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Tuesday, December 21, 10:00 AM - St. Petersburg, Fla.
It's another beautiful morning after a great night. The people of the Beef O' Brady's Bowl know how to put together a a party.
The best part about today is that it is finally game day. I'm not in the predictions business but it will be nice to see the Cardinals start off the BIG EAST bowl season with a victory. The BIG EAST staff in Providence is working hard to meet your bowl needs. Be sure to check out www.bigeast.org for a game preview and highlights after the game.
For the fans in St. Petersburg don't forget the Fan Tailgate Extravaganza from 2-8 in Lot 7A at Tropicana Field. For BIG EAST fans not in town, the game kicks off tonight at 8:00 on ESPN.
It's time to grab some food and get ready for the long day. See you at "The Trop."
-MC
Monday, December 20, 6:30 PM - St. Petersburg, Fla.
The sun has set in St. Petersburg but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. I'm off to dinner and Fergs Sports Bar and Grill for the Bowl Block Party. See everyone there and be sure to check back later.
-MC
Monday, December 20, 2:00 PM - St. Petersburg, Fla.
ESPN's Rob Stone hosted the annual Kickoff Luncheon held at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg. NFL Hall of Fame inductee Kellen Winslow addressed the crowd in an event that took just over an hour.
Kellen Winslow started his "I am who you want to be" speech by having both teams stand and turn their cell phones off to ensure they heard his message loud and clear. His message was direct emphasizing the importance of academics and urging student-athletes to take advantage of the system that is giving them the ability to play football while earning an education. He also pointed out college was the best time of their life and to enjoy the entire bowl experience from the game to the bus rides with teammates.
Other highlights included brief speeches from both coaches and, of course, chocolate cake. Who doesn't love cake?
The weather is just too nice to stay in the hotel and blog. I think I hear the pool calling my name. Bowl Bock Party tonight at Fergs Sports Bar and Grill. See you there.
-MC
Monday, December 20, 11:00 AM - St. Petersburg, Fla.
The sun is finally out and what a beautiful morning. I should know how nice the weather is considering I walked what seemed to be 12 miles looking for a CVS. Thats what happens when you make the rookie mistake of forgetting toothpaste among other things.
Kickoff Luncheon is at noon and my shirt isn't going to iron itself. More updates to come.
-MC
Sunday, December 19, 7:00 PM - St. Petersburg, Fla.
I have never seen a beach bash with so many people in sweatshirts and jeans. It may have been a little cold, but that didn't stop Louisville fans from enjoying the Beef O' Brady's Beach Bash. There were games, a dance contest, belly flops, and twice as many Cardinal fans. The extra Louisville fans helped the Cardinals take the first victory of the week in the poolside dance competition. Even after the teams left, fans sat poolside enjoying the scene seeing how fast they could throw a football, shooting a few jump shots, and taking part in a little friendly boxing in an inflatable ring.
If you're a Louisville fan and you're not here you need to jump on the next plane to St. Petersburg. Syracuse, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, USF, and UConn fans your trips should have been booked yesterday. You don't want to miss the excitement of BIG EAST bowl season.
Thats all I have for tonight. I have friends and family in the area, and I might as well turn this business trip into a little reunion. Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow tomorrow to take you through another day at the Beef O' Brady's Bowl.
-MC
Sunday, December 19, 2:30 PM - St. Petersburg, Fla.
Greetings from St. Petersburg!
The sun isn't exactly shinning in the sunshine state, but I'll take high 50s and clouds over low 30s and a chance of snow any day. I've only been here a few minutes and I've already seen a lot of Cardinal fans getting ready for Charlie Strong's first bowl game as the Louisville head coach.
I'm as unpacked as I'm going to get and its about time to check out the Beef O' Brady's Beach Bash. Check back later for more updates. Until then, you should register on www.bigeastbowlcentral.com, create a group, invite your friends, and earn points for some great prizes. Seriously, register now!
-MC
Saturday, December 18, 7:30 PM - Providence, RI
Good Evening BIG EAST Nation and Cardinal Fans,
My name is Michael Costa and I’m the Football and Video Intern with the BIG EAST Conference. This week my job is taking me from the wintry weather in Providence, RI to sunny St Petersburg, FL. I’ll be covering the Louisville Cardinals as they take on the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in the Beef ‘O Brady’s Bowl.
Each day I’ll be updating Facebook and tweeting about what’s going on in the sunshine state. Let me know if you have a spot I should stop by so you can tell me all about your trip to watch the Cardinals. If you haven’t done so already, make sure to visit www.bigeastbowlcentral.com, create a group and upload your bowl photos and videos to earn points towards your favorite teams gear.
Back to packing, and I’ll see you in St. Petersburg.
-MC
