The parade included participants from both programs, the teams’ cheerleaders, and marching bands from high schools across the country. ReliaQuest Bowl staff said that since the game began 40 years ago, over $1 billion has been brought into the local economy.

The Dec. 31 matchup between the University of Iowa and Vanderbilt University provides millions in economic impact and rare winter sunshine for Midwestern fans.

Crowds gathered in Ybor City for the ReliaQuest Bowl parade on Tuesday as city leaders emphasized safety ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

For one final time before the ReliaQuest Bowl, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and Vanderbilt’s head coach Clark Lea met with the media to give their final thoughts prior to the contest at Raymond James Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea address the media ahead of the ReliaQuest bowl set for Wednesday, Dec. 31 at Raymond James Stadium at 11 a.m. CST. Lea commented on how each football program operates similarly.

Vanderbilt football teammates shared their first impressions of 5-star quarterback Jared Curtis at ReliaQuest Bowl practices.

No. 12 Vanderbilt (10-2) plays Iowa (8-4) in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 (11 a.m. CT, ESPN) at Raymond James Stadium. Some Tampa-area sports figures have made appearances at the bowl. Tom Moore, a Buccaneers offensive consultant and a former longtime NFL offensive coordinator, spoke to the Hawkeyes on Dec. 27.

Just two days remain in 2025 and college football will take center stage in the sports world with three significant bowl games on Dec. 30.