Get ready for the most information-packed edition of Touchdown Tampa Bay to date. With the Playoff Semifinal teams announced and the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl and PlayStation Fiesta Bowl matchups determined, we are just days away from learning who will take the field at Raymond James Stadium. Joey Johnston visits with College Football Playoff executives Reid Sigmon and Michael Kelly as they prepare for a return to Tampa Bay. Some big names will take the spotlight as part of the national championship pregame entertainment. Get all of the details on how you can experience a full day at Championship Campus for FREE! Plus, learn how your social media posts can help you earn rewards along the way with the CFP Social Passport: Tampa Bay app. Finally, Visit Tampa Bay’s Santiago Corrada gives us his Six Points and much more!
Life seldom travels in a straight line. Long ago, the paths of Michael Kelly and Reid Sigmon intersected. They became lifelong friends, partners in producing the nation’s most prestigious sporting events, guys who went from place to place, seeking another professional adventure. Fittingly, they will return to the Tampa Bay area, a place they consider home, for the College Football Playoff National Championship on Jan. 9, at Raymond James Stadium. Kelly and Sigmon said their opportunities began in Tampa and St. Petersburg. They are forever grateful. And they are thrilled to be back. “When we set about to form our staff, we wanted people who were smart and hard-working, who had a fun-loving spirit and who had great integrity,’’ CFP executive director Bill Hancock said. “That describes Michael Kelly and Reid Sigmon. That’s who they are.’’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
The number of media members that will receive credentials to cover the College Football Playoff National Championship and Championship events.
FOOTBALL HITS THE SAND WITH CHAMPIONSHIP BEACH BASH Visit St. Pete Clearwater, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and the College Football Playoff invite football fans to experience America’s #1 Beach at Championship Beach Bash. The event, being held at Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach, will take place on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will create a pep rally-type atmosphere on the beautiful white sand of Clearwater Beach. The Championship Beach Bash will feature a celebrity flag football game, “Kids Zone” with games, inflatables, live music and more. “We at Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater are honored and excited to partner with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission in presenting the Championship Beach Bash in Clearwater,” said Deputy Director Tim Ramsberger. “We excel at hosting large, high-caliber events and offer a wide variety of experiences and hospitality options to our guests, from world-class beaches to world-class arts, restaurants and everything in between that’s fun under the sun. We are ampedup to play our part in hosting the participating teams, guests and media during championship weekend in January.” Both championship teams will be well-represented at the Championship Beach Bash as their respective bands and cheerleaders provide plenty of school spirit. With the waves of the Gulf of Mexico as a pristine backdrop, the pageantry of college football’s final game of the year will reach a frenzied pitch for locals, fans and alumni alike. CLICK TO LEARN MORE
EARN POINTS AND WIN REWARDS WITH CFP SOCIAL PASSPORT: TAMPA BAY The College Football Playoff and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission have partnered with interactive digital agency, Thuzi, to create CFP Social Passport: Tampa Bay. This unique social rewards program incentivizes fans to participate in various CFP activities and share the experiences on their social media platforms. By engaging on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, fans can earn points and badges for each activity, and then redeem them for exclusive CFP gear such as lapel pins, t-shirts and more. Plus, top users will be eligible for the ultimate social reward – a chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship. “This program allows us to connect with fans in meaningful ways as they move throughout the Championship Campus,” said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “It’s a win-win for fans, the Tampa Bay community and event organizers.” Fans can begin earning points today by downloading the free app in the App Store or Google Play. RFID encoded wristbands can be collected at various locations throughout Championship Campus, and will enable fans to check-in at designated CFP activations.
DOWNLOAD NOW!
Six Points with Santiago Corrada What insight did you gain from your trip to last year’s College Football Playoff National Championship in Glendale, AZ? Having been to the game the prior year in Dallas, I was most impressed on how much bigger and better the event had become. I really appreciated how the event not only engaged the out of town visitors and fans but also the locals through the number of events prior to the game, especially the free outdoor concerts. The game, and its associated activities, have become a premier sporting event not to be missed. What makes Tampa the ideal location to host the College Football Playoff National Championship? First and foremost, our destination is amazing, from outstanding sports venues like Amalie Arena and Raymond James Stadium, to a great convention center, amazing hotels, incredible restaurants, fantastic arts, plus cultural and entertainment venues – we have it all. You add a new Riverwalk, great professionals who know how to put on large-scale events, and our amazing weather, and there is no better place to decide the College Football Playoff National Champion. What are some major initiatives the CVB has undertaken for hosting the College Football Playoff National Championship? Partnering with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, we plan on really marketing the destination to out of town guests that may be coming to the game. Once we know the two teams coming to Tampa, we plan to market to the geographic areas that represent those team’s fans. Additionally, we have already printed a special edition of our Visitor’s Guide and have some social media surprises planned.
