City: Birmingham, AL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Description: Formerly known as the Papa John’s Bowl, the Birmingham Bowl continues the grand tradition of post-season football in Birmingham where it belongs: Birmingham previously hosted the Dixie Bowl (1947–1948), the Hall of Fame Bowl (1977–1985), and the All-American Bowl (1986–1990). In the few years since the tradition began in 2006, the bowl has grown each year and generated an economic impact of more than $41 million dollars. The game also supports charities such as the Crippled Children’s Foundation, which in turn supports a number of area charities. An exciting match-up between the Southeastern Conference and Big East Conference, the 2010 game between the University of Connecticut and the University of South Carolina drew more than 42,000 fans. ESPN owns and operates the bowl. Tickets are $30 for corners and $50 for sidelines.