Those of you who are college football fans know that bowl season is an exciting time of year. For the past four years, South Carolina has held its only bowl game, the Myrtle Beach Bowl, at Brooks Stadium on the campus of Coastal Carolina University (CCU) in Conway.
This year, the matchup is between the Ohio Bobcats and Georgia Southern Eagles. As a side note, due to the need for the Bahamas Bowl game to be played in Charlotte, N.C., the Myrtle Beach Bowl was moved to Saturday this year rather than Monday. Therefore, kickoff takes place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16.
Everyone at Visit Myrtle Beach is gearing up to welcome the athletes, officials and fans from Ohio and Georgia for this exciting football showcase.
In speaking with Jonathan Paris, Visit Myrtle Beach's Executive Director of Sports Tourism, he expressed excitement over the game and the opportunity to welcome everyone who is coming in town for this "battle at the beach."
He also said he was, once again, eager to partner with ESPN Events and CCU to host the game as he recently worked with them during the Myrtle Beach Invitational, a college basketball tournament held each November.
"No matter who ultimately wins," Paris said, "we're confident everyone traveling here for the event will enjoy all our fun-filled destination has to offer, especially our holiday-themed attractions and shopping opportunities."
Last year's matchup between Marshall and U-Conn drew in big crowds with around 12,500 at Brooks Stadium to watch the game. Paris said the majority of those fans in the stands were from out of town and that means tourism boost to our local economy during the winter season and helps to secure year-round jobs for our residents.
What's more, the bowl game's economic impact generates thousands in tax revenue that will go toward supporting our communities and essential services across our growing region, said Karen Riordan, Visit Myrtle Beach President and CEO.
This impact not only enrichens our community, but it's a great activity for the entire family to attend. Last year, I attended the game with my son who very much enjoyed the opportunity to see college up close.
If you can't make it to the game, you can meet the players for free during the fan meet and greet session. The Conway Medical Center Pep Rally will be held Friday, Dec. 15 from 2-5 p.m. at The Hangout at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. They have a large outdoor space beside their restaurant and an outdoor stage perfect for hosting these types of events. But please note, due to construction near The Hangout, you may have to park farther away than expected.
That's not your only fun, fan experience. On game day, the Myrtle Beach Bowl Fan Fest will open at 8 a.m. outside of Brooks Stadium and gates to the stadium will open at 9 a.m. in advance of the 11 a.m. kickoff.
Get your tickets for the game and find more information at MyrtleBeachBowlGame.com.
