Contact: Harriet Laird
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Events leading to the 2011 New Year's Gator Bowl matchup between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the University of Michigan have been set through a collaborative effort among the Office of the President, Foundation, Student Association, Bulldog Club, and Alumni Association.
While in Jacksonville, Fla., fans are invited to a Bulldog New Year's Eve Celebration Dec. 31, at 8 p.m., in the River City Brewery on the St. John's River Southbank. The event includes a disc jockey, party favors, and views of downtown Jacksonville. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
The evening also features an appearance by members of the Famous Maroon Band and an up-close fireworks display at midnight. Cost is $10 per person, cash only, and is payable at the door. All ages are welcome, and no reservations are necessary. For more information about River City Brewing, visit www.rivercitybrewing.com.
The official Mississippi State pre-game tailgate and pep rally is scheduled for the Jacksonville Fairgrounds, adjacent to EverBank Field, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 1. Located in the Jacksonville Expo Center's Exhibit Hall A, the tailgate features an 11 a.m. pep rally, buffet, cash bar, music, and family activities. Cost is $15 per person, cash or check only, and $5 for children age 12 and younger.
The Gator Bowl marks the first-ever meeting between the MSU Bulldogs and the Michigan Wolverines. The Jan. 1, 2011, game is in Jacksonville Stadium on EverBank Field and airs nationally on ESPN2 at 12:30 p.m. (CST).
Information for the 2011 Gator Bowl can be found on the MSU Athletics website at www.gameday.msstate.edu or on the official Gator Bowl website at www.gatorbowl.com.
For full details on the New Year's Eve celebration or pre-game tailgate, visit www.alumni.msstate.edu/gatorbowl.