The world’s # 1 tourist destination will once again be the focus of the entire country as International Drive is the site of Orlando Bowl Week Fan HQ, beginning Dec. 27 and leading up to two Florida Citrus Sports bowl games.

 

West Virginia plays N.C. State in the Champs Sports Bowl on 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28 while Michigan State faces Alabama in the Capital One Bowl at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1.

 

The International Drive Improvement District is a premier sponsor of Florida Citrus Sports for the event-packed week. More than 100,000 fans are expected to join in the festivities during Orlando Bowl Week.

 

Both games are played at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in downtown Orlando, the only city to annually host two top 10 bowl games in the same week. Both the Champs Sports Bowl and the Capital One Bowl will be televised nationally on ESPN. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster outlets at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. For additional information, fans are encouraged to visit www.fcsports.com.

 

The entertainment extends beyond just the bowl games. A Central Florida tradition, the Orlando Citrus Parade will step off at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30 in Downtown Orlando. The parade features signature citrus floats, the marching bands and cheerleaders from both Capital One Bowl schools, high school marching bands from across the nation, celebrity hosts and grand marshal, and much more! Grandstand tickets in the television broadcast area may be purchased for $23 from any Ticketmaster outlet, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000, while curbside seating is free. For more information, please visit www.orlandocitrusparade.com.

 

Visitors are invited to bring the entire family to the International Drive Resort Area for a fun-packed week of activities leading up to the big games. All Orlando Bowl Week Fan HQ events will take place at Pointe Orlando with more than 40 unique stores, great restaurants, nightlife and entertainment – including football-themed attractions. An Orlando Bowl Week merchandise store will be located on the first level, selling officially licensed bowl merchandise, Champs Sports Bowl and Capital One Bowl patches and discounted Universal Studios tickets. I-Drive’s Fan HQ event schedule is daily, Noon through 8:00 p.m. from December 27-31.

 

Additional bowl events at Fan HQ on I-Drive include:

 

Monday, December 27

5:00 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Big East Team

5:45 p.m. -6:30 p.m. ACC Team

Orlando Bowl Week Fan HQ on International Drive

 

ACC and Big East fans are invited to come out and cheer for their team at the official pep rally of the Champs Sports Bowl. Get excited for the big game with the marching band, cheerleaders and head coaches!

 

Thursday, December 30 5:00 p.m. to

5:45 p.m. SEC Team

5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Big Ten Team

Orlando Bowl Week Fan HQ on International Drive

 

Big Ten and SEC fans are invited to come out and cheer for your team at the official pep rally of the Capital One Bowl. Get excited for the big game with the marching band, cheerleaders and head coaches!

 

Thursday, December 31

ALL DAY

Universal Orlando Resort

Enjoy a day at Universal Studios theme park. Buy one-day/one-park ticket for $59, one-day/two-park ticket for $76 at www.FCSports.com, Orlando Bowl Week Fan HQ on International Drive, each team hotel and at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium Box Office. This offer is not available for purchase at Universal Orlando Resort theme park front gates. Tickets are valid from Dec. 20, 2010 through Jan. 3, 2011. Advance purchase only.

 

Check back at www.internationaldriveorlando.com for Orlando Bowl Week events that are open to the public.

12/5/2010