TAMPA — If you noticed a lot of blue and red in Tampa this week, there’s a good reason. Michigan fans and Alabama fans have taken over the city. The two schools will face off in the Reliaquest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on New Year’s Eve.

From the Riverwalk to Ybor City and everywhere in between, fans from two of the most storied universities in all of college football made their presence known, chanting “Roll Tide” or “Go Blue” from every direction.

“We’re both from Michigan, we’ve been Michigan fans since that peak and we’re here to see Michigan beat Bama twice in one year and go blue,” said Michigan fan Denny Smolinski, who traveled to Tampa with his best friend .

“We definitely have bad blood after last year’s Rose Bowl experience, so we’re looking forward to a tough game,” said Alabama fan Charlie Burnett, whose daughter attends Alabama.

Many of these fans have family and friends who will be on the field, either playing or performing.

“My brother is a senior, Joel Metzger, number 56, linebacker and special teams, from Michigan, hometown of Battlecreek, and it’s his senior year, so I can’t wait,” Sarah Metzger said.

“My daughter’s boyfriend, Robby Utes, plays for Alabama’s No. 45, so we came here to support him,” Tim Therell said.

“Well, one of my best friends down here, his daughter, is on the dance team. She’s a junior and we came to support her,” said Michigan fan Peter Cassato.

For many of the students who made the trip, this is more than just a bowl game, it’s an exclamation point on their college careers.

“I’ve been to every home game, every Big Ten Championship we’ve been to. So it means a lot to me that I can go to the final game and be a big player,” said Michigan senior Sydney Cole.

While Ybor City businesses say it’s always nice to give people from out of state a reason to visit, Reliaquest Bowl delivers every year.

“It’s just a lot of different people coming in, it’s great, it gives us a boost, it helps local businesses,” said Taylor of Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters.

“We went to the Colombia restaurant this morning, it was really nice, great food, great atmosphere, great staff,” said Alabama fan Lilly Burnett.

What really whets everyone’s appetite, however, is a feast of game-time touchdowns.

“It’s all about winning, but either way I’m still a fan,” Alabama fan Jerry Heckman said.

Every fan has their own idea of ​​what the end result will be.

“I’m going to Michigan, they’re 14 point underdogs and they’re going straight up, I’m going to take advantage of the chances,” said Peter Casasato.

“Alabama 42, Michigan 21,” Therell said.

These fans agree on one thing: the weather here is better than at home.

“Michigan is about 30 degrees and snow, feels like 7,” Smolinski said.