Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will come alive for a three-day music festival featuring A-List talent all in celebration of the College Football Playoff National Championship. Learn which artists will take the stage and rock the Tampa Riverwalk, as part of AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! Get all of the details on Playoff Fan Central, the ultimate college football theme park. Joey Johnston gives us a look into the life of Bill Hancock, the Executive Director of the College Football Playoff, and what has led him to be considered the nicest person in sports. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Deputy Director Tim Ramsberger tells us why it takes a regional effort to host a championship, and what visitors can look forward to at the beach. Plus, look for updates on the many events taking place on the final weekend of the 2016 college football season.
ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT! Bill Hancock first traveled to Florida through his imagination. As a third-grader in Hobart, Okla., he read “The Pink Motel,’’ which painted an idyllic picture of this tropical paradise, a land of palm trees, year-round sunshine and ocean breezes. “I wondered if there really could be such a place,’’ Hancock said. “Was there really some place out there as magical as Florida sounded to me?’’ Hancock now knows the truth. Florida is real. And when it comes to sports, the state definitely has a magical quality. That continues on January 9, when Hancock’s organization oversees the College Football Playoff National Championship at Raymond James Stadium. “The Tampa Bay area feels like home and the people are like family,’’ said Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff, who served in the same role with the Bowl Championship Series after spending 13 years as director of the NCAA Men’s Final Four. When the Final Four came to St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field in 1999, the area made an indelible impression on Hancock. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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Eric Paslay
Flo Rida
Usher
AT&T PLAYOFF PLAYLIST LIVE! LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT The College Football Playoff announced a star-studded lineup of national recording artists scheduled to perform at AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, the signature outdoor music festival taking place championship weekend in Tampa. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, January 6-8. Eric Paslay will perform Friday night, along with The Shadowboxers and Clare Dunn. Flo Rida will headline Saturday, with an additional performance by Cold War Kids. On Sunday, Jay Pharoah will serve as a special guest host, with Usher taking center stage as the headline act. Additional Sunday performances include Jamie N Commons and Gavin DeGraw. Gates open at noon daily for fan-friendly entertainment, a variety of sponsor activations and ESPN broadcasts. The concert series also includes firework shows on select evenings. CLICK TO LEARN MORE
CURTIS HIXON WATERFRONT PARK: TAMPA’S EVENT DESTINATION With its long history dating back to the mid-1960s, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park has become akin to Tampa’s town square. Once home to Curtis Hixon Hall, the site has hosted a long list of music legends including Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin and The Who. This January it will host a series of A-list talent as part of AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park hosts more than 50 events per year, and welcomes more than 250,000 people to Downtown Tampa and the Tampa Riverwalk. It continues to be a top destination for both visitors and locals, and the City of Tampa recently invested $2.1 million for repairs and improvements. These include lighting and electrical fixtures, drainage structures, new landscape planters, playground, pavement and lawn areas. The center Great Lawn walkway will soon feature new ‘drivable’ pavers with an improved base to help stabilize the walkway and better accommodate vehicular circulation during special events. A stamped concrete staging area at the west end of the park was built to better accommodate large stage structures erected for concerts and events, ensuring a continued story as Tampa’s music destination.
PLAYOFF FAN CENTRAL TICKETS ON SALE! Playoff Fan Central, a 200,000-square foot college football themed park, will take place at the Tampa Convention Center. Family-friendly experiences such as youth clinics, autograph sessions and pep rallies will highlight the three-day event. Playoff Fan Central runs Friday, Jan. 6 (3-8 p.m.), Saturday, Jan. 7 (noon-8 p.m.), and Sunday, Jan. 8 (noon-8 p.m.). Single-tickets are $8 ($10 day of event) and children 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Groups of 20 or more can be purchased for $5 per ticket. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
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Six Points with Tim Ramsberger How do St. Petersburg, Clearwater and other surrounding areas benefit from our region hosting the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship? Our area thrives on tourism. It’s a multi-billion-dollar industry and the core of the Pinellas County economy. We continue experiencing unprecedented growth in tourism hosting more than 15 million visitors annually and soon to reach $50 million in hotel bed-tax revenue. What are three “can’t miss” things in Pinellas County that guests should experience when visiting for the College Football Playoff National Championship? First and foremost, a visit to Tampa Bay isn’t complete without sinking your toes into our white, sugar sand beaches! Our beaches are some of the best in the world. Can’t argue with facts, especially since millions of travelers overwhelmingly voted Clearwater Beach as the No. 1 Beach in the U.S. in TripAdvisor’s 2016 Traveler’s Choice Awards. St. Pete Beach was right behind it, snagging the No. 4 spot. While you’re here, grab a pint at one of our 30+ local craft beer breweries, many of which are award winning. See the full list of breweries at GulpCoast.com. If you’re into marine life, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter and Hope from the Dolphin Tale movies, is fantastic. Pinellas County beaches offer spectacular views of the sunset, what is your favorite sunset spot to recommend to visitors? Sunsets all along our Gulf Coast shoreline are spectacular from Pass-A-Grille to Treasure Island, Madeira Beach to Honeymoon Island and all points in between. The nightly celebration known as Sunsets at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach is very special. Every night from 6-9 p.m., head to Pier 60 to peruse local vendors, enjoy entertaining performers and watch the best free show around - a famous Clearwater Beach sunset!
