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TAMPA BAY RAISES THE BAR WITH 2017 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HOSTING EFFORT
With the eyes of the world upon Tampa Bay, our community shined like never before. Both visitors and locals alike took advantage of our walkable downtown Championship Campus and generated record attendance at ancillary events throughout the weekend. Thanks to the addition of two new special events indigenous to the destination, Tampa Bay was bristling with activity and energy. Check out what fans, media, players and event organizers had to say about the event’s first-ever trip to the Southeast United States. In front of the largest crowd in Raymond James Stadium history, the Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide in arguably one of the greatest games in the history of college football. Joey Johnston highlights how plans were already forming in the minds of local leaders for a successful return of the CFP National Championship to Tampa Bay. Finally, we close out Touchdown Tampa Bay with our Six Points feature with President of the Tampa Bay Storm and former Florida State University standout, Derrick Brooks.
The Tampa Bay area, no stranger to big events, simply outdid itself during the CFP National Championship weekend. What was your favorite moment? Maybe it was when the iconic Jose Gaspar ship settled into Garrison Channel, lighting up the night with its “2017’’ logo. Maybe it was “Free Saturday,’’ when fans could attend Media Day, jump over to Playoff Fan Central, then conclude their experience with the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! concert — all for free. Maybe it was the unmistakable connection of Tampa’s Riverwalk, where thousands of people converged along the Hillsborough River, hopping CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 between venues, listening to music,
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UNIFIED BY THE TAMPA RIVERWALK The planning spanned six mayoral terms and nearly 40 years. The Tampa Riverwalk, which provides a picturesque 2.5-mile stroll along the Hillsborough River, is now a reality. For fans of Clemson and Alabama — along with the locals — it was THE hub of activity during the College Football Playoff National Championship weekend. “The Riverwalk has transformed our city,’’ Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “It has opened up the city not only to Tampa residents, but to the world.’’ Using the Riverwalk as a main artery, fans could easily walk from Amalie Arena (site of Media Day and the Extra Yard 5K) to the Tampa Convention Center (site of Playoff Fan Central and Championship Yacht Village) to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (site of the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! concert series), visiting merchandise tents, interactive stations, bars and restaurants along the way. “This is gorgeous, just incredible, to be walking along the water,’’ said Clemson fan Grayden Jackson of Charlotte, N.C. “If we lived here, we’d be walking this every single day. I can’t believe how convenient this is. The set-up couldn’t be better.’’ CLICK TO WATCH RIVERWALK VIDEO!
TAMPA’S WATERFRONT ADDS ANOTHER UNIQUE ELEMENT TO CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Tampa’s dazzling waterfront afforded the opportunity to add a new and unique experience to the national championship game and its surrounding activities. This year, fans could stay in the heart of Championship Campus on the comfort of their own vessel at Championship Yacht Village, presented by Galati Yacht Sales. More than a private retreat for its guests, Yacht Village provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for fan photos, local television stations and ESPN broadcasts from the Tampa Convention Center. Ranging in sizes from 50 feet to 164 feet, the yachts were docked on floating slips positioned along the Tampa Riverwalk. Guests enjoyed a variety of amenities including a concierge, live music, private hospitality tent and complimentary food provided by some of the bay area’s most notable restaurants. Additionally, they had a prime location for Sunday’s fireworks display and premium access at the CFP National Championship at Raymond James Stadium. For the Tampa Bay community, it was an opportunity to welcome boaters, showcase our waterfront and pave the way for similar experiences in the future.
BLUE SKIES ON A JANUARY DAY AT CLEARWATER BEACH While the temperatures may have required an extra layer of clothing for some, the blue sky over Clearwater Beach showcased a beautiful Florida Sunday for the Championship Beach Bash. Fans were greeted by live music, games, and a sand sculpture featuring the logos of both competing teams. Things heated up when the Clemson Tigers Marching Band stepped on sand and took their spot for an unforgettable performance including “Tiger Rag” and “Eye of the Tiger.” Alabama Cheer took the stage and performed alongside the famed Million Dollar band while fans called out “Roll Tide Roll.” The band and cheer performances set the stage for an action-packed Celebrity Flag Football game featuring honorary coaches Jesse Palmer, Sara Walsh, Cedric the Entertainer, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard and teams that included ESPN analysts and SportsCenter Anchors (John Anderson, Matt Barrie, John Buccigross, Jay Crawford, Brett McMurphy, Kevin Neghandi and Ryen Ruscillo), Fox Sports reporter Bruce Feldman, as well as both current and former athletes (Matt Buschmann, Takeo Spikes, Anthony Becht and Toby Hall). After a heated battle, Team Clearwater took home the trophy with a 33-16 victory. “I told them, ‘Go out there and do what you do. It’s sand. Have fun.” Cedric said after receiving the trophy. 3
SIX POINTS WITH DERRICK BROOKS Fans know of your many accomplishments on the field, what accomplishment in your professional career are you most proud?
