By Josh 
Hey there, football fans! Get ready for a showdown that’s got all the vibes of a New Year’s bash with a sprinkle of gridiron glory. Michigan and Alabama are heading to sunny Tampa, Florida, for the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31.
Now, this ain’t just any bowl game – it’s a rematch of last year’s epic Rose Bowl semifinal. Who doesn’t love a little sequel action? Both teams are looking to break their 3-3 tie in head-to-head matchups. Drama, anyone?
The Basics
- Kickoff: Noon
- Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- The Teams: Michigan (7-5, riding high off a 13-10 win over Ohio State) vs. No. 11 Alabama (9-3, rolling in after stomping Auburn 28-14).
- How to Watch: ESPN, or stream on Watch ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, or Sling TV.
Tickets
Wanna be there in person? Tickets are still up for grabs! Regular seats are $80, and club seats go for $170 on Ticketmaster. Secondary markets like StubHub have ‘em in the $83-$91 range.
Weather
Leave those parkas at home, Michigan fans. It’s Florida! Expect temps around 75°F, with just a tiny 15% chance of rain. Perfect for some pregame tailgating.
Biggest Hits in Michigan-Alabama History
This matchup is classic. Uniforms, fight songs, bands – it’s all there. The teams are tied at 3 wins each, and their first faceoff was in Tampa way back in 1988. Michigan snagged that win with a nail-biter touchdown in the final seconds.
Alabama’s wins? They came in 1997, 2012, and 2020. Michigan’s other two wins? Both in overtime – one with Tom Brady slinging it in 2000 and last year’s electrifying Rose Bowl with Blake Corum running wild.
Not Heading to Tampa?
No problem. Three Emagine Theaters in Michigan are showing the game on the big screen. Tickets are $20, and the doors open at 11:30 a.m. Head to Saline, Royal Oak, or Novi for some popcorn-fueled cheering.
Parking & Tailgating
The lots at Raymond James Stadium open at 8 a.m., and spots are first-come, first-served. General parking is $40, but you can snag prepaid options for a discount. Got an RV? That’s $140, so gather your crew!
Tailgating is a go, but keep it chill – no kegs, crazy sound systems, or fireworks. And don’t forget to save room for some legendary Tampa eats after the game.
Warm Welcome for Moore
It’s Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore’s first bowl game, and he’s already making waves with a win over Ohio State. Fans are hoping he follows in the footsteps of legends like Lloyd Carr, who crushed it in bowl games.
So, whether you’re grabbing a ticket, firing up the grill in the parking lot, or settling in with a theater-sized screen, the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl promises to be one heck of a game. Who’s ready to cheer on the Maize and Blue? 🎉🏈