Get in the game
Flag Football teams from across the U.S. converge on the NFL gridiron for the 2022 Sunshine Bowl to help raise money for Special Olympics Florida, an organization that brings the joy of sport to more than 60,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities across the state. Huddle up, and join us in our mission of transforming lives.
Presented by
Event Chairs
Hosted by
All-Star Sponsors
Unwavering commitment. Boundless generosity. Our corporate partners are instrumental in making the Sunshine Bowl successful for our players, coaches, spectators, and all participants. We’d love to have you join the team.
Join Us
Down. Set. Hut! It’s your chance to hit the turf and play flag football on an NFL field. Grab your playbook and put your roster together for a fun day of 6-on-6 games. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three games.
FAQs
Absolutely! Spectators are allowed to attend free of charge and watch the games from the stadium seating.
Free parking is available at Raymond James Stadium. Look for and follow the signs for parking on day of the event.
Coolers are not permitted, but you may bring water bottles or sports drinks. Only refillable containers are allowed on the field. Please note this is a non-alcoholic event.
Special Olympics Florida, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Sports Authority reserve the right to cancel or suspend the event if field conditions could result to injury to players or damage the fields. In the instance of inclement weather, games could be shortened, postponed, re-scheduled or cancelled. All donations are non-refundable.
The Sunshine Bowl Flag Football tournament is a one day flag football tournament that gives players the opportunity to play on the same field where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl, while supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Florida.
Flag football teams with registered players are eligible to participate. Each team member must sign a waiver before they will be allowed to play on the field. We suggest that those with health concerns contact their doctors before participating.
The minimum donation per team is $1,200 (Punt Level) to participate in Sunshine Bowl. Each team can have up to 12 participants, with the ability to rotate in different players during the 6v6 and 5v5 games.
By sending in your $100, you secure a place in one of the Divisions. By asking teams to submit a deposit of $100, it allows team members to continue to raise funds from family members and friends to cover the minimum registration fee of $1,200 or raise additional funds to reach higher fundraising incentive levels. Teams may also submit the full $1,200 at the time of registration and will then be completely registered at the Punt Level and not owe any additional money on the day of the tournament.
We hope you do! There are prizes and incentives for the top fundraising teams.
Unfortunately, no teams may register on the day of the tournament. This is due to scheduling, incentive items and other tournament logistics.
Yes! We welcome teams to continue fundraising up to the day of their games. We will accept all donations and add them to your final total.
Each participant will receive one (1) boxed meal as part of the event.
Teams are encouraged to wear identifiable team uniforms appropriate for the sport and weather conditions. Check the weather the day of the tournament and bring extra jerseys, socks, shoes, gloves, etc. All uniforms or shirts must have numbers.
We will have afternoon and evening start times depending on your Division. The Captain will receive a schedule at least one week before the tournament. Teams should arrive at their designated registration time based on their Division and allow extra time for parking, checking in, picking up team incentives, and warming up prior to their first game. Warming up on the field is not allowed if games have started on the field.
- Secures spot for his/her team in a Division with the $100 deposit.
- Makes sure all players have signed the waivers and registered their information.
- Hands in all donations and money due. Must have at least the $1,200 on the day of their game to play.
- Picks up team incentive gifts and information on tournament day.
The format is 6-on-6 with light blocking. Screening by any player behind the line of scrimmage is allowed as long as there is no contact. Screeners must have their arms fully extended to the ground at their sides or behind their backs. Any use of arms, elbows, legs, shoulders, or hips to initiate contact during their screen is illegal. There is no blocking below the waist or above the shoulders. There are no chop-blocks and you cannot leave your feet. This tournament is a fundraiser so a majority of the teams do not play on a regular basis and are coming out to support Special Olympics Florida.
Pool play games will determine who will play in the playoff bracket to determine a champion and runner up. The top two teams from each pool in a Division will play each other for the Championship Game. Awards will be given to the first and second place teams in each division.
Tie Breakers based on records are determined by: 1) – Record; 2) – Head to Head; 3) – Points Against; 4) – Points For; 5) $Raised for SOFL; 6) – Coin Flip
Learn cheers, jumps and more from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders. Each participant will enjoy a one-hour clinic at Raymond James Stadium, a photo opportunity with Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders, as well as a goody bag and boxed meal.
Open to ages 3-8, 9-14 and 15-23.
The minimum donation is $100 per person to participate in the Cheer Clinic.
Individuals who are participating in the Flag Football Tournament as part of a team may receive a complimentary entry in the Cheer clinic.
Yes! You may register day of and you are welcome to continue fundraising up to the day of the clinic. We will accept all donations.
Each participant will receive one (1) boxed meal as part of the event.
Here is your chance to test your football skills on the home field of the Tampa Bay Bucs. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in punting, passing and kicking with scores based on distance and accuracy. Participants will receive scores at three skill stations, a goody bag, a photo opportunity on the field in Raymond James Stadium and a boxed meal.
Open to ages 3 and up.
The minimum donation is $100 per person to participate in the Punt, Pass & Kick Competition.
Individuals who are participating in the Flag Football Tournament as part of a team may receive a complimentary entry in the Punt, Pass,& Kick skills clinic.
Yes! You may register day of and you are welcome to continue fundraising up to the day of the clinic. We will accept all donations.
Yes! Register to volunteer HERE.
- Monetary and in-kind support is always needed to operate an event of this size. Your company can get involved in any number of ways.
- Become a Sunshine Bowl Tournament Event Sponsor.
- Form a corporate Sunshine Bowl team with up to 12 players.
- Request to compete in our Unified Team Division alongside athletes from Special Olympics Florida.
- Inquire about opportunities to volunteer.
- Contact Ashley Behrens at Special Olympics Florida for more ideas or questions regarding the tournament at 727-601-7003 or .
