Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl at Jannus Live Welcome Party
Saturday, December 18
Hello everyone! Jenna Laine reporting!
Just got back from the Player VIP Party and the Official Welcome Party at Jannus Live. Formerly known as Jannus Landing, Jannus Live is a popular outdoor concert venue in downtown St. Petersburg. I hadn’t been there since the renovations were completed last April, but I must say, the new venue captures the charm and charisma of downtown St. Petersburg to a “T”. Dinner was served in the spacious courtyard – Sonny’s BBQ (nom nom!), and after the bowl’s Executive Director Brett Dulaney addressed everyone, a DJ got the party started, mixing anything from Drake to Michael Jackson to appease a variety of music tastes.
The new luxury suites upstairs feature swanky leather couches, large flat screen TVs, and for tonight’s party, Xbox 360, which the players will receive as part of their gift package from the bowl (nice touch!). They also had massage tables lined up so the players could unwind from the last few days of hard practices.
Pleasure meeting Louisville Head Coach Charlie Strong
I mingled with players and coaches, although I didn’t get to chat much with Southern Miss because their plane arrived a bit late. I really enjoyed chatting with Louisville head coach Charlie Strong, who struck me as approachable and very down-to-earth. I’m impressed with the way he overhauled the U of L program into a defensive-minded regime in just one year, and after a four-year drought, he takes the Cards to a bowl game in his first year.
Jenna doing the "L" with Rodney Gnat Louisville Senior Defensive End
I also chatted with senior defensive end, Rodney Gnat, who led the Cards with 9 sacks this year. To play that position at that level requires a degree of toughness few could imagine. When he was receiving a hand massage, he showed me his dislocated finger. Whoa!
St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster at the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl Welcome Party
Mayor Bill Foster was in attendance and he seemed pleased with the turnout of fans from both teams. We talked about the impact the bowl has on improving the profile of the city and also in boosting the local economy. He’s pretty thrilled about the idea of playing football at the Trop, and unlike Wrigley Field, these teams can play end zone to end zone.
Alright, I need to get some rest. We’ve got Beach Bash tomorrow at the Tradewinds Island Grand Resort on St. Pete Beach. Hope to see you guys there!
Learn more about the title sponsor Beef ‘O’ Brady’s! They have a very cool web site!
And, check out TradeWinds Island Resorts, a one-of-a-kind destination on world-renown St. Pete Beach.
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Related posts:
- Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl at TradeWinds for Beach Bash
- Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl Introducing Jenna Laine
- Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl at Kickoff Luncheon with NFL Hall-of-Famer Kellen Winslow
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[...] Laine Reporting! Had a blast on Saturday night at Jannus Live and now the Beach Bash at TradeWinds Island Resorts with Southern Miss and Louisville! It’s [...]