World's Greatest Tailgate Party

By the Sea resorts, three premier beach-front hotels in Panama City Beach, Florida, are all set to welcome the annual World's Greatest Pre-Season Tailgate on Aug. 26 – 28. Legacy, Beachcomber and Beachbreak are offering special last-minutes deals as thousands of college alums and students prepare to come together for the college football pre-season showdown. Mingling with favorite athletes and coaches, partying with cheerleaders and competing for the best BBQ title are just some of the items on the agenda. The school pride soars high as By the Sea resorts, along with other Panama City Beach hotels and businesses, roll out the red carpet to this fun-loving crowd ready to kick off the season.

It promises to be a hot weekend. Some of the confirmed guests include Alabama’s Jay Barker and Chris Bean; Auburn’s with Rod Bramblet; Bill Cappleman with Florida State; Thomas Brown, David Green, Kelin Johnson with Georgia; Ray Guy with Sothern Miss; Sandy Atkings and Steve Dennis with Troy; David Crane with UAB, and special guests from Vanderbilt university.

On Thursday, Aug. 26, Celebrity Golf Tournament brings together college football stars and their fans at Hombre Golf Club www.hombregolfclub.com. In the evening, LoCash Cowboys www.locashcowboys.com rock the crowd at the Aaron Bessant Park, just steps from our Panama City Beach resorts. On Friday, Aug 27, Celebrity Charter Fishing trips set off for a day in the emerald waters of the Grand Lagoon in Panama City, Florida. Trips can be arranged through Capt. Anderson's Marina www.captandersonsmarina.com.That evening Sara Evans performs a benefit concert on the beach, a perfect romantic night on a blanket.

On Saturday, Aug. 28, it’s time to tailgate! The Tailgate Central at Hilton Drive in Pier Park and Aaron Bessant Park welcomes the teams armed with their outdoor grills, foam fingers and tons of team spirit. Showing school pride, the alums and fan join their respective school’s cheerleaders, coaches and players in a parade before digging into finger-licking BBQ masterpieces, competing for a $2,000 prize. In late afternoon, teams take to the stage to announce their kick-off games and show school pride before heading to a benefit concert by the country star John Rich, a Panama City Beach, Florida favorite. His hit “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” has become a theme song that opens the ESPN College GameDay Show. And a perfect weekend wrap-up? A spectacular fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information on the scheduled events and on special deals on accommodations at our Panama City resorts visit www.bythesearesorts.com.