The Birmingham Bowl is Friday

December 26, 2024 – BIRMINGHAM, AL the 18th Birmingham Bow will be played at Protective Stadium Friday afternoon and will feature the Vanderbilt Commodores (6-6) of the Southeastern Conference and the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (7-5) of the American Athletic Conference.

Mark Meadows is the executive director of the Birmingham Bowl.

“We are excited to welcome Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt to Birmingham later this month! Fans of both teams will enjoy spending the holidays in the Magic City with our fantastic restaurant scene and the unique Southern Hospitality only found here. We hope local football fans will join us for the complimentary activities and Pep Rally at the Bud Light Fan Fest on December 26,” said Director Meadows. “We encourage everyone to purchase tickets now while they are available.”

This will be the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ first appearance in the Birmingham Bowl and Vanderbilt’s second appearance.

Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech have played 38 times in their history.

“As we prepare for the 18th Birmingham Bowl, and our 4th game at Protective Stadium, we look forward to hosting the participating teams, marching bands and fans in town for the holidays and to experience the unique southern hospitality that only Birmingham can offer,” said Mark Meadows, Birmingham Bowl Executive Director. “I am also excited about showcasing our community to a national television audience on ESPN.”

Vanderbilt defeated both Auburn and Alabama this season. The victory over Auburn cost the Tigers their bowl eligibility; while the win over Alabama meant that the Crimson Tide was left out of the inaugural 12 team playoff. Bama will instead be playing Michigan on December 31 in Tampa, Florida. Fans of both state schools have been both entertained and a little frustrated by the play of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Pavia is a fifth-year senior who spend the previous two years at New Mexico State where he also defeated Auburn in 2023. Prior to that he played at the Junior College level for New Mexico Military Institute. The NCAA initially denied Pavia’s request for a sixth year of eligibility; but a federal court has overruled that decision paving the way for Pavia’s return in 2025. Friday’s bowl game will give football fans another chance to see Pavia play this year.

Tickets start at just $30.

Since the game’s inception in 2006, the Birmingham Bowl has generated over $181 million in economic impact for the Birmingham community according to figures provided by the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. In addition, the Birmingham Bowl has donated over $460,000 to the Monday Morning Quarterback Club in support of its charitable arm, Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation.

The game will kick off at 2:30 PM CST at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium and will air on ESPN and Bowl Season Radio.

Tickets are on sale at http://www.birminghambowl.com.