WAA offers fans more reasons to cheer at Outback Bowl

University of Wisconsin fans heading to the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., are making plans to cheer on the Badgers, ring in the New Year and even follow the Pack.

The Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) is offering Outback Bowl Day-of-Game packages, including a game ticket and admission to the official pre-game tailgate, the BADGER BLAST/HUDDLE. Packages start at $115 per adult and $90 per child (12 and under).

The pre-game tailgate party will feature Wisconsin-style food, breakfast items, beverages and entertainment from the UW Marching Band, the Spirit Squad and Bucky Badger. Located right next to the Outback Bowl location at Raymond James Stadium, the event starts at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 1. HUDDLE tickets are $35 in advance and $15 per child.

WAA Outback Bowl events are open to all University of Wisconsin alumni, friends and families. Fans in Tampa are also invited to attend a special New Year’s Eve celebration and gather with fellow Badgers to root for the Green Bay Packers and the men’s Badger basketball team.

Badger events in Tampa include:

• Badger Basketball: Wisconsin fans will meet at 12 p.m. on Dec. 29 to see the men’s basketball team take on Texas at a game watch at Champions, 700 South Florida Ave., located inside the Marriott Waterside Hotel.
• Go Pack, Go: WAA will host a free Green Bay Packers game-viewing party at Splitsville Lanes and Sports Bar, 615 Channelside Drive, at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 30. The event includes door prize drawings throughout the game.
• Show your spirit: The University Book Store (UBS) will sell Badger merchandise in the Marriott Waterside Hotel lobby during daytime business hours on Saturday-Monday, Dec. 29-31.
• Pep Rally: Get fired up for the big game with the UW Marching Band, Bucky Badger and the Spirit Squad. Meet at the Channelside entertainment complex, 615 Channelside Drive, on Dec. 30 (times to be announced). University Book Store items will be available at Channelside throughout the day.
• New Year’s Eve: Badgers will ring in the New Year with refreshments and VIP tours of the Florida Aquarium from 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 31. Dinner, dancing and fireworks to follow. Tickets are $125 per person.

Fans can call the WAA Bowl Hotline at (866) 373-5073 to book an official WAA Outback Bowl tour or to reserve a spot at the BADGER HUDDLE or the New Year’s event. WAA is an official travel partner of UW Athletics.

Founded in 1861, WAA offers UW alumni and friends a wide variety of services, including the award-winning On Wisconsin Magazine, Badger Insider Magazine, career services, student scholarships, international travel opportunities and lifelong learning events.