Mobile's Senior Bowl

Jan 15th, 2002

Extravaganza in works for pregame, halftime

Auburn Band, Houston Texan cheerleaders among others to join in celebration of Mobile's Tricentennial

By JOHN CAMERON
Assistant Managing Editor Sports

Mobile's Tricentennial and college all-star football -- it's a combination that will ignite one of the most significant pregame and halftime celebrations in the history of Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Senior Bowl Saturday.

Details of this nationally televised pageantry were released Monday for the Jan. 26 game that features the top college football players from around the nation.

The Auburn University Marching Band, the Houston Texans cheerleaders, the University of Southern Mississippi's Dixie Darlings, Alabama and Auburn mascots, America's Junior Miss Carrie Colvin and thousands of people representing various organizations and the diverse culture of Mobile for the past 300 years will participate.

"It will be a show that will make all Mobilians proud and we're proud that the 2002 Senior Bowl is the official kickoff event of the city's year-long birthday celebration," said Steve Hale, bowl president.

According to Vic Knight, bowl public relations director, the special pregame show will begin at approximately 3:30 p.m. with some of it and some of the halftime show scheduled to be shown on ESPN.

The Auburn Band will lead off the pregame show followed by the 36-member Houston Texans cheerleaders representing the National Football League's newest team.

According to Knight, the pregame show will conclude with a stirring rendition of the national anthem in which all fans in attendance will play a special interactive role.

Halftime festivities will kick off with the Auburn Band and then a special Mobile Tricentennial presentation will round out the show.

"Included in the tribute will be a recognition of Mobile's different cultural influences during the past 300 years, including representations of the native American, French, Spanish, British and African-American cultures," Knight said.

Choctaw Indian dancers, the Mobile Ballet, the Mobile Azalea Trail, the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir and other groups will perform. Also, a special tribute will be paid to Mobile's Mardi Gras.

"The show will conclude with a breath-taking patriotic tribute to America which will tie all of Mobile's different cultures under one banner -- the American flag," Knight said.

A spectacular fireworks display is also planned for the more than 40,000 people expected for the game as well as the national television audience. As many as 500 people are expected to be on the field at any one time.

"Incorporating the Tricentennial Celebration into our halftime show should also help create national awareness for our city's unique 300th birthday in 2002," said Tift Lyons, bowl halftime committee chairman.

Kickoff time for the football game on ESPN is 4 p.m.

Fans can still purchase tickets to this year's game by calling (251) 432-4109.