Fans from both Alabama and Clemson say the Tampa Bay area's warm welcome made up for the cold snap that arrived at the start of the College Football National championship week.Three days of concerts, parties and pep rallies at the beach were capped off with an electric atmosphere at Raymond James Stadium, where the Tigers scored a go ahead touchdown in the game's final seconds. Clemson fans who seemed to outnumber Crimson Tide supporters two- to-one exploded.
So it's the Tigers who are going home with the sweeter memories as they beat Alabama 35-31 for their first title in 35 years.
Tony Adams, dressed for the cooler weather in an orange and purple Santa outfit. He said Tampa will always hold a special place in the hearts of Clemson fans.
"Everywhere we've gone the folks in Tampa have just rolled out the red carpet," Adams said. "We painted the city orange and it paid off so thanks a lot to Tampa."
Before the game, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn declared the weekend a success, saying he will point to the College Football championship when bidding for future major events.
