TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – More than 35,000 people packed Raymond James Stadium Wednesday for the 2025 Reliaquest Bowl.
Some fans traveled over 1,000 miles to be at the game, while some were able to take a short drive from the Suncoast to Tampa.
Phyllis Gau and her daughter are Iowa natives and University of Iowa alumni. They were able to see their Iowa Hawkeyes without even leaving the state.
“We’re super excited. I’m from Iowa but live in Sarasota now, and so I just love that they’re playing in Tampa” Gau said.
Gau and her daughter, cheering on their team, regardless of the lower-than-expected temperatures.
“We wish it were a bit warmer, but still not bad for December/January weather in Florida. My daughter is visiting from Denver, and we’re here as Iowa alums. Go Hawkeyes!”
And Eagles fans making the trip from the Northeast to support former Hawkeye’s defensive back, now Eagles’ cornerback Cooper Dejean’s alma mater.
“I flew all the way from New Jersey just for the game. We’re here to support Iowa. Go birds!” Bob Wheeler said.
Fans were offered numerous pre-game experiences from sports play-by-play calling simulators, live music, corn hole games, and exclusive tailgating areas.
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