Thundering Herd fans traveling this Christmas to see Marshall University's football team compete in Saturday's St. Petersburg Bowl can expect warm weather and plenty of weekend attractions.
Temperatures in St. Petersburg, Florida, will be in the 80s all week, and skies will be mostly clear, which is perfect for a walk up and down one of the city's many beaches, said Charlie Indingaro, a volunteer at the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
"There's just so much to do out here on the beach," he said. "It's just a matter of finding what you like."
For Indingaro, that's dinner at the Blue Parrot, which has plenty of seafood options and live music.
But Indingaro said the city has something for everyone.
"If you come to the beach, you just have to be here and walk up and down the ocean," he said. "You'll find something."
Whether that is visiting a Salvador Dali museum, the Sunken Gardens, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or any of the other cultural and sporting attractions, the city can entertain anyone in the family, Indingaro said.
"Downtown has really just come alive," he said. "There's great restaurants and great entertainment."
Indingaro and several other Chamber of Commerce workers said visitors can stop by their office on 2nd Avenue to get information about the city's top attractions. Indingaro said offices will be open today.
For fans who like to tailgate, St. Petersburg offers several local craft beers. With 18 breweries around the city, including 3 Daughters Brewing, 7venth Sun Brewery and Barley Mow Brewing Co., beer lovers are sure to find a brew that suits their tastes.
Fans hoping to stay in the area have several hotels to choose from.
More information about St. Petersburg and nearby Clearwater restaurants, attractions and lodging can be found at www.visitstpeterclearwater .com.
The 9-3 Thundering Herd will play the 6-6 University of Connecticut Huskies at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Reach Samuel Speciale at sam.speciale@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-7939 or follow @samueljspeciale on Twitter.