The Magic City is ready to host the 18th annual Birmingham Bowl on Friday, featuring a matchup between Georgia Tech (7-5) and Vanderbilt (6-6). The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. at Protective Stadium and will be televised on ESPN and broadcast on Bowl Season Radio. Tickets and more information are available now on the bowl’s website.
A full schedule of fan activities begins Thursday in Uptown Birmingham (2221 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd. N.). The free, public Bud Light Fan Fest Pep Rally runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring live music from the Rock Candy Band on the Schweppe’s Music Stage (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), interactive games, a Kids Zone, and various corporate displays with food and beverages. Individual team pep rallies will take place on the Main Stage from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., with Georgia Tech at 4 p.m. and Vanderbilt at 4:30 p.m. Head coaches, team captains, cheerleaders, dance teams, mascots, and marching bands will all participate, culminating in a fireworks display.
Game day festivities continue Friday with the free, public Bud Light Fan Fest Tailgate starting at 10 a.m. in Uptown Birmingham. Man’s Best Friend will provide live music on the Schweppe’s Music Stage, beginning three hours before kickoff.
Complimentary shuttle services will be available throughout the bowl week. Free parking and shuttle service will run from Riverchase Galleria to Uptown on Thursday and Friday. The shuttle routes are detailed below:
Thursday & Friday (11 a.m. to midnight, and post-game to midnight on Friday):
* White Shuttle: Riverchase Galleria (Hyatt) to Uptown District and back.
* Red Shuttle: Uptown District (Sheraton/Westin) to Five Points South and Dreamland BBQ loop.
* Blue Shuttle: Marriott Birmingham and DoubleTree by Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park to Uptown loop.
Friday (9 a.m. to kickoff and post-game):
* White Shuttle: Riverchase Galleria (Hyatt) to Uptown District/Protective Stadium.
* Blue Shuttle: Highway 280 Marriott Birmingham and DoubleTree by Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park to Uptown District/Protective Stadium.