2016 Citrus Bowl Tour and Tailgate Presented by the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan

A RECAP OF OUR 2016 BOWL TOUR AND TAILGATE

With the Wolverines returning to post-season action, and the excitement surrounding head coach Jim Harbaugh's return to Ann Arbor, our loyal alumni were excited to head to Orlando to support their team. And once again, the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan put on the only official Bowl Tour and Tailgate. As U-M took the field against the Florida Gators, the stage was set for the action-packed Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. Here's a look back at the good times had by all.

We kicked things off with an early morning departure from Detroit with a plane full of Maize and Blue bound to leave the cold skies of Michigan behind for sunny (and hot!) Orlando, Florida.
Welcome to Orlando!

As our Bowl Tour guests arrived, Wolverine fans from all around the country were descending on the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

Ready to get things started in Orlando!
Day one of the festivities gave everyone a chance to get settled in, pick up their tour info, and stock up on souvenirs. In true Michigan style, we made sure there were Block M's everywhere.

Everyone was eager to pick up their souvenir package!

After a long day of travel, U-M fans were hungry for more than a win.

Michigan fans were everywhere.

HAIL!

We kicked things off with an exciting poolside Welcome Reception featuring food and drinks, and entertainment provided by a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. Alumni Association President Steve Grafton and University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel officially welcomed everyone to Orlando and the 2016 Citrus Bowl Tour. It was a picture perfect night!

New Year's Eve day was wall-to-wall fun, and with kickoff only 24 hours away, the excitement was building. Guests had the chance to attend the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl Luncheon then board busses for the short trek over to the Orlando Eye for the Michigan Pep Rally, featuring the Michigan Marching Band and the Cheer and Dance Teams. Plus, special appearances by Lloyd Carr, Jon Jansen, and Jack Harbaugh helped alumni ring in the New Year.

The Buffalo Wild Wings Kick-off Luncheon allowed our alumni to share a meal with Michigan players and get an autograph or two from some of their favorites.
Michigan fans packed the I-Drive 360 Entertainment complex for the pre-game Pep Rally. As always, the Michigan Marching Band entertained the crowd with The Victors, Let's Go Blue, and of course, a little Blues Brothers. Former Head Coach Lloyd Carr made a special appearance, and Jack Harbaugh closed things out with "an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."
GAMEDAY
Who doesn't love a good pre-game tailgate? Especially one with over 2,500 Michigan fans who were fired up to see the Wolverines take the field against the Gators. This official tailgate featured special appearances by Lloyd Carr and the Michigan Marching Band.
It is in moments of great adversity that we have to stand strong. We did, and look where we are today. - lloyd carr
MICHIGAN vs. FLORIDA
It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine! From the opening kick-off to the final snap, our fans were amped up and ready to cheer the Wolverines on to victory.
Michigan wins 41-7
Hail to the Victors! Everyone gathers for one last time at a post-game dinner before we all head our separate ways and begin to eagerly await the 2016 season.

With our time in Orlando behind us, we want to thank all of the Michigan alumni & fans who made the trip for the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. It was a fun-filled, memorable way to close out 2015 and kick off 2016. If you missed the big tour this year, we hope to see you next time! Until then, Go Blue!

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