For me, my favorite accomplishment is all of them. I try to enjoy each one of my accomplishments in their own space. In doing so, I don’t rob myself of the moment. Each one lives individually and they don’t compete against each other. I tell people to not compare your accomplishments – rather find a way to connect with each of them – because each accomplishment impacts your life in a different way. Why did you decide to make Tampa your home after retiring from pro football?
My home is a result of the many wonderful relationships I have from Tampa. Being from the state of Florida, living here in college and through the professional ranks, it was going to be hard to leave the state once I retired. The relationships that I formed here, and that my children have made here, made this community a natural fit. Staying here is a direct result of feeling like we were part of the fabric of this community and the relationships that the Lord has allowed me to form here since 1995. What has been your involvement in the College Football Playoff local host committee?
Being part of the Host Committee was a tremendous learning experience for me. I’m grateful to Rob [Higgins] for allowing me to be a part of this life-changing event. I’ve learned a lot from both a business and service aspect, a community aspect, and even a host aspect – trying to create a memorable experience for these student PRESIDENT OF THE TAMPA BAY STORM, FOUNDER OF DERRICK BROOKS CHARITIES athletes. The business community connected in a way that I’ve never FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS seen before. I jumped at the opportunity to get involved, and hope to continue to work on to earn these events in the future. I think our city has a lot to offer. What is one of the memorable life lessons taught to you by either Coach Bobby Bowden at Florida State and Coach Tony Dungy with the Bucs?
Actually, they both emphasized the same message at different points in my life, and it helped shape me from a young man to an adult. It can be summed up in three words, “Faith. Family. Football.” In that order. They made sure that I lived my life in that order and set my priorities in that order. I was fortunate enough to have two faith-based head coaches that helped influence my life. I put a lot of lessons under that umbrella. Why do you think the College Football Playoff National Championship should return to Tampa Bay?
I think that we provide the best experience for this game – not only on the field with the venue, but also off the field with our community’s support. From the business, community, service, and student athlete aspects we were able to provide an incredible experience, without a hiccup. We provided a safe, educational and entertaining environment. I also think that we are an innovative community host. Everyone challenged themselves to do their best, stay creative and stay appealing. We would love to do it again. What was your favorite experience from the College Football Playoff National Championship or any of the events you attended?
For me, it was the Championship Tailgate that was the most fun. It was this great open environment, where fans from both universities were able to mingle, have fun and enjoy an interactive environment together. I was able to connect and spend time with a lot of people before the game. Game time was go time, but the Tailgate was about 6 hours where we were able to talk and have fun. EXTRA POINT If you could choose a position to play besides LB, what would it be? I’m not sure I could choose another position. I fell in love with this position when I was 10 years old. I love the thrill of the chase, being a defender and everything about it. Football is truly a team sport and I thank God that I was attracted to this game which taught me so many life lessons including being part of a team and what it means to achieve things alongside others.
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JAM-PACKED MEDIA DAY On Saturday, January 7, players and coaches from Alabama and Clemson converged on Amalie Arena for hour-long interview sessions with America’s top sports writers and sports broadcasters.
TAMPA: ESPN’S KIND OF TOWN ESPN was omnipresent. The network sent more than 1,100 personnel to Tampa for its coverage, which included five days of build-up and its multi-platform “mega-cast’’ on game night.
Also attending: More than 3,500 fans, clad in Crimson and Orange. Fans were provided with special radio headsets which allowed them to hear the comments of Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, Alabama head coach Nick Saban and star players from both teams. Fans cheered when the teams arrived. They stayed around for autographs. But mostly, they took it all in with an intimate arena setting laid out perfectly. Seating was limited to one side of the arena and in the lower level only. “Anything we can do to allow the fans to get closer and touch this event, we think that’s a great opportunity,’’ CFP executive director Bill Hancock said. The fans were appreciative. “I know we got in for free, but believe me when I say Media Day is worth the price of admission,’’ said Alabama fan Octavious Rogers, an Army sergeant who is stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. “Seeing the players so close-up, hearing the interviews, we never get this chance. For the fans, this is like heaven.’’
