Official Tailgate Party to be Held at the D.C. Armory Prior to the EagleBank Bowl on December 29

Are you ready for some football? Well, then it’s time to tailgate!

Prior to kickoff on Tuesday, December 29, the EagleBank Bowl and the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA) will hold the game’s official Tailgate Party from 12:30 pm to 4:30 p.m. at the D.C. Armory, featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet with food provided by popular D.C. restaurants and $2.00 beer specials. Admission is $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for children ages 4-12. Children ages 3 and under are free.

In partnership with the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Education Foundation (RAMW-EF), local restaurant favorites Clyde’s, J. Paul’s, Old Glory and Tony & Joe’s will provide food for the all-you-can-eat buffet, including old-fashioned homemade chili, pulled-pork sandwiches and seafood Paella, among other items.

“Tailgating and football go hand-in-hand, so the EagleBank Bowl Tailgate Party is the perfect way for everyone to enjoy good food, fabulous music and a great time prior to kickoff,” says Bob Pincus, vice chairman of EagleBank. “Everyone is welcome – fans, residents, the general public – to our party before the big party. All in an indoor venue.”

Also on the day’s menu is plenty of music and entertainment, including appearances by live bands as well as the pep bands and cheerleaders from the participating schools. EA Sports will provide interactive games onsite, including Xbox and Nintendo Wii, as well as raffle off games to attending fans.

“We’ll have two great football programs for the game and now the Tailgate Party at the D.C. Armory, giving fans another fun event to experience during Bowl Week in the nation’s capital,” says Erik A. Moses, WCSA managing director for the Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division. “People will have ‘one-stop shopping’ at the D.C. Armory with some of the city’s best restaurants.”

“The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Education Foundation is thrilled to be joining with the EagleBank Bowl for an incredible tailgate experience, which will both help promote our local restaurant industry and support a great football game dedicated to the worthy cause of supporting our nation’s military,” says Greg Casten, RAMW-EF president and board chair.

The Temple University Owls accepted an at-large invitation to play in the 2009 EagleBank Bowl, making their first appearance in a bowl game in 30 years. Temple’s opponent is contingent on the outcome of the Army-Navy on December 12 in Philadelphia. If Army beats Navy, the Black Knights will advance to their first bowl game since 1996. If Army loses to Navy, Temple will face UCLA in the EagleBank Bowl.

Tickets for the Tailgate Party and the Bowl Game can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 1-800-551-7328, or at www.ticketmaster.com.