The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the South Carolina Gamecocks meet in the 78th Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field at 3:30 p.m. Friday. But the game itself is just part of the fun.
- Gamecock fans get a pre-game bonus. South Carolina-based musicians Edwin McCain and Patrick Davis play “A Gamecock Evening” concert on Thursday at the Florida Theatre. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $43.50-$78.50.
- Each team will have a pep rally on Thursday at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. Notre Dame’s rally is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by South Carolina’s at 6:15 p.m. Free.
- A free Fan Fest will be held at Metropolitan Park, across the street from the stadium, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
- The teams get a second pep rally, from 2-3 p.m. Friday at Daily’s Place, which is attached to the stadium.TaxSlayer Gator Bowl tickets Guest columnist, Tom Szaroleta,Florida Times-Union