How Pop-Tarts Bowl boosts Orlando, local businesses
ORLANDO, Fla. - Thousands of fans will fill Camping World Stadium for the Pop-Tarts Bowl and not only is it a fun bowl game for fans, but it's also a boost for local businesses.
A pep rally at the Pointe Orlando brought together Miami Hurricanes and Iowa State Cyclones fans ahead of Saturday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl game at Camping World Stadium.
"It’s so exciting you really feel the ‘Canes spirit," said one fan.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl is one of the most fun bowl games of the year where the winning team gets to eat the mascot, a Pop-Tart.
"I just love the pageantry of everything. I love being here in Orlando," said Michael Terminelli, a Miami fan. "I love the way they put on a bowl game like this. It’s phenomenal."
Florida Citrus Sports say the city’s bowl games and the Florida Classic bring in $100M to the local economy. Orlando businesses say it brings in big crowds.
"It drives a huge economic impact for everyone," said Brittany Graham, the Director of Marketing with Live! At The Pointe Orlando.
"It brings people from all walks of life and all over the world here and they don’t have just one attraction. It’s not the bowl game but then they can go somewhere else and they can make a full vacation for the whole family," she continued.
PBR Cowboy Bar in the Pointe Orlando opened earlier than they normally would on Friday to accommodate the crowds.
"These folks came out, they’re ready to go. They’ve been out all week visiting us, spending money," said Mike Rostek, the General Manager of PBR. "The college experience through sports is contagious. It brings everyone together rooting for the same thing, it’s great."
Coaches said they’re proud to support the Central Florida community through the exciting bowl game.
"It’s bigger than just a football game. I think the ability to make such a profound impact in the neighborhoods around the stadium and really what this stands for it’s great to be a part of something like that," said Coach Matt Campbell of Iowa State.
Kickoff is at 3:30 pm on Saturday at Camping World Stadium.