RUNNERS RACE DOWN BAYSHORE TO BENEFIT EXTRA Adding to the hustle of downtown Tampa in the days leading to the CFP National Championship, was more than 1,000 runners who took to the starting line for the Extra Yard 5K. Teachers clad in bright green shirts and race participants made their way from Amalie Arena, through downtown and along scenic Bayshore Boulevard. While some runners kept a close eye on their finish time, many raced for bragging rights as part of a weekend of activities benefitting Extra Yard for Teachers. The philanthropic focus carried to on-stage festivities which honored the National Teachers of the Year in attendance, recognized the success of the College Ready Tampa Bay initiative and awarded local students and teachers who participated in the Gerdau/Playoff Green Campus Challenge. The celebration culminated in an exciting closing ceremony that presented the overall men’s and women’s 5K winners with a pair of tickets to the national championship game.
“Obviously, logistics are important for us. Tampa, with everything being so centrally located, has just been perfect,’’ said Lee Fitting, the senior coordinating producer of College GameDay. “We couldn’t ask for better ease of access. There’s a palpable buzz in downtown, which adds to it. We’re thrilled with the yachts, the marina and the skyline. We can deliver some great shots for the country to see what this place is all about.’’ For ESPN reporter Marty Smith, those “great shots’’ were in his view every morning. “At my hotel (Marriott Waterside), I was on a corner,’’ Smith said. “I look out my window and all the boats are lined up. I go to the other side and see all the way out in the bay. I watched the sunrise, sitting there having a cup of coffee on my balcony. I promise you, it gets no better than this town.’’ “Everything is so nice and bright in Tampa,’’ said ESPN’s Hannah Storm, host of SportsCenter. “Any time you’re doing the show by a marina with a beautiful blue sky, life is good. I like my work space. I have felt at ease and happy with everything here. Obviously, Tampa knows how to handle big events and how to throw a party.’’ For ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi, it was about the ability to do his job effectively. “It sounds selfish and spoiled, but having everything in a close footprint really makes it good for us,’’ Rinaldi said. “We don’t have to wait. We don’t have to get on a bus. It’s optimum working conditions, and it’s in a great town.’’ 5
THREE NIGHTS OF INCREDIBLE CONCERTS For three nights leading up to the CFP National Championship, downtown Tampa served as a big-time outdoor concert venue. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park welcomed AT&T Playoff Playoff Live!, a free concert series which featured headline acts Eric Paslay, Flo Rida and Usher before crowds of 20,000 visitors and locals. “It was an amazing sight to see Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park transformed into a concert venue with such atmosphere and such personality,’’ Tampa Bay Sports Commission executive director Rob Higgins said. “The people came early, stayed late and had a great time.’’ That was the idea. Downtown Tampa was alive with excitement. The concert’s images were projected onto the side of the Sykes Building, serving as a 31-story jumbotron that could be seen from a mile away. “What an incredible scene,’’ Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “All those people at the concert. Everybody having a great time. The (University of Tampa) minarets in the background. The waterfront activated. Those were some proud, proud moments.’’ CFP executive director Bill Hancock said the concert series was conceived to build excitement in the host city and offer entertainment options for local fans who couldn’t attend the game. “We love the idea of it,’’ Hancock said. And so do the fans. “What a great concept,’’ said Tampa resident Riley Collins. “The free concerts are amazing. It’s great publicity for the city. I look around and everybody is smiling and laughing. I’m having a great time and I’m hanging out with people I haven’t even met before. We’re all here for the fun.’’
PLAYERS, COACHES SOAK IT IN The players and coaches from Clemson and Alabama weren’t surprised to get the red-carpet treatment from Tampa officials during their stay for the national championship game. But their welcome had a fitting twist. Clemson players arrived to an “orange-carpet’’ welcome at Tampa International Airport. Meanwhile, Alabama players got a “crimson-carpet’’ welcome. Both teams were warmly greeted by local youth football players, community business leaders and pirates from the Ye Mystic Krewe, while their respective fight songs were played by a local high school band. “I think they thought of everything,’’ Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen said. It was more of a business trip for the Tigers and Crimson Tide, who arrived on a Friday afternoon, practiced on a Saturday, had a lighter Sunday workout and played on a Monday night. Still, the seamless preparation and execution was appreciated by programs that are accustomed to the biggest and best sporting venues. “Raymond James Stadium is a fun place to play and the (turf) was truly amazing,’’ Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson said. “Obviously, they know what they’re doing.’’ “We’re all antsy when we get to a game like this and you want everything to run perfectly — and it has,’’ Alabama offensive lineman J.C. Hassenauer said. “We really love how everything is organized and run in a high-class manner. Even though we weren’t able to get out into the city too much, you could tell this was a very well-run event.’’ 6
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soaking up the sunshine.
