In what is being hailed as the biggest upset in BCS history, the #22 Cardinals of Louisville took down the #4 Gators of Florida to capture a first-ever Sugar Bowl win in New Orleans January 2, 2013. Fanatics has all the Louisville Cardinals Sugar Bowl Championship Apparel to make any U of L alumni or fan both proud and happy.

The 2012 college football season was a strong one for the University of Louisville. Third-year head coach Charlie Strong helped resurrect a Cardinals football team that started sinking after head coach Bobby Petrino left in 2007. When Petrino departed to take the head coaching position for the Atlanta Falcons, the Louisville Cardinals were 11-1 and Orange Bowl winners. In the three years that followed, and under new coach Steve Kragthorpe, the situation at Louisville got progressively worse with each ensuing season. From 2007 – 2009, the Cardinals posted records of 6-6, 5-7 and 4-8, respectively, and didn’t play in any postseason Bowl games. When Kragthorpe was finally fired from the University of Louisville in November 2009, the Cardinals had just put up their worst record in 18 years.

Head Coach Charlie Strong became the 21st coach of the University of Louisville’s football program in 2009 and instantly had a positive impact on the organization. In his first year as head coach, he took the Cardinals to a 7-6 season record and a 2010 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl win over Southern Miss. Year two saw the Cardinals again post a 7-6 record, but end up as Big East Co-Champions. 2012 brought with it a stronger, deeper Cardinals team and with it a dominating 11-2 record that culminated in a stunning Sugar Bowl victory over the heavily favored Florida Gators. Relive every moment of this historic occasion with Fanatics and our collection of 2013 Sugar Bowl Gear, inclduing Louisville Cardinals Champs T-Shirts, Hats, Polos and more.

It’s been a crazy year, full of upsets and surprises. All that’s left for you to do now is grab some team apparel and root on your favorite school to a College Bowl victory. No need to ask, “When are the Bowl Games?” or even, “What are the Bowl Games?” Fanatics has a complete guide to all the teams and more with our 2012-2013 BCS Bowl Game Schedule. We carry all the great College Bowl Gear, so you can represent your favorite school in championship style!

What: Rose Bowl

When: January 1, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. (EST)

Where: Pasadena, California

Who: Stanford (11-2) vs. Wisconsin (8-5)

The 99th Rose Bowl event will feature BIG 10 Champions Wisconsin Badgers against Pac-12 Champions Stanford Cardinal; two teams who previously met at the 2000 Rose Bowl, when Wisconsin left Pasadena with a 17-9 victory. The Badgers hope to carry a victory on the back of First-team All-American and Heisman finalist Montee Ball, who currently holds the NCAA record for most career rushing touchdowns. Stanford, who sank #1 Oregon’s National Title hopes, with a 17-14 upset over the Ducks Nov. 17, look to avenge their 2000 Rose Bowl loss to the Badgers and win just their 2nd out of their last 6 Bowl appearance.

What: Orange Bowl

When: January 1 , 2013 at 8:30 p.m. (EST)

Where: Miami Gardens, Florida

Who: FSU (11-2) vs. Northern Illinois (12-1)

The 2013 Discover Orange Bowl features 2012′s ACC Champions Florida State Seminoles against MAC Champions NIU Huskies. NIU is the first MAC team to earn a BCS bid by becoming the 15th ranked team in the nation. The Seminoles, on the other hand, played in the first-ever BCS national championship game in 1998, and haven’t won a BCS Bowl game since they won the 1999 Sugar Bowl and National Championship. The Huskies will be helmed by new head coach Rod Carey, as their previous coach Dave Doeren accepted the head coach position at NC State the day after the Huskies won the MAC Championship. The Seminoles themselves recently lost a coach, as Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops left FSU Nov. 27, to take the head coaching position at Kentucky.

