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The Guide to a Successful Bowl Week

Bowl Week is the week that the other 51 are jealous of!

The fun begins when both Iowa State and Washington State arrive in town on Sunday, December 23 greeted by mariachi and warm weather.

Then, the first public event is Valero Alamo Bowl day at SeaWorld San Antonio. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the park with both teams and their spectacular holiday light displays.  Iowa State and Washington State players will interact with the animals including the bottlenose dolphins and ride their roller coasters.

After Christmas, San Antonio’s well-deserved reputation for hosting unforgettable sporting events gets put on display as everything is walk-able from downtown hotels. In between visits to the Alamo and strolls on the River Walk, put these Valero Alamo Bowl events on your calendar.

Wednesday, December 26

FCA Breakfast – Grand Hyatt – 7:30 a.m.

Join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for breakfast. Representatives from the participating Valero Alamo Bowl teams will be present. For tickets call the FCA office at (210) 764-8292 or email Jim Faulk at jfaulk@fca.org. Tickets are $30/each or $300 for a table.

Rudy’s Bar-B-Q Pep Rally on the River – Arneson River Theatre – 4-6 p.m.

The Rudy’s Bar-B-Q Pep Rally is one of the most exciting events of Bowl Week. The head coaches, football players, pep bands and cheerleaders from both teams show their colors as they face off in a spirited pep rally.

This signature event gives fans a chance to see the players and pep bands make their grand entrance on San Antonio’s famous river barges. While fans will be wearing their favorite colors, the bands from both schools will lead their respective fan bases in cheers to show their team pride. The pep bands will also participate in “battle of the bands” to see just what fan base can cheer the loudest during this fun event.

Once the Arneson is full for this free event, line up along the River Walk to watch both teams and their bands float past on San Antonio’s famous River Cruisers.

Thursday, December 27

La Villita Village Tailgate – Maverick Plaza – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Featuring San Antonio’s own Bobby Joe Harlow Band, local tailgate grub and BBQ, and more, La Villita partners with the Valero Alamo Bowl to host this fan fest right off the River Walk!

Stroll through the La Villita boutiques for unique, local gifts, while jamming to classic tunes and playing games in the interactive video game truck! This free event has entertainment for all!

Cyclone Spirit Rally – Henry B. González Convention Center, Halls 2/3 – 12:30-3:30 p.m.

The official Iowa State pep rally! Don’t miss the Cyclone cheerleaders, band and a 1:15 p.m. appearance from the teams.

Primesport Kickoff Luncheon – Marriott Rivercenter Grand Ballroom – Noon

This 1,200-person event features head coaches and select players from both schools speaking at the head table along with ESPN’s Tom Luginbill. The rest of the team along with cheerleaders and the band give this event all of the excitement and pageantry of game day. Tickets available through the ticket section of the Valero Alamo Bowl website or office (210-226-2695).

Valero Alamo Bowl Bash – Marriott Rivercenter Grand Ballroom – 7 p.m.

The night before the big game, fans can celebrate Bowl Week in style at the Valero Alamo Bowl Bash. Held at the Marriott Rivercenter, guests will experience Texas-sized hospitality with five gourmet action food stations, open bars, fan interaction activities, live music and casino games with chances to win great prizes including signed team memorabilia.

A limited number of tickets are available through the Bowl office.

Friday, December 28

Tailgate Town presented by Kiolbassa Smoked Meats

Each year the tailgates get bigger and better in Lot B of the Alamodome. Stop by the northwest corner of the lot to sample Kiolbassa sausages. If you don’t have a parking pass to oe of the Alamodome lots, hope in a Lyft (promo code ALAMOBOWL18 saves you 25%on game day) and walk through the tailgates on your way into the game or Fan Zone.

Valero Alamo Bowl Fan Zone – Sunset Station – 2-8 p.m.

Before the bowl game, fans can participate in pregame festivities in the Historic Sunset Station (one block North of the main Alamodome entrance). The Valero Alamo Bowl Fan Zone includes a variety of interactive games that encourage fan participation and challenge their football skills and agility.

Enjoy some great food and drink while you listen to music and prepare for the big game. Not only are there interactive games but you can also get your face painted as well as get your official game program and merchandise. This event is free to the public meaning there are no excuses not to come see us on game day!

2018 Valero Alamo Bowl: #24 Iowa State vs. #13 Washington State – Alamodome – 8 p.m.

Leach vs. Campbell. Minshew vs. Purdy. Come see one of the best matchups of the bowl season!

The doors open at 6 p.m. which is the same time as our Gold’s Gym Gridiron Club. Passes for this party space that stays open hour after the game with games, TVs and DJs along with food and drink can be purchased through the Experience app.  For quickest entry into the Alamodome, plan on entering the Alamodome by 7:20 p.m.

Follow us on social at @valeroalamobowl to keep up-to-date on the latest information use hashtag #valeroalamobowl to engage with us and possibly have your posts featured on the video walls during the game.

What unforgettable moments will this year bring?

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