Jan. 13, 2012

The inaugural Battle of Florida football all-star game will take place 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, at the FAU Football Stadium. The game will feature not only former football standouts at colleges all throughout the state of Florida, but many Florida high school stars that went on to star at programs outside of the state, but who hold roots to the state of Florida.

The finalized roster announced that former Owl defensive tackle Jarvis Givens will suit up. Two of his former teammates, defensive tackle Kevin Cyrille and punter Mickey Groody, will battle for the South.

Headlining the event are two legends manning their respective sidelines: former FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger will lead the South, and at the helm of the North is Bobby Bowden, who retired with the most coaching wins in NCAA D-1 history.

Tickets to The Battle of Florida can be purchased through ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-FAU-Owls. While the event is played at FAU, it is an outside event and will require FAU students to purchase tickets at a discount rate.

The Battle of Florida is more than just a game. A week chocked full of action kicks off this Sunday throughout the FAU communities, leading up to Saturday's main event.

Sunday, January 15

• Battle of the Beauties on the Beach (11 am-4:30 p.m.)
• Battle of the Beauties VIP Gala (7-10 p.m.)

Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Miami Dolphin cheerleaders compete on Boca Raton Beach in a variety of events, and then later, at the Boca Raton Biergarten, will be on hand during an extravagant dinner.

Monday, January 16

• North vs. South Bowling Tournament (Beginning at 8 p.m.)

Participants during Saturday's game will compete at the Strikes Bowling Alley in Boca Raton. You can either go as a spectator, or pay to join and roll alongside the all-stars.

Wednesday, January 18

• 40s, 50s and Fabulous Wellness Competition (Beginning at 6 p.m.)

It's a fashion show, but better, with net benefits going to The League for the Educational Advancement of Human Rights. The competition, held at Carmen's at the Top of the Bridge Hotel in Boca Raton, will recognize and award prizes to women ages 40's and 50's+.

Thursday, January 19

• Clematis By Night with The Battle of Florida (6-9 p.m.)

There will be live music, games and more at Centennial Square in West Palm Beach. You can also get your chance to win tickets and Ultra Access passes to Saturday's game.

Friday, January 20

• Meet the Teams & Gin Blossoms Concert at Mizner Park (Doors open at 5 p.m.)

You will have the opportunity to purchase t-shirts to get autographed by the all-stars, then stay for the Gin Blossoms at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Different levels of seating, including VIP meet and greet and afterparty, are available.

Saturday, January 21

• The Battle of Florida FCA Luncheon (11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.)
• The Battle VIP Tailgate Party (Beginning at 5 p.m.)

The luncheon, free to high school football players wearing their jerseys, will be held at the FAU Stadium's Delray Acura Premier Club. It will be a casual meet and greet with players and the two legendary all-star game coaches. Meanwhile, the VIP tailgate party features live music and delicious tailgate fare in the exclusive VIP area in the grass lot on the Southwest side of the stadium.

All of these events lead up to the Saturday kickoff at 8 p.m. at the FAU Football Stadium. For more information, or to order tickets to individual events, visit the official Battle of Florida website at: www.thebattleofflorida.com.