TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Normally when you hear the word “Gasparilla” in Tampa, you think about a pirate invasion.
This weekend, — it’ll be an ‘invasion of gators.”
University of Florida fans are out ahead of Friday’s Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.
Kate Breaux was born and raised in Tampa and now plays for the Florida Gator Band.
“I’m so excited to come back home to Tampa Bay and bring the Gator Band with me,” she said.
This season has been an emotional roller coaster for Gator fans, with arguably one of the toughest schedules in college football.
Through the highs — like finishing the season with three consecutive wins — and the lows — like both Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway getting hurt — fans said this team played with heart through it all.
And now, the Florida Gators made it to a bowl game.
As they gear up for the Gasparilla Bowl to kick off Friday afternoon, there are hundreds if not thousands of fans from the Tampa Bay Area eager to have the Gators play at Raymond James Stadium.
This means more money for sports bars and hotels and a Sunshine State advantage for the Gators.
“I’m from Tampa, and I’ve been a Gator fan my whole life,’ Ellen Arena said.
She and her husband Anthony spent their Thursday night watching sports at the press box, gearing up for the big game.
They said the Gators fan base runs deep throughout the Tampa Bay region.
“I think we have a very strong Gator fan base in Tampa Bay,” Anthony explained. “I think that’s the predominant fan base here, the Gators.”
“Maybe USF second, but I think we got a lot more gators because the Gators have been around a long time,” he continued.
He wants to see three things Friday; Lagway perform, the Gators pull off a win, and no more injuries.
But with the Tulane Green Wave going 9-4 this season, fans are excited to soak up the beautiful weather the sunshine state has to offer while also hoping for a win.
“Roll Wave,” Laura Hornung yelled. “Love this location, love the atmosphere and the really friendly people.”
Tulane University Head Coach Jon Sumrall said he’s also excited to be in Florida.
“Excited about this opportunity, and grateful to be here,” he said. “Roll Wave!”
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Friday at Raymond James Stadium.
