To my surprise there just aren’t a whole lot of events planned for the big game, but if you can make your way to south Florida, these would make for a fun BCS-related itinerary …

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gator Day at Jungle Island
Start your day with birds, tigers and monkeys at this theme park that features shows and animal encounters. The UF Alumni Association and Gator Boosters will be handing out Gator giveaways while supplies last, and the UFAA promises special appearances by “recognized” Gators. There is a $15 plus tax park entry fee for UFAA or Gator Booster members with proof of membership and for UF students who show their student ID. Click on JungleIsland.com for regular admission prices and park details.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Southwest Airlines National Championship Fan Fest
Fan Fest (presented by the City of Miami) will be at Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami. Fan Fest, traditionally held the day before the National Championship Game, gives fans a chance to mingle in downtown Miami with music, food and fun under the sun. There will be live performances by local artists and the All-American Rejects will headline the show. The event will also showcase the former players, coaches, bands, cheerleaders, and mascots of the participating teams in the 2009 FedEx BCS National Championship. The UF Alumni Association and Gator Boosters will be there with giveaways. There is a $20 admission fee or $15 entry fee for those who purchase the official FedEx Orange Bowl patch. Patches can be purchased at www.fedexorangebowlmerch.com or by calling 800-250-3368.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 11p.m.
BCS Championship Eve Party
After Fan Fest, the Gator Club of Miami (MiamiGators.com) will head over to South Beach for its BCS Championship Eve Party. Festivities are at Mansion, where there is a dress code (136 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139). There will be complimentary drinks until midnight. The guest list is expected to include Gator greats like Willie Jackson, Jr., Fred Taylor, Chris Doering, Shane Matthews, Eric Rhett, Fred Weary, Terry Jackson, James Bates, Reidel Anthony, Jacquez Green, Corey Bailey, Noah Brindise, Judd Davis, Cooper Carlisle, Vernell Brown, Mike Harris, Elijah Williams, Jarvis Williams and more. Admission is $5 for wrist bands (must be 21 or older). Contact Miami Gator Club’s Christina Martinez via e-mail at Christina@miamigators.com to purchase wrist bands in advance.

Thursday, Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m.
Budweiser National Championship Tailgate Party presented by Allstate
This event is expected to bring some 14,000 fans prior to the kickoff of the game. In the NW bus parking lot of Dolphin Stadium starting at 11:30 a.m., fans can enjoy a ferris wheel, rock wall, mechanic bull, interactive games and contests and more. Rock band Smash Mouth and the Miami Heat Street Band will play along with an adrenaline-charged performance by the Extreme Syndicate, a group of X-Games, Gravity Games and Dew Action Sports Tour all-star athletes. Look for the Gator Jamboree, which will include appearances by well-known Gators, Gator cheerleaders, band and mascots. Once again, the UF Alumni Association and Gator Boosters will hand out Gator giveaways while they last. There is a $20 admission fee or $15 entry fee for those who purchase the official FedEx Orange Bowl patch.

Thursday, Jan. 8, 8 p.m.
BCS Championship Viewing Party
You can watch the big game with the Gator Club of Miami at Shula’s Steak 2 in Miami Lakes (6842 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014). Kickoff is at 8pm.

Here is a link if you are going to the game and need help with directions, parking or stadium rules: http://www.orangebowl.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11800&KEY=&ATCLID=1363438

Also, if you’re feeling lucky, try entering Miami.com’s contest to win two tickets to the game here: http://contest.herald.com/bcs09/standard/ Good luck trying to figure out what they want you to do to solve their little puzzle (T_ _ _ _ _ _ _ … Hint: The Gators can’t win without him), but I’m pretty sure you can make a solid guess and submit your entry by Monday.

I’ll keep trolling for events and things to do in Miami, so look for more blogs as well as a ton of stories, videos and photos from south Florida next week. Have fun and be safe!