I encourage anyone considering attending the bowl game to come early and enjoy our beaches, food, and beer. This map of things to do in and around St. Pete dates back a few months to our wedding reception but all the recommendations & suggestions are still relevant.

The map

I live about a mile from Tropicana Field. It takes fifteen minutes to walk there. I imagine I'll host some kind of get-together, either here or nearby, though if you have other plans you're certainly welcome to park in my neighborhood and walk over with us. 

If you decide to get here really early—by Friday night early—I hope you come join us at the shuffleboard club for the Friday night open shuffle. You will likely be shocked and surprised.

I also live super close to Tropicana Field.  I haven't been able to see my alma mater play a live game in several years.  This is a huge thrill, and I can also field questions about the area as well.

St Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach are world class. Be sure and take your morning walk on one of these beautiful public beaches. Lunch at Don Cesar on St Pete Beach and eating at The Hurricane are classics.
Great time of year to be in Florida in terms of access and getting around before the snow bird mob hit after the holidays.
Weather is a crapshoot this time of year.