The Mississippi State Bulldogs will take on the the Louisville Cardinals in the TaxSlayer Bowl at noon Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida, but there will be more than just football on the agenda for visitors.
During the TaxSlayer Bowl, MSU fans will sit on the west side of EverBank Field, while Louisville fans will sit on the east side.
As of Tuesday, tickets were available for both sides of the field ranging from $10 to $334. Tickets and parking are available online at www. taxslayerbowl.com through Ticketmaster.
For safety, the TaxSlayer Bowl and EverBank Field enforce a clear bag policy. Only clear plastic bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”, one gallon clear plastic freezer bags and small clutches are allowed. Walk-through metal detectors
are at each gate, and a list of restricted items can also be found at www.taxslayerbowl.com.
WHAT TO DO
An MSU pep rally will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday at the Jacksonville Landing, Jacksonville’s downtown entertainment venue.
TaxSlayer Bowl Events Manager Alex McGarity said the MSU pep rally will be a 30-minute fan party with Bully the mascot, cheerleaders and players.
Following the game, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade will begin at 7:30 p.m. also at Jacksonville Landing.
TaxSlayer Bowl CEO and President Rick Catlett said the Light Boat Parade was an annual event in which boats decorated in holiday-themed lights parade north and south along the St. Johns River.
After the Light Boat Parade Dec. 30, a firework show will begin at 9:30 p.m.
“All the Bulldog fans can come out and celebrate their win after the bowl game,” Catlett said.
Apart from the TaxSlayer Bowl, Jacksonville has plenty to offer visiting Bulldog fans.
“There’s so much to do here and a hot food scene,” Visit Jacksonville Communications Manager Patty Winters said. “Make reservations to some of our local restaurants and experience the fresh seafood we have since we’re located right on the ocean.”
Catlett said visiting MSU fans should base their trip around the area of Everbank Field on the St. Johns River, which includes hotels, shops and restaurants on both sides of the river.
“The Riverside and Five Points districts are full of bars and nightlife, and it’s the perfect place for young people to go,” Winters said.
Catlett said the Riverside area of Jacksonville was like the Bourbon Street of Jacksonville.
Winters said the Jax Ale Trail, a tour of 16 local craft breweries in downtown Jacksonville, is another must-see attraction for visitors.
For families with children, Winters recommended the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens; Adventure Landing, a water park that offers ice skating and ice lights during the winter; and Sweet Peaks, a three-story candy factory located downtown featuring candy-making classes and a restaurant.