BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — Boca Raton gears up for bowl week with a free downtown pep rally, road closures, and a nationally televised matchup at FAU Stadium.
It’s officially bowl season in Boca Raton.
The 2025 Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans brings college football back to town this week, with a matchup between the University of Louisville and the University of Toledo, plus a full slate of public events, traffic impacts, and game-day logistics residents and visitors should plan around.
The week kicks off Monday night with a free pep rally in downtown Boca.
From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, fans are invited to the Mizner Park Amphitheater for a joint team pep rally featuring both universities. Bands, dancers, and cheerleaders from Louisville and Toledo are scheduled to perform. The event is open to the public and will continue rain or shine.
The pep rally takes place at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real.
Free parking will be available at multiple downtown locations, including Mizner Park, Boca Raton City Hall, the downtown library, and nearby city parking lots. Metered parking will also be available along Plaza Real and select downtown streets.
The city is also encouraging attendees to use BocaConnect, its on-demand shuttle service operating in downtown Boca and surrounding areas. Bike racks will be available near City Hall, and electric vehicle charging stations are located at City Hall and the downtown library.
Police and city officials are reminding pedestrians and drivers to use caution around train tracks near the downtown area, especially during peak arrival and departure times.
Game day follows Tuesday afternoon at FAU.
The Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans will be played Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on FAU’s campus, located at 777 Glades Road. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Parking lots on campus will open at 9 a.m., with stadium gates opening at noon. Parking for cars will be $20, cash only, and will be available for purchase on game day. Motorhome parking will also be available.
One promotion tied to the game offers free admission for early arrivals. The first 2,000 fans who bring a can of Bush’s Beans to the stadium will receive a complimentary ticket.
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and broadcast on ESPN Radio, including ESPN 106.3 locally.
FAU Stadium will follow the NFL’s handbag policy for the event. Fans are encouraged to review prohibited items and stadium policies before arriving.
Traffic impacts are expected throughout the area.
On game day, Dec. 23, 20th Street will be closed. Heavy delays are expected in and around Glades Road and Spanish River Boulevard before and after the game. Drivers are encouraged to plan extra travel time and consider alternate routes.
Ahead of kickoff, fans can also attend the Fan Fest and Family Midway, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the stadium. The free event includes live music, food and drinks, community organization areas, and a kid zone. Teams, bands, and spirit squads are expected to walk through Fan Fest as they arrive at the stadium.
City officials are also highlighting downtown Boca as part of the bowl week experience.
Holiday lights remain on display from Royal Palm Place to Mizner Park, and residents are encouraged to explore downtown dining and entertainment options before or after events.
Police and fire services are issuing safety reminders tied to large crowds. Attendees are urged to lock vehicles, remove valuables, and avoid leaving keys inside cars. Families are also encouraged to establish a meet-up point in case anyone becomes separated during events.
More game-day details, including concessions, restrooms, accommodations, and prohibited items, are available through the Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans website.
Source: Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl of Beans / City of Boca Raton event information
