The Tribune

THE Bahamas Bowl aims to create a festive atmosphere surrounding the game with community outreach efforts and a family atmosphere.

The matchup between the Ohio University Bobcats and UAB Blazers is all set for 12:30pm Friday, December 22 at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

And, prior to the big bowl game, football fans will be treated to the full NCAA football experience.

The Tailgate Extravaganza will be held in the eastern parking lot of the stadium 9am to noon.

Entertainment during the event will include performances from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band, the Valley Boys, Saxons, and marching bands from both participating schools.

Tailgating packages are available at $300, which includes 10 game tickets along with a spot in the parking lot to sell food, drinks, paraphernalia or items of their choice. The event is open to the general public but for more information on acquiring packages, contact 445 -1731.

Another marquee event on the bowl week calendar is the community outreach and interaction between visiting players and locals.

The Bahamas Bowl Youth Football Clinic is scheduled for 3:30 to 5pm on December 20 at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium. The clinic is free and open to boys and girls ages 7-13, and it is held in cooperation between the Bahamas Bowl and USA Football.

A USA Football coach along with student-athletes and staff from the UAB and Ohio football teams, along with representatives of the Commonwealth American Football League (CAFL), will run the clinic, teaching football fundamentals and safety techniques.

Registration will take place from 2:30 to 3:30pm, and the clinic will follow shortly thereafter. Each registered participant will receive a 2017 Bahamas Bowl t-shirt and a game ticket voucher.

Richard Giannini, executive director of the Bahamas Bowl, stated in previous editions of the event that his committee considered the clinic its “number one priority” when it came to fostering a relationship with the local community. “Our number one priority is our Youth Football Clinic. That is our most important outreach at this time. The CAFL is going to help facilitate youth at that event as will continue to try to make that bigger and better and get many more involved in that clinic,” he said.

“Secondly with the exposure that we bring with major American college football, it will provide the interest for these young potential football players and make the most of whatever opportunities they have on the island. Interacting with the youth is very important to us. Our primary goal is to establish that clinic and we will do some things moving forward as it grows in the future.”