What: Sugar Bowl

When: January 2, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. (EST)

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana

Who: Florida (11-1) vs. Louisville (10-2)

The 2013 Allstate Sugar Bowl is a matchup of the SEC’s Florida Gators against 2012′s Big East Champions Louisville Cardinals. The Gators finished the 2011 season with a record of 7-6, including a 3-5 record in the Southeastern Conference. What was supposed to be a rebuilding year of sorts for the Gators, turned into an almost National Championship caliber one due in most part to the stellar play of Sophomore QB Jeff Driskel. Driskel set the Florida Gators record for rushing yards by a quarterback in October, topping Tim Tebow’s 2007 effort. Third-year Louisville head coach Charlie Strong has led the Cardinals to third Bowl game in a row. Louisville exceeded expectations this year, to put together a 10-2 record, despite going 7-6 the previous two seasons. The Cardinals last Bowl game was a 2011 loss in the Belk Bowl to NC State 31-24. If Louisville upsets Florida at the Sugar Bowl, it will be one of the biggest upsets of the 2012/13 Bowl season.

What: Fiesta Bowl

When: January 3, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. (EST)

Where: Glendale, Arizona

Who: Oregon (11-1) vs. Kansas State (11-1)

The 2013 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl features two teams that narrowly missed playing for a National Championship. The Oregon Ducks were the #1 team in the nation until a surprising overtime loss to Stanford Nov. 17 erased their National Championship hopes. Likewise, BIG 12 Champions Kansas State was ranked #2 until a 24-52 blowout loss to Baylor knocked the Wildcats from National Champion contention. The Fiesta Bowl also marks the first time these two teams have faced each other. 2012 marks the first Conference title for K-State since 2003, and the first time the Ducks are heading into a bowl game not as Pac-12 Champions since 2009.

What: BCS Championship

When: January 7, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. (EST)

Where: Miami Gardens, Florida

Who: Notre Dame (12-0) vs. Alabama (12-1)

The 2013 Discover BCS National Championship Game is an historic one to say the least. Alabama, the current 2012 SEC Champions, as well as 2009 and 2011 BCS National Champs, have been a powerhouse organization and were the #1- or #2-ranked team in the nation every week except one the entire 2012 football season. Notre Dame, on the other hand, started 2012 as the #22-ranked collegiate team, and hadn’t been #1 in the nation since 1993 and hadn’t been undefeated since 1988, when the Irish defeated West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl to become national champions. Notre Dame is the first team not aligned with a conference to play for the National Championship since the Miami Hurricanes won in 1989. No school has more national championship titles (13) than Notre Dame, except for one — Alabama (14).

College football is quickly approaching. No matter what team you root for on gameday, we recommend visiting these Top College Football Stadiums for the 2011 NCAA season! The following list takes into account scenic views, current stadium capacity, past lists of top stadiums, unique facts about each, and overall gameday atmosphere.

#20 Falcon Stadium, US Air Force Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Capacity: 46,692

Unique Facts:

• Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains is the gameday backdrop
• The mascot is a peregrine falcon named “Mach 1,” which means the speed of sound – the peregrine can fly at a speed of 200 miles per hour and dives over the heads of Air Force fans
• 2nd highest elevation in Division I-A football – over 6,620 feet above sea level

Shop Air Force Falcons Gear

#19 Folsom Field, University of Colorado

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Capacity: 53,613

Unique Facts: 

• Another high elevation – 3rd highest elevation in NCAA football – 5,360 feet above sea level
• Flatiron mountain range is the background setting
• A massive recycling effort in 2008 made it the first “zero-waste” stadium in the NCAA 

Shop Colorado Buffaloes Gear

#18 LaVell Edwards Stadium, Brigham Young University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Provo, Utah

Capacity: 63,725

Unique Facts:

• Mt. Timpanogos and Wasatch Mountain Range are the background views
• Part of the largest collection of North American fossils were stored under the bleachers until 2005 – now displayed in the university’s museum
• Previously known as Cougar Stadium, head coach LaVell Edwards retired in 2000 when the stadium was renamed 

Shop BYU Cougars Gear

#17 Ohio Stadium, Ohio State University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Capacity: 102,329

Unique Facts:

• 4th largest football stadium in the US
• No field lights are installed. Special lighting is used during night games
• The stadium is a concert venue to some of the biggest names in music like U2 and The Rolling Stones 

Shop Ohio State Buckeyes Gear

#16 Husky Stadium, University of Washington

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Seattle, Washington

Capacity: 72,500

Unique Facts:

