On Sunday, our FIU panthers were told they would be participating in the Bad Boy Motors Gasparilla Bowl, where they’ll be facing the Temple Owls. This bowl game will take place in Tampa on Thursday December 21st at 8pm.
Everyone can admit our Panthers have had rocky football seasons in the past. But, with the addition of Coach Butch Davis to the team, we have made great progress this semester. This last week on December 2nd, FIU made history with their 63-45 victory over UMass and broke all kinds of records to end the season with 8-4. This is only FIU’s third appearance in the program’s history, so fingers crossed that they set a new program record for wins this season at the bowl game.
“What is a ‘bowl game’ and how can I go?” A bowl game is one out of a number of post- season college football games to determine who is best overall. In professional football, the names of the NFL’s Super Bowl and Pro Bowl are references to the college football bowl names. If you are wondering about the name of the bowl game we are in, Gasparilla, it is in reference to the pirate Jose Gaspar, who robbed merchants in West Florida in the late 18th and early 19th century. Like some modern-day pro athletes, Gaspar gave himself a nickname, “Gasparilla.” Since 1904, the city of Tampa has hosted the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, where a bunch of people dressed as pirates party, have a parade and a music festival. This year the event is in late January and costs $45-$60, if you are interested.
All members of the FIU family, from aunts and uncles to students, should go and purchase a bowl ticket and attend this game. Tickets can be purchased through FIU Athletics and if you are a student who got a free ticket, then you definitely should go and enjoy the game!
FIUSports.com will have live updates and information as well if you are interested! Go out and support our FIU Panthers!