Clearwater Beach is where the Reliaquest Bowl tailgating party starts early! In fact, two days before the big game, you can spend a fun day celebrating with both teams right on the beach! Add marching bands, cheerleaders and fun competitions with prizes, and ReliaQuest Bowl Clearwater Beach Day at Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa has all the makings of a favorite annual event you won’t want to miss. This event is free and open to the public.

This year’s beach day event is on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day, you’ll enjoy entertainment, food, contests and plenty of pregame fun. In the evening, be sure to experience the Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration featuring artisans, vendors, music and more as you marvel at another stunning sunset on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Celebrating 40 years in Tampa Bay, the ReliaQuest Bowl pits teams from the SEC and Big 10 conferences against one another in a noon kickoff on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium. The competition for the 2025 bowl game will be between the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Iowa Hawkeyes, teams that have never played each other before! (Images on this page are from previous years.)

See your Reliaquest Bowl Weekend Guide!
 

 

 

Event Category

  • Annual Festivals & Events
  • Music & Concerts
  • Sports & Recreation

Guest Information

  • Family-Friendly
  • Free Admission
  • Outdoor Event

Activity Highlights

A full lineup of family fun awaits, with activities to delight everyone in your group!

The event officially begins with welcome announcements shortly after noon, followed by friendly competitions where fans can volunteer to compete on behalf of their favorite team in relay races, the limbo and basketball pong. Additional activities set up around the beach will include an inflatable football toss and giant bucket toss.

The bands and cheerleaders from both teams will perform, with players and coaches being introduced as well. 

A second round of games will round out the day – including games like a pie-eating contest, mascot soccer and cheerleader tug of war – with DJ Greg Wolf spinning tunes and several prizes given away to fans.

Admission to the event is free.

Food & Drink

The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa will offer concessions for sale, so you can enjoy tasty snacks and cold drinks on the beach while soaking up the festivities.

Parking & Public Transportation

If you aren't staying at the Hilton Clearwater Beach or a nearby property, plan plenty of time to get to the event and find parking. There are several public lots near the Hilton. See more parking details and a map for Clearwater Beach

The Jolley Trolley is a convenient way to get around Clearwater Beach. If you are staying in a nearby beach community and want to get to Clearwater Beach, consider riding the Suncoast Beach Trolley.

See your Reliaquest Bowl Weekend Guide!

 

Event sponsored by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, BayCare, Amplify Clearwater, City of Clearwater, Allegiant, St Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, 93.3FLZ, 970WFLA and 620WDAE Radio.

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