BuschGardens.com or at the front gate.
DECEMBER 30
RELIAQUEST BOWL PARADE & PEP RALLY PRESENTED BY THE MOSAIC COMPANY**
Eclectic Ybor City is the site of this festive celebration featuring the ReliaQuest Bowl Parade and a pep rally with the college marching bands and cheerleaders. The parade will also include floats, high school marching bands from around the country, along with the two college bands! This free family event is sponsored by the City of Tampa, Ybor City, Mix 100.7, US 103.5 and 98Rock Radio. Be there early - the parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs along 7th Avenue.
OCTOBER 22
RELIAQUEST BOWL HUDDLE AT SPLITSVILLE PRESENTED BY JOHNSON POPE
ReliaQuest Bowl welcomes supporters with a festive evening at Splitsville in the Sparkman Wharf entertainment complex in downtown Tampa sponsored by Johnson Pope. (Invitation only)
DECEMBER 29
CLEARWATER BEACH DAY PRESENTED BY VISIT ST PETE - CLEARWATER**
Join the school marching bands and cheerleaders as they enjoy the sun and beaches at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. Enjoy this fun day which will also feature marching band performances, a cheerleader tug-of-war and fan competitions from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the Hilton, City of Clearwater, Allegiant, St. Pete Clearwater International Airport, 93.3FLZ, 970WFLA and 620 WDAE Radio. (Arrive early to avoid traffic)
DECEMBER 31
PREGAME BOWL BASH SPONSORED BY TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA**
Bowl fans can warm-up for the big game with live music, displays and a pep rally. Food & refreshments will be available for purchase. The fun begins at 9:00 a.m. on the south plaza outside the stadium along Tampa Bay Blvd., so come out early.
DECEMBER 10
LMCU CONTRACT SIGNING PARTY
Bowl supporters will celebrate the announcement of our teams and welcome the participating college head coaches to the Tampa Bay area. The party will be held in the East Club Lounge of Raymond James Stadium. (By invitation only)
DECEMBER 26
TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL PREGAME SHOW**
DECEMBER 29
TAMPALAW GRIDIRON GALA
This is a prestigious evening event for bowl sponsors, VIPs and college administrators at the Marriott Water Street (by invitation only).
TEAM WELCOMES
Bowl officials and media will greet the participating teams as they arrive at the team hotels.
** (indicates event open to general public all others are invitation-only) Note: All events, locations, dates and times are subject to change.
DECEMBER 30
BATTLE OF THE BANDS AT BUSCH GARDENS**
Join the two college marching bands at Busch Gardens as they square off for a special “Battle of the Bands” performance. Admission to the park is required. Time TBD.
Official Game Sponsors
Enjoy a colorful pregame show featuring the pageantry of high school and college bands, along with numerous special activities, including a flyover. The show is a popular ReliaQuest Bowl tradition you won’t want to miss, which begins at 11:20 a.m.
RELIAQUEST BOWL 2026** The ReliaQuest Bowl features a matchup between two of college football’s best teams from the SEC and Big Ten Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. (Gates open at 10:30 a.m.).
RELIAQUEST HALFTIME SHOW Wait until you see this colorful show featuring more than 2,000 performers!