Are you ready for some pirate-themed football? Every December, the Gasparilla Bowl transforms Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium into a high-seas spectacle—it’s a nod to Tampa’s swashbuckling spirit. While this year’s matchup pits Billy Napier’s Florida Gators (7-5) against the Tulane Green Wave (9-4), both are trying to end their respective seasons on a high note. The Gators are led by true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, who played in 11 games highlighted by six starts at QB, where he recorded a 5-1 record. The iconic pirate-themed bowl will take place on Dec. 20. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET.

But how did a pirate tale become the anchor for one of college football’s quirkiest bowls? Let’s set sail into the origins of the Gasparilla Bowl and its deep ties to Tampa’s cultural heartbeat.

The Pirate behind the Gasparilla Bowl!

Don’t forget your eye-patch gators and Tulane fans. The bowl’s roots are steeped in pirate lore, celebrating a legendary (and completely fictional) pirate named Jose Gaspar. The Gasparilla Bowl didn’t always have its pirate-inspired name. Originally launched in 2008 as the magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl, the game began its journey in Tropicana Field before moving to Tampa in 2018 and adopting its now-iconic title. The bowl’s name pays homage to the infamous Jose Gaspar, a mythical pirate who allegedly prowled the waters of the Gulf Coast in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Despite historians debunking Gaspar’s existence, his legend looms large in Tampa Bay culture.

“Gasparilla” is far more than just a football game; it’s a year-round celebration of Tampa’s connection to its piratical alter ego. The annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest, hosted since 1904, is a larger-than-life festival that brings nearly 500,000 attendees to the Bayshore Boulevard parade each January. The festival celebrates the “victorious invasion” of Tampa by the pirate Gaspar and his crew, complete with floats, costumed krewes, and family-friendly events.

It’s a name that ties football to festivities, bringing a unique identity to the bowl game. The pirate theme adds a playful flair, and as Krewe members often say, it’s about making football “a part of the adventure.”

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A Tampa tradition with an impact

While the Gasparilla Bowl entertains on the field, its impact stretches beyond the sidelines. The bowl is intricately woven into the fabric of Tampa’s Gasparilla tradition, with members of the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG) leading the charge. This group not only hosts the larger Gasparilla festivities but also participates in community outreach efforts year-round. Krewe members visit schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities, sharing the joy of Gasparilla with the Tampa Bay community.

The bowl itself acts as a bridge between football fans and the city’s rich cultural traditions. With Tampa being home to powerhouse events like the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, it’s no surprise the bowl has become a must-watch for both locals and out-of-towners. Beyond the flashy pirate lore, the Gasparilla Bowl showcases Tampa’s hospitality, drawing fans to a city that knows how to celebrate.

Even the players get swept up in the spirit. Napier’s Gators and Tulane’s squad will have a chance to experience a piece of this pirate-inspired spectacle. This year, as the Gators and Green Wave clash, the Gasparilla Bowl continues its legacy of merging sport with culture. It’s a game with a pirate’s soul, a city’s pride, and a celebration that reminds us why bowl season is unlike anything else in sports. So, grab your eye patch, raise the Jolly Roger, and enjoy a tradition that only Tampa could pull off.