Gator Bowl Association Announces Sell Out Of River City Showdown

July 25, 2007

After expanding the stadium to maximum capacity last week for the Florida State versus Alabama game, the Gator Bowl Association announced today that the River City Showdown on Saturday, September 29, is a sellout with an expected crowd of over 85,000.

“The Association is proud to bring this match-up to Jacksonville along with an expected record-setting attendance of more than 85,000,” said Kelly Madden, 2007 Gator Bowl Association Chairman. The previous record attendance for Jacksonville Municipal Stadium was 84,753 set in the 2004 Florida vs Georgia game.

“It was important, from my perspective, that our Alumni and fan base be able to share a historic moment and memory as a record crowd gathers in Jacksonville for this neutral site game between the Seminoles and the Crimson Tide”, said Dave Hart, Director of Athletics at Florida State. “Having that come to fruition only adds to the excitement surrounding this game between two of college football’s most decorated programs”, Hart added.

“We’re very proud to be a part of something that has generated so much excitement in the Jacksonville area. The level of enthusiasm generated by this game has been exceptional and we are looking forward to playing before the largest crowd in the history of Jacksonville Municipal Stadium,” said Mal Moore, Director of Athletics for the University of Alabama.

Last year Florida State and Alabama added a twelfth game to their respective schedules and joined several other programs in seeking a neutral site for that game. “We are thankful to these programs, and particularly Dave Hart, the Athletic Director for Florida State and Mal Moore, the Director of Athletics for Alabama, for allowing the Gator Bowl Association to host this historic and record-setting event,” said Rick Catlett, Gator Bowl President. This will be the first time legendary coach Bobby Bowden has faced the Crimson Tide of Alabama. The two programs last met in 1974.

“The Gator Bowl Association hit a home run for the city with the decision to host this game,” added Madden. “Of the 85,000 expected to attend, more than 65,000 of those fans are coming from out of town. This will have a tremendous economic impact for our area hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.”

Television and kickoff time for the September 29 River City Showdown game between Alabama and Florida State will be determined eleven days prior to the game.

Parking for River City Showdown is still available through the Gator Bowl Association at a cost of $20 per car. More than 300 RV spaces have already been sold, however additional bus and RV parking can be accommodated in the private lots surrounding the stadium. For parking information go to www.gatorbowl.com.

The mission of the Gator Bowl Association is to provide Northeast Florida with the very best in amateur athletics and related activities in order to maximize positive impact on the area’s economy, national image and community pride. A 501(c)3 not-for profit organization, the Association’s primary charitable activities are focused on education and youth in the North Florida area.

In addition to the Inaugural River City Showdown, the Gator Bowl Association will also host the Dr Pepper ACC Championship Game on December 1, 2007 and the Gator Bowl Classic on New Year’s Day 2008.

Florida State University Athletics

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