ReliaQuest Bowl Parade, Pep Rally Canceled Due To Thunderstorms

TAMPA, FL — ReliaQuest Bowl officials announced that the New Year's Eve ReliaQuest Bowl and Pep Rally have been canceled due to thunderstorms predicted to move into Tampa Bay on Saturday night.

The parade was scheduled to take place starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday on 7th Avenue in Ybor City.

"After consultation with weather experts, city of Tampa and Ybor City representatives, and projections of potential thunderstorms Saturday evening, ReliaQuest Bowl officials are canceling the New Year's Eve parade Saturday night in Ybor City in order to ensure the safety of participants and fans," ReliaQuest Bowl Chairman Troy Atlas said in a news release.

According to the National Weather Service, there's a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m., with patches of fog occurring before 11 a.m. The chance of thunderstorms increases to 40 percent into the evening with patchy fog between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.

"We have had a great week of events so far and look forward to a terrific game on Monday between Illinois and Mississippi State," Atlas said.

There's been no word on whether the Battle of the Bands at Gwazi Park in Busch Gardens featuring college marching bands will go on as planned on New Year's Eve.

According to Tampa Bay Bowl Association officials, the ReliaQuest Bowl, formerly the Outback Bowl, will be played on Monday, Jan. 2, at Raymond James Stadium with a noon kickoff. It will be telecast nationally on ESPN2 TV.

Fans can warm up for the big game outside the stadium on the south plaza between gates C and D and on Tampa Bay Boulevard starting at 9 a.m. with live music on stage, entertainers, interactive games and appearances by the college bands and cheerleaders. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase and there will be displays from the Tampa Bay Lightning, the U.S. Air Force, Visit St Pete/Clearwater and other organizations.

The ReliaQuest Bowl will feature the Illinois Illini and No. 22 ranked Mississippi State facing off. It will be only the second meeting in history for the two teams that last played in 1980 and the first time since 1991 for Illinois to appear in the bowl.

"We are excited to extend an invitation to the University of Illinois and the Mississippi State University to play in this year's ReliaQuest Bowl," said Atlas. "These are two quality teams that we expect will produce an exciting match-up fans are really going to enjoy. We look forward to hosting the teams and their fans and ensure they will have an amazing experience at the game and enjoy the dynamic Tampa Bay area."

"We are grateful to accept an invitation to the ReliaQuest Bowl," stated Illini head coach Bret Bielema."The ReliaQuest Bowl is a first-class bowl that will give our program an opportunity to play a very good SEC opponent in Mississippi State with a national spotlight in a big-game atmosphere. Our program is excited to make the most of the experiences the ReliaQuest Bowl presents for our players, staff, and fans. This will be a great reward to finish the 2022 season and catapult us into 2023. I couldn't be more excited about this program where we're at, but more importantly, where we're going."

"We are excited to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against a quality, well-coached Illinois team," MSU head football coach Mike Leach said. "We look forward to continuing competing, improving and building on the positive momentum surrounding our program. Our players and coaches are excited for the practices and preparation ahead."

"Mississippi State is thrilled to be a part of the ReliaQuest Bowl and compete in a bowl game for the 13th consecutive season," Interim MSU Director of Athletics Bracky Brett said. "Coach Leach and his program have built a ton of momentum over the past month, and we look forward to seeing a strong contingent of Bulldog fans throughout the city of Tampa to close the year."

The annual New Year's Eve bowl game, featuring teams from the Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference, will celebrate its 37th game. Over its history, it has brought more than a million out-of-market visitors to Tampa Bay while creating an estimated $1.1 billion in economic impact and distributing $164 million to universities. It has also contributed more than $3 million to 160 charities since 2016. Visit the ReliaQuest Bowl website or call 813-874-BOWL for more information.

Tickets to the game are $170 each for club seats and $80 each for all others. All tickets will be mobile. PDF tickets, printed copies or screenshots of mobile tickets will not be valid for entry to the stadium on game day. Click here for tickets.