VISIT TAMPA BAY, PRESIDENT AND CEO UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND MASTER OF SCIENCE, EDUCATION
What is the estimated economic impact of hosting this event? According to figures released last year after the game in Arizona, the economic impact was approximately $273.6 million. With great teams still in the mix this year, we would expect similar numbers. As Executive Director of Visit Tampa Bay, what has been your involvement in securing and hosting the national championship? Obviously, we partner very closely with the team at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission to provide support during the bidding process, provide financial support, as well personnel support to help execute a fantastic event. When entertaining visitors in the community, where do you prefer to take them to showcase Tampa Bay sports? We have amazing professional sports facilities like Raymond James Stadium and Amalie Arena, but also some pretty incredible facilities at the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa. Additionally, some of our public parks are award-winning and not to be missed for outdoor fun. Which Tampa Bay location serves as the best photo backdrop for travelers? Definitely the Tampa Riverwalk with Plant Hall in the background. EXTRA POINT If you were the head of the team that wins the coin toss, do you elect to receive or defer to the second half? Defer to the second half and let my defense take care of business.
FREE SATURDAY! Experience a full day of family-friendly fun at Championship Campus, all for FREE on Saturday, Jan. 7. STOP #1: MEDIA DAY | 9 A.M., AMALIE ARENA
This is your chance to see your favorite players, listen to interviews and experience more than 1,000 media members preview the national championship game. Plus, just for attending, you will receive a free ticket to attend Playoff Fan Central. STOP #2: PLAYOFF FAN CENTRAL | NOON - 8 P.M., TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER
This fan festival features appearances from the participating universities bands, cheerleaders and mascots, as well as mini pep rallies for each participating team. Activities include interactive games, special guest appearances and exhibits celebrating college football. This event creates memories that last a lifetime. STOP #3: PLAYOFF PLAYLIST LIVE! | NOON - 11 P.M., CURTIS HIXON WATERFRONT PARK
Take the short stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to see some of the nation’s top recording artists at AT&T Playoff Playlist LIVE! Saturday’s all-star lineup includes Rachel Platten, Cold War Kids and headliner Flo Rida. Don’t miss your chance to close out Free Saturday with an incredible show plus dazzling fireworks. CLICK TO LEARN MORE
TWO INCREDIBLE EVENTS TO BENEFIT EXTRA YARD FOR TEACHERS Championship weekend offers two distinct opportunities on Jan. 8 to benefit the CFP’s Extra Yard for Teachers program, which supports teachers (grades K-12) nationwide. Start the day with the Extra Yard 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run through downtown Tampa. Teachers will play a central role in the day’s events by serving as grand marshals of the race and will also be honored and recognized throughout the event program. Participants will receive a race t-shirt, a free ticket to Playoff Fan Central, plus will be entered to win two tickets to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Don’t miss your chance to run for a great cause. Registration is open now at EY5K.com. Stroll up the Tampa Riverwalk that evening for Taste of the Championship, beginning at 7 p.m. at The Florida Aquarium. Indulge in delicacies from 16 of Tampa Bay’s top chefs, as well as noted chefs from select college football bowl cities. The lineup includes 717 South, Ava, Bern’s Steak House, Boca Kitchen, Bar & Market, Cigar City BrewPub, The Columbia Restaurant, Datz, Fodder & Shine, Goody Goody, Haven, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Mise en Place, Parkshore Grill, The Refinery, Roux and Ulele. Tickets are on sale now at TasteoftheChampionship.com, and include unlimited food and beverage, as well as admission to The Florida Aquarium. Proceeds from both events benefit Extra Yard for Teachers, which goes the “extra yard” by inspiring and empowering quality teachers. To learn more about the program and how you can support the teaching profession, click the “Learn More” button. CLICK TO LEARN MORE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PREGAME ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED The College Football Playoff announced the pregame entertainment lineup surrounding the College Football Playoff National Championship, Monday, January 9, at Raymond James Stadium. The ultimate pregame event, Championship Tailgate, will be headlined by multi-platinum singer and songwriter Dierks Bentley. Bentley has tallied 15 No. 1s and 14 GRAMMY nods over the course of his career and just released the title track from his critically acclaimed album BLACK, which follows two consecutive No. 1 hits: the CMA award-winning and GRAMMY nominated “Different for Girls” feat. Elle King and the multi-week Platinum No. 1 song “Somewhere On A Beach.” Pop band, The Shadowboxers open for Bentley. Prior to kickoff, GRAMMY Award-winning group Little Big Town will perform the Star-Spangled Banner, and will feature a flight from Challenger, the American Eagle Foundation’s famous free-flying bald eagle. Championship Tailgate will take place from Noon to 6:30 p.m. and is free for all national championship game ticket holders. The on-field, pregame festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m. CLICK TO LEARN MORE
