TicketsDec. 14, 2007
CINCINNATI - A record number of Bearcats will be making the trip to Birmingham for the upcoming Papajohns.com Bowl as the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics has sold and allocated more than 8,300 tickets out of its allotment of 10,000 for the game.
UC's previous record for bowl ticket sales was set for the 2000 Motor City Bowl, when the school sold 4,787 tickets. The 2007 ticket sales effort represents an increase of 73 percent over the 2000 bowl sales total.
"I could not be more pleased with the way that our fans have answered the call," says 2007 BIG EAST Coach of the Year Brian Kelly. "This football team has won nine games, set school records on offense and defense, and has generated several all-Americans, but the most memorable part of the season for anyone associated with our program was seeing Nippert Stadium sold out on three occasions. I cannot wait to run out of the tunnel at Legion Field and see our fans all clad in black as we take on Southern Miss and go for a school-record 10th win of the season - it is going to be great!"
The Bearcats will take on Southern Mississippi in the bowl which will be played at historic Legion Field on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. EST. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
"Bearcats fans recognize the 2007 season has been a very special one for our program and have answered the call to support the program and make plans to be with our team in Birmingham," says UC Director of Athletics Mike Thomas. "We have a great lineup of activities for Bearcats young and old making this bowl experience in the Magic City one that our fans will be able to look back on with pride for many years to come. Coach Kelly has the team ready to battle for its 10th win of the season and I could not be more excited to see our team in action once again."
Tickets are still available for the game and can be purchased by logging on to www.CATSTIX.com.
Fans planning on attending the game in Birmingham should purchase tickets from the UC Athletics Ticket Office as it will ensure that they will be seated in the designated UC sections at Legion Field (Sections 31-35) and will help send a strong message to all bowl committees that Bearcats Nation is a viable postseason football force.
UC Fans not planning on attending the game are encouraged to purchase tickets and donate them back to the UC Athletics as the department will use the tickets to provide opportunities for UC students and other charities in the Greater Birmingham Area. These donations further assist the University in meeting its bowl-mandated ticket obligation, which will better position UC for bowl opportunities in the years to come.
To date, a total of seven UC Student Busses are scheduled to make the trek to the bowl game, and more than 24 busses in all are scheduled to leave from the Greater Cincinnati Area in the days leading up to Game Day: No. 13 of the 2007 season.
Once in Birmingham there will be a host of events that have been planned for the Bearcats Nation by the UC campus community.
Kicking off the trip to Birmingham, Ala. is the Bearcats Legion Field Walk-Through on Friday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. The Papajohns.com Bowl is allowing fans to have a once in a lifetime opportunity and attend the Bearcats' final practice before the game at the historic Legion Field vs. Southern Mississippi on Dec. 22. As an added bonus, fans will be able to pose with the UC team for a special bowl photo. Fans will enter Legion Field at the south end of the stadium where UC clad personnel will welcome you to the venue.
From 2 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Friday in the historic Five Points Area of Birmingham, fans can take part in the Papajohns.com Bowl Street Fair, Parade and Pep Rally. There, the City of Birmingham will showcase one of the premier party areas in the city with live entertainment, followed by a parade into the area from Powell Ave. and a pep rally.
The interactive Bearcat bowl experience continues later Friday night at the Wynfrey Hotel as the BEARCATS' BAMA BLOWOUT kicks off at 8 p.m. Admission to the event is complimentary, courtesy of UCATS and the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics. Meet BIG EAST Coach of the Year Brian Kelly, members of the 2007 Bearcats, plus former UC football greats from years past.
Former UC football lettermen and fans are also invited to the Former Players After Party at IVORY'S in the Wynfrey Hotel which will begin immediately after the BEARCATS `BAMA BLOWOUT.
Bearcats Game Day: No. 13 is your final opportunity to interact with the team as UC Athletics and the UC Alumni Association stage CATTITUDE at Legion Field on Saturday, Dec. 22. The activities begin with the pregame pep rally starting at 9:30 a.m., featuring "Bearcat," the UC Cheerleaders, and the Bearcats' marching band. The football team will arrive at approximately 9:45 a.m. and we want to welcome the `Cats in style as they prepare for the 13th game of the season.
There will be numerous activities in the area surrounding Legion Field in the two hours leading up to kick-off, including southern food, drinks, music and more as part of the Papajohns.com Bowl Fan Zone and Tailgate Party. Located just outside the North end zone of Legion Field between gates 16 and 17, fans of all ages will enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions and Papa John's pizza.
Fan Zone Highlights include the Alabama Army National Guard rock climbing wall and tricked-out Hummer, the Papa John's Arm Chair Quarterback Challenge; a Kid's Corner featuring inflatable games, face painting, a clown, and a very special visit by Santa Claus; The Geico Stadium Truck; Official bowl merchandise and much, much more!
Kickoff for the Papajohns.com Bowl vs. Southern Miss is set for Noon CT.
The official UC seating areas at the game are located in sections 31-35, in prime viewing areas for the ESPN2 television cameras. UC is designated the home team for the game and will be wearing its signature black uniforms.