TAMPA, Fla. — Auburn fans are used to major bowl games, including their four previous bowl trips to Tampa.
“Great atmosphere down here really excited about the game," said Austin Burke, from Hunstville, Alabama.
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The Outback Bowl game is against Minnesota, a program not so accustomed to playing on New Year's Day. But this year, the Gophers had a break out 10-win season, and the fans are loving every minute of it.
“It’s not very often this happens. Yeah, it’s fun being here," said Minnesota fan Bill Welter.
This is Outback’s 25th year sponsoring the bowl. It's the longest title sponsor in bowl game history.
Officials say the game, and surrounding events, bring in $30 million to the Tampa Bay area every year.
“We went to St. Petersburg on our first full day here and that was great fun. We loved it," said Mary, a Minnesota fan. “We are just enjoying the weather and the fact that we don’t have to have a coat and boots and gloves."
