Outback revelry: Plenty of official fun on tap in Tampa

It's billed as 'football in paradise.” For those of you heading to American down under for the Outback Bowl, you'll find more than just a bloomin' onion and some shrimp on the barbie.

Here are some of the events planned for Hawk fans seeking some fun in the winter sun. Outbackbowl.com/events

l Dec. 27: Players Night at Splitsville. The first match-up for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Florida Gators comes in the lanes, not on the field. Players from each team will be bowling for dominance, beginning at 6 p.m. Doors open to the public at 7:15 p.m. Location: Splitsville Lanes, Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Dr., Suite 120, Tampa. (813) 514-BOWL (2695) or Splitsvillelanes.com/location/tampa/

l Dec. 28: Busch Gardens Team Outing. Players and fans can tackle the rides and attractions at this theme park, from roller coasters and live shows to one of the country's largest zoos. Location: 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa Buschgardens.com

l Dec. 29: Team Night t Tampa Bay Lightning. Miss the Iowa chill? NHL hockey fans will find some ice, ice baby when the Tampa Bay Lightning squares off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:30 p.m. in Amalie Arena. Location: 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa. Tickets: $59.25 to $360, (813) 301- 6600 or Ticketmaster.com

l Dec. 30: Clearwater Beach Day. This is no ordinary day at the beach. Clearwater will be rolling out the sandy carpet to welcome teams, marching bands, cheerleaders and fans. Live music, sky divers, a tug-o-war and other contests will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Hilton Clearwater Beach next to Pier 60, 400 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater. The action moves next door, for Sunsets at Pier 60, a daily festival featuring artisans and musicians, from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunsetsatpier60.com

l Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Parade: Head to Ybor City - Tampa Bay's national historic landmark district - for this extravaganza, featuring 20 marching bands, including the Hawkeyes and Gators. A pep rally will fire up the crowd with a battle of the bands and cheerleaders from both universities. Parade: 5:30 p.m., along Seventh Avenue; no coolers, glass containers or open alcohol allowed on the streets.

l Dec. 31: New Year's Aqua Eve at the Florida Aquarium, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., for ages 21 and older. Live music, complementary food, beer, wine and champagne toast. All aquarium exhibits open; view fireworks at midnight. Location: 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa. Tickets: $120 before Dec. 26, $130 if purchased Dec. 26 to 31; early admission and fireworks cruise packages available, (813) 273-4000 or Flaquarium.org

l Dec. 31: Light Up Tampa Bay at Channelside. Live entertainment, midnight fireworks show and ball drop along the downtown Tampa waterfront. Information: (813) 223-4250.

l Jan. 1: Fan Rally at Channelside, noon to 6 p.m. Entertainment and activities, Channelside Bay Plaza.

l Jan. 1: Outback Bowl Field Show Festival, 6 p.m. Free showcase of elite high school bands from around the country. Winning band will perform in the Outback Bowl preshow. Location: Jefferson High School, 4401 W Cypress St., Tampa.

l Jan. 2: Game Day: Pregame Bowl Bash, 10 a.m. Music and pep rally. Location: South plaza between gates C and D. Pregame show, 12:20 p.m. High school and college bands, flyover, sky divers deliver game ball, celebrity coin toss; game: University of Iowa Hawkeyes versus University of Florida Gators, 1 p.m. Eastern/noon Iowa time kickoff. Halftime show features more than 3,500 performers, including the rival teams' marching bands, high school bands from around the country and an all-star dance group. Location: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa.

l Comments: (319) 368-8508; diana.nollen@thegazette.com