There were challenges, of course. It rained a little. It was chillier than normal. But compared to the rest of frozen America, the guests were delighted to be in Tampa.
Maybe it was a title game for the ages — Clemson 35, Alabama 31 — that thrilled the largest crowd in Raymond James Stadium history and captivated a worldwide ESPN television audience.
“We had the threat of snow back home, so Tampa has been pure magic,’’ said Erin Dacy, an anchor from WAAY 31 Hometown News, the ABC affiliate in Huntsville, Ala. “I have felt completely welcome from the minute I got off the plane. We have been busy working. I wish I could walk around and experience this as a fan.’’
Maybe it was all of that. If you listen to all the key stakeholders — whether it’s a coach, player, fan or media member — one thing seems certain. This event should return to Tampa Bay as soon as possible. “Tampa is fantastic and it’s obvious this wasn’t the city’s first rodeo when it comes to big events,’’ ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi said. “Everything you want for an event of this magnitude, it’s all here.’’ “I haven’t been to many places that have this kind of infrastructure, along with the seamless cooperation between political leaders and business leaders,’’ said Steve Hatchell, president and CEO of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. “It’s pretty hard to beat this place. If you’re scoring the performance from one to 10, this is very clearly a 10.’’
For those visiting fans, whether they wore Clemson orange or Alabama crimson, it was an unforgettable experience. “This is my first time to Tampa and we’re already talking about coming back for a vacation, maybe for a Rays game or a Bucs game,’’ said Kellyn Dickey, a resident of Tuscaloosa, Ala. “This place is so beautiful and so clean. Being able to walk along the water, with everything so close, it’s just a treat.’’ “I can assure you this Riverwalk is a good idea,’’ said George Holcombe, a resident of Greenville, S.C. “You can have fun doing things. Or you can have fun just hanging out. It’s an amazing place to have a game.’’
“I give it a double A-plus,’’ ACC commissioner John Swofford said. “And knowing the people in Tampa, that doesn’t surprise me. They get things done.’’ I’ve never been prouder of my hometown. Walking around downtown on game weekend, I’ve never seen more happy, energized people. “I saw an amazing city that came to life,’’ Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn said. “Once again, we showed the world what a really cool place this is. There were so many appealing visuals that got beamed all over the world. “People who haven’t been here in a while were walking around saying, ‘What the heck happened to this city?’ Obviously, the Riverwalk is a game-changer. But seeing how we performed just affirmed to me that what we’re doing is working.’’
Ah, yes. The game. It was amazing, too. When it was all done, you almost had trouble remembering it was football. Sporting analogies ran wild. There was talk of Tampa Bay “hitting a grand slam’’ and putting on a “slam dunk’’ performance. “The accessibility of everything has set it apart from the other cities that hosted our game,’’ CFP executive director Bill Hancock 7
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said. “All the conveniences have surpassed my expectations.’’ “This is just a great site,’’ USA Today collegefootball writer George Schroeder said. “I’d support coming back to Tampa. I’m aboard. I think you’d have a hard time finding somebody who’s not aboard.’’ To that end, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission unveiled a web site —CFPFirstSecond.com — that had multiple meanings. From the first second it was awarded the game in 2013, the Tampa Bay community wrapped its efforts around staging a great event. Now Tampa Bay wants to become the first second-time host of the CFP National Championship. The Super Bowl has been here — four times — along with the Republican National Convention, the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Final Four, the NCAA Frozen Four, the ACC and SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament and scores of other events.