• Open side of the stadium looks out on Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains
• 70% of the seats are covered by metal roofs between the end zones
• Noise level has measured 135 decibels…loudest recorded ever 

Shop Washington Huskies Gear

#15 Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium “Death Valley”, Clemson University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Clemson, South Carolina

Capacity: 80,301

Unique Facts:

• 2nd largest stadium in the ACC
• Hosted concerts to popular music artists like Pink Floyd and Rage Against the Machine
• “Howard’s Rock” is a rock given to Frank Howard by a friend claiming to originally be from Death Valley, California. The rock was eventually placed in an encasement and the Clemson Army ROTC protects the rock 24 hours prior to the Clemson/SC game every year

Shop Clemson Tigers Gear

#14 Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn University

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Auburn, Alabama

Capacity: 87,451

Unique Facts:

• Stadium is named for the winningest coach in Auburn football, Ralph “Shug” Jordan, and Cliff Hare a member of the 1st football team and president of the Southern Conference
• 1st SEC school to install an HD video display and 2nd in the NCAA
• Known for great gameday atmospheres and one of the more intimidating places for any opponent

Shop Auburn Tigers Gear

#13 Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State University

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Capacity: 82,300

Unique Facts:

• Largest continuous structure made of brick in the US
• Field named for head coach Bobby Bowden and stadium named for former president at time of construction
• Bronze sculpture resembling Chief Osceola and Renegade, FSU’s mascots, stands 19′ tall outside stadium. At sunset before home games, the Marching Chiefs play as Osceola’s spear is lit on fire

Shop Florida State Seminoles Gear

#12 Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Capacity: 80,321

Unique Facts:

• Oldest college football stadium – first formed in 1895 and completed in 1917
• 5th largest stadium in the Big Ten Conference
• Built on the Camp Randall grounds, former training camp of the Union Army during the Civil War

Shop Wisconsin Badgers Gear

#11 Tiger Stadium, Louisiana State University

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Capacity: 92,542

Unique Facts:

• Home of the most intimidating mascot in college football, Mike The Tiger (a real tiger)
• One of the worst places for visiting teams because of the loudest atmosphere in stadium history
• New 27×80 HD Video Board

Shop LSU Tigers Gear

#10 Michigan Stadium “The Big House”, University of Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Capacity: 109,901

Unique Facts:

• Largest stadium in the US and 3rd largest in the world
• First night football game in Michigan Stadium history will occur Sept 10, 2011, against Notre Dame
• Size of gameday crowds almost matches Ann Arbor’s population 

Shop Michigan Wolverines Gear

#9 Beaver Stadium, Penn State University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: University Park, Pennsylvania

Capacity: 107,282

Unique Facts:

• 2nd largest stadium in the US and 4th largest in the world
• The WhiteOut occurs when students wear all white during night games and the same for the WhiteHouse during day games
• First stadium to be included in Google Street View

Shop Penn State Nittany Lions Gear 

#8 Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Athens, Georgia

Capacity: 92,746

Unique Facts:

• Privet hedges surround the field for not only cosmetic reasons, but also crowd control – originally planted in 1929, removed and restored in 1996
• One of the best mascots, Uga, descends from the original white bulldog and has an air-conditioned doghouse with bags of ice inside
• Field has only been rushed one time in history in 2000 when the Bulldogs beat their rival, the Tennessee Vols, for the first time since 1988 – the goal posts were also torn down

Shop Georgia Bulldogs Gear

#7 Kyle Field, Texas A&M University

 

 

 

 

 

Location: College Station, Texas

Capacity: 83,002

Unique Facts:

• Kyle Field press box has won many honors with accomodations for hundreds of press members
• The entire press box sways during the Aggie War Hymn
• The Zone contains a sports museum, multiple seating levels, and a graveyard right outside for the Aggie mascot

Shop Texas A&M Aggies Gear

#6 Autzen Stadium, University of Oregon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Eugene, Oregon

Capacity: 54,000

Unique Facts:

• One of the loudest stadiums in college football with steep stands, seats close to the field, and a roof that overhangs
• Located near Willamette River and next to Alton Baker Park
• 74 consecutive sellouts dating back to 1999 

