Sarasota College Football ‘Fall Turkey Bowl’ Returns

The most fiercely contested and deeply ironic football[1] rivalry in Florida[2] returns: The New College Null Set vs. the Ringling College of Art & Design Fighting Armadillos.

On Nov. 17, the barefoot philosophers and starving artists will contend on New College’s fields of green in a quest for all the glory that an hour of flag football can bestow – and to benefit our community.
The annual[3] tongue-in-cheek game raises awareness and funds for important causes[4]. This year, the two schools are coming together before Thanksgiving to “tackle hunger”[5] with All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota.
All proceeds from the game will go toward the Food Bank’s efforts to make sure no family goes without a meal this Thanksgiving. “We are so excited to be a part of this creative collaboration,” said Sandra Frank, All Faiths Food Bank’s executive director. “What a terrific combination of fun and competition, while helping our neighbors in need.”
In keeping with tradition, the festivities also will include pre-game and post-game music from Sarasota’s CrossOver Band, featuring vocalist Lena Lemon and guitarist/vocalist Ken Schwartz.
There also will be family-friendly entertainment sponsored by the New College Child Care Center, including face painting, bounce houses and games.
The colleges will continue the tradition of humiliating side wagers: The losing school’s president will be required to serenade the winners[6], karaoke-style, and the losing team will take pies[7] to the face at the 50-yard line.
Admission for the community is $10, which includes food and beverages all day. Admission for students is free, but a donation of canned food is required to partake of food and drinks. (Paying attendees are encouraged to bring canned food donations as well.)
Kickoff is 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at the New College of Florida Fitness Center fields, on the college’s Pei Campus (east of Tamiami Trail). Come have fun watching great football[8] and fight hunger in our community at Thanksgiving.
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[1] By football, we mean flag football, not that weak-sauce version where teams wear pads and helmets for “safety.”
[2] By Florida, we mean the Sarasota-Bradenton area. You mean there’s something to Florida beyond the Suncoast?
[3] Of late, it’s semiannual, but best described as “when we get motivated and organized.”
[4] Last year’s game raised $1,700 for the American Cancer Society. (Sometimes footnotes are just informative.)
[5] Yes, we know it’s flag football, not tackle football. Just go with the metaphor, please.
[6] To the tune of Queen’s “We Are The Champions,” but substituting “You” for “We,” if that makes any sense.
[7] Shaving-cream pies. We’re not wasting food at an event intended to help fight hunger.
[8] Last spring’s game was a true nail-biter. With about two minutes left, and on a controversial call, the Armadillos stripped the ball from a Null Set receiver, then marched downfield for a touchdown. But as time expired, New College’s defense rose to the challenge and blocked the extra-point attempt to hold on for a 19-18 win. How many college or even pro games are that exciting?