DEPUTY DIRECTOR VISIT ST. PETE/CLEARWATER FLORIDA STATE (JD), ROLLINS COLLEGE (MBA) AND FLORIDA STATE (BBA)
How has Pinellas County grown to be widely recognized as a cultural and arts destination? The arts and culture scene is fast and widely becoming as important for drawing visitors to our area. The growth and depth of our arts and culture is tremendous. Head to downtown St. Pete to discover art museums, galleries, and more. From the Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts to the brilliant Chihuly Collection and unique street murals that cover the city. What can football fans expect at the Championship Beach Bash? The Championship Beach Bash will be an awesome beach party meets an over-the-top pep rally and celebrity flag-football game! Fans will enjoy a full program of music, games, giveaways and more, in a setting unlike any other in the world. It’s a full day of ‘fun in the sun’ and evenings under tropical stars to celebrate football in paradise. What are some qualities of a college football team that would personify #LiveAmplified,” the phrase that Visit St. Pete Clearwater encourages visitors to use in their social media posts? To “Live Amplified” is to live fully in the moment and beyond; a football team that Lives Amplified gives it all they’ve got in everything they do, and enjoys every moment of it. Same for all of the fans…Amp it up! What was the first college football game you attended? As a native and growing up in St. Petersburg I have early memories of going to University of Tampa Spartan games seeing the likes of Freddie Solomon and John Matuszak (both former NFL greats). EXTRA POINT If you could be part of one of the team’s playing in the national championship game, would you rather be a player or coach? A player, definitely…quarterbacking the winning drive as the game clock runs out!
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CLEARWATER BEACH SET TO WELCOME COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FANS In addition to the incredible events being held in Downtown Tampa, football fans can soak up the sun at America’s #1 Beach. The Championship Beach Bash will be held at Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach, Sunday, January 8, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This free, familyfriendly event will create a pep-rally type atmosphere on the beautiful white sand of Clearwater Beach. The Championship Beach Bash will feature a “Kids Zone,” with games, inflatables and live music. Both teams competing in the College Football Playoff National Championship will be well-represented at the Beach Bash as their respective bands and cheerleaders will provide plenty of school spirit. Plus, fans will get an added dose of football fun courtesy of a celebrity flag football game. CLICK TO LEARN MORE
EXTRA YARD FOR TEACHERS 5K & 1-MILE FAMILY FUN RUN Tampa Bay is invited to take an early morning jog through Downtown Tampa at the Extra Yard 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at Amalie Arena. Proceeds will benefit the College Football Playoff Foundation’s primary initiative, Extra Yard for Teachers, which goes the “extra yard” by inspiring and empowering quality teachers. Teachers will play a central role in the day’s events by serving as grand marshals of the race. Brightly clad in commemorative green shirts, teachers will also be honored and recognized throughout the event program. Don’t miss your chance to run for a great cause. Register today at EY5K.com. CLICK TO REGISTER
TASTE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP - TICKETS AVAILABLE Join past gridiron greats on Sunday, January 8, at The Florida Aquarium for the Taste of the Championship. Indulge in delicacies from 16 of Tampa Bay’s top chefs, as well as noted chefs from select college football bowl cities. Proceeds from Taste of the Championship benefit the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers initiative. Tickets are on sale now, and include unlimited food and beverage, as well as admission to The Florida Aquarium. The Taste of the Championship takes a bite into the culinary diversity of the Tampa Bay area,” said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “Our community has everything imaginable, from fine dining and farm-to-table restaurants to fresh seafood and authentic Spanish dishes. It will all be on display at the Taste of the Championship.” Don’t miss your chance to sample local fare from top Tampa Bay area restaurants including 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. CLICK TO PURCHASE TICKETS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF RANKINGS The road to Tampa Bay is ever-changing. Stay up-to-date with the latest College Football Playoff rankings as Tampa Bay prepares to host the biggest college football game on January 9 at Raymond James Stadium. CLICK FOR PLAYOFF RANKINGS
BILL HANCOCK ENJOYS HIS TAMPA BAY “HOMECOMING” - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 “The infrastructure of the area has changed quite a bit since then,’’ Hancock said. “Many parts of the community look different and there are more wonderful things to do. “But the people haven’t changed one bit and that’s the most important part for me. There’s still that warmth, that sense of cooperation, that can-do spirit that makes Tampa Bay such a special place.’’ In truth, most places are like home to Hancock because of his association with college football and college basketball. He has been there, done that. The relationships are tightly wound and the experiences are unforgettable.
