Wildcat Fans Travel to Tampa

Over the New Year’s holiday, 279 Northwestern alumni, friends, and Wildcat fans traveled to Tampa for the Official Northwestern Alumni Association Outback Bowl Tour. 

The three-night tour included both official Outback Bowl activities and exclusive Northwestern events. Upon arrival in Florida, tour participants were treated to a welcome reception with remarks from President Morton Schapiro and NAA Executive Director Cathy Stembridge (GC00).

The next night, tour participants enjoyed a reception and dinner with Wildcat entertainment featuring performances by Northwestern students Jessica Malashevich (C10), Danielle Gaines (C10), Brian Bohr (BSM12), Andrew Howard (WCAS10), and special guest appearances by Broadway alumni Sean Bradford (C06) (The Lion King), and  Adam Kantor (C08) (Rent). The finale included a rousing performance by the Northwestern Wildcat Marching Band.  
Participants also had a chance to ride the Northwestern “Wildcat Express” historic street car from the Marriott Waterside Hotel to Ybor City for the Outback Bowl Parade and Band Blast. Tampa was painted purple with the enthusiastic support of Wildcat fans.

The tour concluded on game day as 1,150 Northwestern fans attended an early morning NAA tailgate at Raymond James Stadium’s East Club.  NU Athletic Director Jim Phillips and President Schapiro greeted the crowd, which was also revved up by Willie the Wildcat, the cheer squad, and the Northwestern Wildcat Marching Band. Country-music recording artist Beau Davidson (BSM03) provided further pre-game entertainment.

The tailgate was followed by one of the most exciting bowl games in recent memory, as Northwestern fell in overtime to the Auburn Tigers 38-35.   

NAA Outback Bowl Tour Photo Galleries

• Tour Welcome Reception (Dec. 29)
• Tour Reception, Dinner and Program (Dec. 30)
• Wildcat Street Car (Dec. 31)
• NAA Tailgate Party (Jan. 1)
• Club Leaders Lunch (Dec. 31)
• NUMBALUMS Lunch (Dec. 31)