2026 ReliaQuest Bowl Schedule of Events
All dates and times are subject to change.
March 4th - CELEBRATION RECEPTION Sponsored By STORM SHIELDER
Bowl partners gather for a festive celebration and recap of the 40th Anniversary game as officials thank our many sponsors, VIP members and committee supporters. The reception is sponsored by Storm Shielder.
(Invitation Only)
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September TBD - HAPPY HOUR HUDDLE Presented By Johnson
Pope
College football is back as the ReliaQuest Bowl celebrates with a festive evening for more than 500 supporters at Splitsville located at the Sparkman Wharf complex. This event presented by Johnson Pope is for VIP Club Members and Sponsors by invitation only.
(Invitation Only)
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December 10th - LMCU CONTRACT SIGNING PARTY
More than 600 Bowl supporters welcome the Head Coaches to the Tampa Bay area a few days after the team announcement. The party is sponsored by LMCU and held in the West Club Lounge of Raymond James Stadium.
(Invitation Only)
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December 26th - TEAM ARRIVALS
Bowl staff, city officials, and media greet the participating teams as they arrive at their team hotels.
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December 27th - SPOUSES WELCOME
Spouses from both team coaching staffs and school administrators enjoy a special brunch at Casa Cami rooftop restaurant hosted by the Bowl.
(Invitation Only)
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December 27th - TEAM HOSPITAL VISIT
Players from both teams bring some cheer to children at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa.
(Invitation Only)
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December 28th - BUSCH GARDENS TEAM OUTING
Both teams and their fans enjoy the attractions and festivities at the world-famous Busch Gardens theme park during bowl week. Admission tickets for the general public are available at the gate or online at https://buschgardens.com/tampa/ .
Date is Tentative.
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December 29th - CLEARWATER BEACH DAY Presented by Visit St
Pete - Clearwater
Join the teams, their marching bands and cheerleaders as they enjoy the sun and beaches at the Hilton Clearwater Beach next to Pier 60. This fun day includes performances by the marching bands and cheerleaders, fun fan competitions a cheerleader tug-of-war and more from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by Visit St Pete - Clearwater, the Hilton Clearwater Beach, The City of Clearwater, Allegiant, St Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, 93.3FLZ, 970WFLA and 620WDAE Radio.
After Beach Day stick around for Sunsets at Pier 60 featuring artisans, music and more while you watch the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico.
Click here for parking options
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December 29th - TAMPALAW GRIDIRON GALA
This prestigious evening is the holiday event of the year for bowl and school VIPs at the Marriott Water Street Hotel in downtown Tampa. The event is sponsored by TAMPALAW and features food stations, dessert room and even a cigar bar. Guests can also join us at Jackson's Bistro for an "After Party." See our gallery for photos from most recent year. (invitation only)
(Invitation Only)
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December 30th - BATTLE OF THE BANDS AT BUSCH GARDENS
Join the college marching bands at Busch Gardens as they square-off for a special "Battle of the Bands" performance. Admission to park required. Performance at Gwazi Park. Date is Tentative. Time TBD.
December 30th - PARADE & PEP RALLY
Tampa's historic Ybor City Latin District is host of the popular ReliaQuest Bowl Parade & Pep Rally. Fans will enjoy High School Marching Bands from across the country along with floats and the participating college bands and cheerleaders as they march down 7th avenue. Stay for the Pep Rally at the end of the parade route in front of Centro Ybor then stop by the many restaurants and night spots throughout Ybor and Downtown Tampa. The Parade steps off at 5:30 p.m.
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December 31st - PREGAME BOWL BASH Presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka
Bowl fans can warm-up for the big game outside the stadium starting at 9:00 AM with live music on stage, entertainers, interactive games and appearances by the college bands & cheerleaders. Features various displays from Tampa Bay Lightning, the U.S. Air Force , Busch Gardens and more. Food & refreshments will be available for purchase. On the south plaza between gates C & D and on Tampa Bay Blvd..
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December 31st - TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL PREGAME SHOW
Enjoy a colorful pregame show presented by Tampa General Hospital featuring the pageantry of high school and college bands along with numerous special activities including a flyover and coin toss by a special guest celebrity. A popular ReliaQuest Bowl tradition you won't want to miss. The show begins 40 minutes prior to kickoff.
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December 31st - RELIAQUEST BOWL 2026
The ReliaQuest Bowl will match teams from the SEC and Big Ten. Kickoff time 12:03 PM ET.
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December 31st - HALFTIME SHOW
Wait until you see this colorful halftime show featuring more than 2,000 performers! The two college bands will perform followed by a massed band performance by high school bands from around the country along with an all-star dance group.
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Note - All events, dates and times will be confirmed in the coming months and are subject to change.