Shop Oregon Ducks Gear

#5 Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Capacity: 81,067

Unique Facts:

• Continuous NCAA record of consecutive sellouts…now at 311
• ‘Huskers fans are some of the most loyal in college football and the stands are always filled with a “Sea of Red”
• The stadium name honors Nebraska natives who served during the Civil and Spanish-American Wars, as well as 751 who died in World War I

Shop Nebraska Cornhuskers Gear

#4 Bryant-Denny Stadium, University of Alabama

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Capacity: 101,821

Unique Facts:

• Originally named Denny Stadium after George Denny, former president – changed in 1975 to honor famous past head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant
• 2nd largest stadium in the SEC and 5th largest in the US
• In 2010, South End Zone expanded and the new seats sold out quickly prior to the 2010 season

Shop Alabama Crimson Tide Gear

#3 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium “The Swamp”, University of Florida

 Location: Gainesville, Florida

Capacity: 88,548

Unique Facts:

• Can we say Home Field Advantage? The Swamp is below ground level with enclosed playing areas on every side, which makes humid climate temperatures exceed 100 degrees and screaming fans even louder
• Large bronze statues of the three Heisman Trophy winners placed outside the stadium in April 2011: Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow
• The Gator Chomp symbolizes an alligator’s mouth and fans use this as a gesture to support the team, occuring when the Pride of the Sunshine plays a two-note music sequence from the film Jaws

Shop Florida Gators Gear

#2 Notre Dame Stadium, University of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Notre Dame, Indiana

Capacity: 80,795

Unique Facts: 

• Known as “The House That Rockne Built”, Knute Rockne was a coach who popularized the forward pass and helped the stadium’s construction project get off the ground 
• The playing surface has always consisted of natural grass
• “Rudy”, a biographical film about Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger who dreamt of playing Notre Dame football, was the first movie shot on campus since “Knute Rockne, All American”
• First night game since 1991 will be held on October 22, 2011, against USC

Shop Notre Dame Fighting Irish

#1 Neyland Stadium, University of Tennessee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Capacity: 102,455

Unique Facts:

• General Robert Neyland made the Vols a football powerhouse from 1926-1952
• One of 70 stadiums in the US bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup
• The largest SEC stadium, 3rd largest in the US and 6th largest in the world
• Unique endzone paint with an orange and white checkerboard
• Located on the Tennessee River, The Volunteer Navy tailgates (or sailgates) outside of Neyland each gameday
• “Rocky Top” is one of the most well-known, repetitively played songs during any college football game

Shop Tennessee Volunteers Gear

It’s that time again! Break out your favorite party attire, enjoy the fireworks, change out the calendar and take just a few minutes to plan out your resolutions. No matter how big or small, resolutions are a good start to planning out the new year. Reflect on your past, but stay focused on your future. Check out these Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for 2011 and have a wonderful and safe New Year’s!

#1 Devote Time to Your Hobbies

Enjoy more time with friends and family while getting a workout. Shop our sports gear today!

#2 Workout More

Lose weight, build muscle and dress to impress your gym mates.

#3 Save Those Pennies

If you save more, you have more. Plan a budget and take a little out of your check to put in a Saving’s Account.

#4 Show More Appreciation

Actions speak louder than words. Show your family some extra love and shop our gifts.

#5 Remember the Past

Focus on the future, but remember your past. Check out our memorabilia and commemorative items.

#6 Take Time to Relax

Veg out on your sofa in style with our selection of snuggies, blankets, and pillows.

#7 Socialize More

Even if you don’t have tickets to the game, meet up with friends, socialize and tailgate!

#8 Show Some Pet Love

We tend to take advantage of just how wonderful life is with a pet, so show your pet more appreciation.

#9 Drink Your H2O

Every doc will tell you just how important water is for your health, skin and overall well-being!

#10 Attend More Sporting Events

Quit shouting at the game on TV and splurge this year by attending more events.