THE ROAD LEADS BACK TO TAMPA BAY FOR TWO COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SENIOR EXECUTIVES - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Kelly, the CFP’s Chief Operating Officer, was executive director of the 1999 Men’s Basketball Final Four Local Organizing Committee when the event was held at St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field. He transitioned into becoming president of the Super Bowl XXXV Host Committee in Tampa (also serving in similar positions for Super Bowls in Jacksonville and Miami). Kelly also became an associate athletic director at the University of South Florida. Sigmon, the CFP’s Chief Financial Officer, assisted on the 1999 Final Four and Super Bowl XXXV, while serving as executive director of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl XLIII Host Committee. “What’s so special is how many times my life has circled back to the Tampa Bay area,’’ said Kelly, who came to the CFP in November 2012 after serving as senior associate commissioner for the Atlantic Coast Conference. “A lot of places feel like home to me. Even though I didn’t grow up in Tampa Bay, it’s the place where it feels the most like that for me.’’ “I feel incredibly fortunate,’’ said Sigmon, who joined the CFP after serving as senior associate athletic director and chief operating officer at Kansas State University. “Coming back to Tampa and renewing all these great relationships is amazing. This is the place where I got my first chance.’’ It started innocently enough. In 1998, Kelly was working as director of athletic operations and facilities at Wake Forest University, his alma mater. Wake Forest had just hosted early round NCAA Tournament basketball games. Kelly spotted an NCAA News advertisement, which sought applicants for an executive director position for the 1999 Final Four. Kelly pondered it. Hey, why not? “I had never even visited Tampa or St. Petersburg,’’ Kelly said. “I didn’t know if I had much of a chance. The next thing I know, I’m interviewing with Paul Griffin (then USF’s athletic director), they offer me the position and I’m moving here. “The community gave me a chance. Once we had success and
began meeting people, I felt so comfortable. Everyone here is so friendly and cares so much about the community. I just loved it.’’ Kelly’s opportunity also opened the door for Sigmon, a former Wake Forest football player who was working with him in the athletic department. Sigmon followed Kelly to Tampa Bay, jumpstarting his career. “Michael and I have talked about that before, the opportunities we were afforded very early in our careers,’’ Sigmon said. “The Tampa Bay community trusted us. It was a tremendous springboard. To be able to stage the championship game in Tampa Bay is really incredible.’’ Sigmon said he has been invigorated by working again with men such as Leonard Levy, one of the patriarchs for attracting major sporting events to Tampa Bay, who has “done so much for Tampa and for me personally.’’ Kelly said Tampa is probably one of the only places where “I can arrive and literally be walking down the street only to bump into (Tampa mayor) Bob Buckhorn and be able to compare notes on how the plans are going. It’s that kind of close-knit, solutionsoriented place.’’ Kelly and Sigmon agreed that it’s especially exciting to be involved with a young event. The CFP is entering its third year, while the Final Four and Super Bowl have a much more substantial history. Together again, they are charting the course for an event that already occupies an iconic spot on the sports calendar. “It’s like having a blank slate and creating a new event,’’ Sigmon said. “It’s exciting for all of us. Now we get to continue that process in a very special place.’’ “It’s exciting and daunting at the same time,’’ Kelly said. “It’s a very large undertaking, but it’s almost a dream-like opportunity to be part of it. Being back in the Tampa Bay area, where we have built so many great memories, makes it a real highlight for guys like Reid and I. Truly, this where it began.’’ Life seldom travels in a straight line. Their careers have taken more of a circuitous route. The latest stop, a return to Tampa Bay, is comfortable and familiar. Kelly and Sigmon, once again, are grateful for the opportunity. Joey Johnston, a sports journalist with the Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times for more than three decades, has covered all of the Tampa Bay area’s major sporting events and can’t wait to witness the College Football national championship on January 9, at Raymond James Stadium.
TAMPABAY2017.COM: YOUR HOME FOR ALL #TAMPABAY2017 INFO WANT TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST DETAILS OF THE 2017 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP? BOOKMARK TAMPABAY2017.COM.
E-NEWSLETTER - EVENTS - VOLUNTEER