Orlando Kicks Off The New Year!

The first few days of the new year are upon us, and that can only mean one thing: football! In Orlando, that means the Capital One Bowl, on January 2nd at One Citrus Bowl Place, is raring to go. But you don't have to wait until the main event to have some fun. There are many different options, from a parade to tail-gate parties and pre-game festivities to get you in the spirit.

Starting on December 31, the annual Fresh From Florida parade will kick things off from 11am-2pm in downtown Orlando.

On January 1, from 12:30pm-2pm, head on over to The Peabody Orlando for the Capital One Kickoff Luncheon. Warm up your cheering skills later that afternoon at the Capital One Bowl Pep Rally from 4pm-5:30pm at Pointe Orlando (off International Drive).

January 2 is Game Day! You can start things off right at the Capital One Fanfest at McCracken Field (Citrus Bowl Stadium) starting at 9am. This pre-game tailgate party will feature interactive games, live music, entertainment, and much more!

If you're looking for a tailgate party with luxurious style instead, the Kuykendall Gardner Tailgate Terrace is the gathering you won't want to miss. These festivities offer high end, gourmet food and entertainment, and it's all in a climate-controlled environment. Tinker Field (Citrus Bowl Stadium), 10am-1pm.

The Capital One Bowl will be held at Citrus Bowl Stadium with kickoff at 1pm, with the game expected to end at 4:30pm.

More information on all the Capital One Bowl festivities can be found by clicking http://fcsports.com/CapitalOneBowl.aspx">here.

Should you happen to be looking for something to do on January 1 that doesn't involve football, why not visit Universal Citywalk to see the legendary BB King live in concert? This Grammy-award winning blues legend will take the stage with Kaleigh Baker at the Hard Rock Live Orlando at 8pm. Tickets: $65 reserved first two rows; $47.50 reserved main floor and lower balcony; $37.50 reserved upper balcony; $28.50 general admission. For more information, call 407-351-5483 or check out the http://www.hardrock.com/live2/Calendar.aspx?LocationID=115&MIBEnumID=3">Hard Rock Live website.