Bowl season kicks off Saturday, and on Dec. 23, TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium will be hosting one of those games – the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. This season, the Armed Forces Bowl’s matchup will feature American Athletic Conference powerhouse, Navy, and Louisiana Tech, who capped off the regular season with a strong 8-5 record.
But in addition to the game itself, there's a lot that happens before and after the game, as well during the game. From taking pictures with Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II full-scale model in downtown to a post-game concert featuring an AC/DC tribute band, here's a quick guide to everything that's there to see.
The Week of the Game
The celebration of the Armed Forces Bowl and those who serve in the military starts Dec. 19, four days before the game, with the F-35 Lightning II model on display in downtown. Each day leading up to the game has its own theme, as well as an opportunity for an awesome photo in the cockpit wearing your favorite themed attire such as team spirit attire, Fort Worth pride attire and holiday attire.
On the day before the game, the Kickoff Luncheon will take place at Fort Worth's Omni Hotel. Presented by American Airlines Center and the Omni, this luncheon will host keynote speaker Nate Boyer, former Texas Longhorns long snapper and U.S. Army Green Beret.
The Day of the Game (before and after)
Dec. 23 is game day, and in addition to football, there are a few things happening before and after the game, such as the Tailgate Outpost. This tailgate will have games, prizes, interactive displays, military hardware on display and much more. The Veterans Village, presented by the American Red Cross, will be inside the Tailgate Outpost.
Shortly after the game, the Tailgate Outpost will re-open and host a performance from AC/DC tribute band Back in Black.
During the Game
In addition to the Louisiana Tech-Navy matchup, there are multiple other happenings during the game, from on-field ceremonies to tributes to servicemen and women.
New to this year is the Wounded Warrior Club in the South End Zone section, hosted and sponsored by Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet, which brings in 250 wounded warriors and their families to watch the game.
The Armed Forces Bowl also honors veterans and their service with the Great American Patriot Award, presented by Armed Forces Insurance, which is one of the many ways this bowl game gives recognition to our veterans.
