Get in the game
Flag Football teams from across the U.S. converge on the NFL gridiron for the 2023 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
2023 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 weekend 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 event day.
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. There will be one concession stand open.
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- to two-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 permitted to play on the field. We recommend that those with health concerns contact their doctors before participating.
The minimum donation per team is $1,200 or $800 for High School Division teams 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 ($800 for high school division) or raise additional funds to reach higher fundraising incentive levels. Teams may also submit the full $1,200 ($800 for high school division) at the time of registration and will then be completely registered 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. And that means more support to Special Olympics Florida athletes.
Unfortunately, no teams may register on the day of the tournament. This is due to scheduling, incentive items and 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.
- Ensures all players have signed the waivers and registered their information.
- Submits 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 two-hour clinic at Raymond James Stadium, a photo opportunity with Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders, as well as a goody bag and boxed meal. (This year’s clinic will be held inside.)
Open to ages 3-8, 9-14 and 15-23.
The minimum donation is $50 per person to participate in the Cheer Clinic. Money can be raised through donations to your individual fundraising page created through Sunshine Bowl website.
Individuals who are participating in the Flag Football Tournament as part of a team may receive a complimentary entry for 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.
Come cheer on the highest-level executives from our corporate sponsors as they compete against each other in a Punt, Pass, and Kick competition. This event will take place at 9:30 am, following the Opening Ceremonies.