WHAT THEY SAID... PLAYERS “We got a red-carpet welcome. Actually, it was a crimson carpet. I felt famous when I saw that kind of reception.’’ — Alabama Linebacker, Reuben Foster “This is my town and it looks great. They’ve got the whole city looking good. I’m proud to say I’m from here.’’ — Clemson Wide Receiver, Deon Cain of Tampa Bay Tech FANS “Heck yeah, I’m proud of our area. Tampa is a beautiful place and we get to show it off. Everybody is super excited to be here.’’ — Alabama fan, Kelsey Brevik of Plant City, FL “Alabama has been to so many national championships, it’s like we all take it for granted. Not this time. Tampa is a really special place.’’ — Alabama fan, Jeremy Dickey of Tuscaloosa, AL “I’d call this a pretty big success. The visitors are having a great time and I can tell the locals are really proud hosts. I can’t put a price tag on this experience.’’ — Clemson fan, Cheney Jackson of Charlotte, NC “This is my first time to the Riverwalk. We’ll be back. I can assure you of that.’’ — Alabama fan, Virginia Rodgers of New Hope, AL ESPN
When you combine Tampa Bay’s natural resources, the area’s cooperative effort and the warmth of its people, you have a winning combination. I have seen our city shine before, but never like this. Should the CFP National Championship Game return to Tampa Bay? “Absolutely,’’ ESPN’s Ryan McGee said. “Some cities have no personality. Tampa has tons of personality. It’s built for putting on a great show and that’s what’s happening. We’d love to come back here. I’d like to see this event here as often as possible. Tampa deserves that.’’
“I’ve been here 10 to 15 times in the last six years and I’ve never had a bad time. Tampa feels like the ideal setting for this game. It’s a big city, but it doesn’t feel huge and sprawling. It’s welcoming.’’ — ESPN’s Adam Amin “I think Tampa has really embraced this and seems delighted the game is here. This is a warm, welcoming place. You feel good about coming. Everybody has worked really hard to help us do our jobs.’’ — ESPN’s Rece Davis “Tampa is the right mix of laid-back and city environment. It’s fun to be here, fun to walk around. It has a good energy. I can’t say enough good things about this city.’’ — ESPN’s Lee Fitting
I couldn’t agree more. 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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WHAT THEY SAID... MEDIA “When you go to Media Day, you get up early and sometimes you’re all stressed, wondering where you need to drive. Here, things are so easy. This is very polished. Tampa gives you a high comfort level with staging a big event.’’ — Chuck Culpepper, Washington Post “Tampa is a true jewel, just fantastic. It needs to be in the rotation for this game. No question.’’ — Dennis Dodd, CBSsports.com “It’s very apparent that Tampa is a big-event city. Even though the college football championship is new to them, I it’s pretty clear they understand how to do things right. And I got to go for a run down Bayshore Boulevard. I was very happy with that.’’ — George Schroeder, USA Today “I’ve been very impressed with what Tampa has done. We go to a lot of places, but I haven’t seen many with this kind of hospitality and everything you need in the downtown. You can tell this city wants to put its best foot forward.’’ — Tony Barnhart, “Mr. College Football,’’ CBS Sports and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution EVENT ORGANIZERS “We as a conference have a lot of experience in Tampa. They’ve proven to be great hosts for our men’s basketball tournament. The Outback Bowl is here every year and that’s important for our football teams. Everything I have seen here has been of great quality. The tight downtown footprint just makes it a great place to be.’’ — Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner “This area has tremendous leadership and really good community involvement. It takes a lot of people to pull this off. It really does take a buy-in from the community, the city leadership and the transportation folks. It’s obvious that commitment is here in Tampa.’’ — Bob Bowlsby, Big 12 Commissioner “This has been an unprecedented opportunity for Tampa to be on the world stage. I can say with confidence this was an unqualified success. I want to be very clear. We want to host another one and I look forward to hosting another one.’’ — Ken Hagan, Hillsborough County Commissioner “It’s not the end. It’s the start. We look forward to a long-term relationship. Now the focus shifts. We want to be your first second-time host. I want to thank the entire College Football Playoff staff. These were friends going into the overall process. Today and after what the week was, they’re now our family. This event has changed our community forever.’’ — Rob Higgins, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Sports Commission “People in Tampa Bay really care. As we move around the country, we don’t want it to be the same in every city. This was special. The Riverwalk set it apart. And this has set the standard in what you look for in a local organizing committee.’’ — Michael Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, College Football Playoff “This event happened due to the partnership between the College Football Playoff and the people of Tampa. It was collegial. It was cooperative. I can’t express how delighted we are.’’ — Bill Hancock, Executive Director, College Football Playoff “Tampa should be proud of what it accomplished. What a fantastic job.’’ — Rich McKay, President, Atlanta Falcons “The City of Tampa could not have been a more gracious host. The public safety officials could not have done a better job of setting the bar for our game in 2018.’’ — Atlanta Mayor, Kasim Reed
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