his brother, and edited the paper before moving into college athletic administration, said he’d like to become a newspaper columnist in his next life so he could tell stories about amazing and interesting people. Beyond that, had he not gotten into sports, Hancock said he had another dream career path. Concert pianist. “That would’ve made me very happy,’’ Hancock said. Hancock’s father played the violin and his mother was a piano teacher. He learned to play as a boy and he still has the grand piano that his father purchased for him in 1964. “I threw myself into music and loved every minute of it,’’ he said. “Beethoven. Chopin. Bach. Mozart. Rachmaninoff. I was obsessed with them.’’
“From Albany to Albuquerque — and so many places in between — there’s a familiarity, a comfort level and more great memories than you can imagine,’’ Hancock said. “I am the luckiest person I know. I got to direct the best event in college basketball and now, the best event in college football. It’s all way more than I ever imagined.’’ Bill Hancock grew up in southwestern Oklahoma, a small dot on the map, which provided him an upbringing that he still cherishes. He wistfully remembers riding his bicycle to the movie theatre — no need to lock it — and joining friends at the 25-cent feature presentation. Afterward, it was off to the ice cream shop. His father ran the newspaper and Hancock got a paper route when he was 11. One of his biggest thrills was at 14, “when my father said I could become the janitor. It is the best promotion I ever had. I loved it. I learned the printer’s trade and didn’t have to collect 25 cents a week from those subscribers.’’ He began writing a daily sports column at age 16. “A silly column,’’ he called it. “But I learned discipline from writing every day.’’ Hobart was a place of wide front porches, picket fences, friendly neighbors and hard-working people, many of whom raised wheat and cotton. He is married to his high-school sweetheart. Hancock said he wasn’t the smartest, most creative or most energetic person in his high-school graduating class of ‘68, but he was smart enough to learn a critically important personal characteristic, one that has always served him well. He first heard it in Sunday School. His parents reinforced it. “It’s called the ‘Golden Rule,’” Hancock said. “Treat others the way you want to be treated. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. “It’s so simple, but so important. As you mature, you realize that every person is a treasure, every life is significant and each individual has a story that could change your life.’’ Hancock, who inherited the family’s newspaper at age 23, along with
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Only a few people on the College Football Playoff staff even know that Hancock plays the piano. He doesn’t play as often as he would like and he rarely trots out that talent in public. Truthfully, the greatest joy he gets is when his son plays at Christmas and he sings along with his grandsons and granddaughter. Hancock and his wife Nicki have season tickets to the Kansas City Royals. They also have season tickets to the Kansas City Symphony. “I get the same enjoyment from music that I do from sports,’’ Hancock said. “Music relaxes me, whether I’m playing or hearing someone else play. I think you could easily compare the genius of a musician and the genius of an athlete or a coach. I’m in awe to be around both sets of geniuses.’’ Hancock would never acknowledge it, but the width and breadth of his career suggests another kind of genius. Here’s a small-town kid who has managed the largest events in college sports, always approaching them with good humor, the best of intentions and a sense of wonder. Here’s a man universally lauded as the nicest person in sports, a guy who shrugs and says he simply “has been in the right place at the right time.’’ His humility is admirable. But everyone knows that Hancock inspires an atmosphere of team-building, problem-solving, collaboration and fun. Hancock is right where he wants to be, conducting a symphony of talent, determined to put on another show-stopping event that celebrates college football while crowning its champion. And this time, he’ll do it in the Tampa Bay area that still feels like home, in a state he has always considered magical. 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.
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