Before kickoff of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Clearwater will host the Championship Beach Bash presented by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. This free, fun-filled pep rally will take over Clearwater Beach on Sunday, Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those attending will be able to enjoy live music performed by local favorite Stormbringer, a celebrity flag football game, performances by Clemson University and University of Alabama marching bands and cheerleaders, games, and more.

During this event, the Pier 60 parking lot will be closed to visitors. The lot will provide parking for buses, media, and other apparatus. The newly opened Pelican Walk Park parking garage at 483 Mandalay Avenue is now open, providing 450 new parking spaces at a charge of $2.00 an hour. City officials are also encouraging visitors to park in downtown Clearwater and take the Clearwater Ferry or Jolley Trolley to Clearwater Beach. Visitors can also bike or walk across the Memorial Causeway to get to the beach.

The Beach Bash is part of the College Football lineup of events taking place in Tampa Bay the days leading up to the National Championship game on Jan. 9.