The older I get, the more time seems to fly by in a flash. One minute I’m doing taxes, the next minute I’m enjoying a summer vacation, and at the present moment I’m planning Thanksgiving dinner and asking family what they want Santa to bring this year. Regardless of how fast the year goes by, the holiday season is one of my favorites. Spending time with loved ones, eating holiday meals, decorating Christmas trees, watching the seasons change, and most of all, enjoying the many festivities. Planning a holiday party makes you want to pull your hair out at times, but the end result should leave you feeling joyful and ready to begin a new year. Here are the top 10 party decorating ideas for sports fans to start your holiday off right.  And don’t forget, you’ll receive 3-Business Day, Flat Rate Shipping, 365-Day Hassle Free Return Policy, and Unconditional Satisfaction Guarantee!  

#1 Holiday Wreath

Decorate your front door or inside wall with a fun Christmas themed wreath. 19″ in diameter and features a snowman and snowwoman with accents of snowflakes, pine cones and holiday berries.

#2 Wooden Nutcracker

Take a crack at spicing up your fireplace or bar area with this 14″ nutcracker. It not only adds a touch of flare to your home, it also has a lever on the back to help you enjoy holiday foods. Your team’s colors are represented on the painted outfit with a gold base label that says “Nutcracker” with your school name.

#3 Team Etched Decanter

Make sure your glass is always half-full! This 26oz. decanter is made of glass and features your team’s logo etched in detail.

#4 Christmas Tree Ornament

Choose from an assortment of Christmas tree ornaments to adorn your tree in style. Whether you need a sports themed ornament, snowman, or if you have a little fan in training, enjoy our collection of tree decorations.

#5 Santa Hat

Santa Clause will be ready to come down that chimney with loads of presents when he sees your festive hat. It features an embroidered team logo and name, mistletoe graphics and a fuzzy cuff to keep you warm all winter.

#6 Bottle Cork Set

Don’t let your beverage of choice spoil. Top it off with a cork set. These painted resin decals on a fixed cork body are sure to catch the party-goers attention.

#7 Party Tray

Choose from a large selection of party trays for any occasion. From ceramic chip and dip trays, to 5-section serving trays and dessert trays, we’ve got you covered.

#8 Ultimate Party Pack

Knock out your party purchases with this ultimate party pack: 24 7-in. plates, 24 9-in. plates, 25 beverage napkins, 25 dinner napkins, 24 plastic cups and 10 balloons.

#9 4-Pack Photo Coaster Set

Enjoy a photo display while eliminating the need to buy new furniture because of those pesky table rings. Check out this 4-Pack of photo coasters. Each coaster is made of glass and holds a 2″x2″ photo with a foam backing to prevent furniture damage. When they’re not in use, display the coasters vertically in a wooden stand. 

#10 Team Logo Gift Bag

If you’re in a giving mood this holiday season, grab these gift bags to present at your party. Your guests will be filled with surprise and leave in style.

Outside of the SEC Championship game played in December, this weekend’s SEC matchup down in Baton Rouge is the biggest SEC game of the year. The No. 1 Florida Gators are headed into Death Valley to face off against the No. 4 LSU Tigers. Any time we see two Top 5 teams play each other it’s always exciting, but this time it’s more special because the game features football’s brightest star, Tim Tebow … hopefully.

Two weeks ago against the Kentucky Wildcats, Tim Tebow suffered a concussion. The Gators were on bye last weekend so Tim had extra time to heal. He’s back in practice but the doctors have not cleared him to play yet. Urban Meyer is calling it a game-time decision. If you thought the entire nation would be watching this game on a normal night, imagine what it will be like in Tim’s first game back from injury. The atmosphere will be insane!

Now, with or without Tim Tebow, the No.1 Florida Gators have a heck of a fight in front of them. The LSU Tigers have won something like 40+ night games in a row at home. The Tigers bring a stout defense and a good running game. They will challenge whoever is quarterbacking the Florida Gators.

Yesterday on Facebook I asked our fans if they thought the Gators could beat the Tigers without Tim Tebow. Of the 26 replies, it was pretty much 50/50. Some people think LSU isn’t that great and they’ve just been lucky so far, while others think the Gators backup QB John Brantley won’t be able to handle the big stage.

What’s your take? Who do you think will win Saturday night’s game?

Can you believe the hype surrounding the Florida Gators as we head into the 2009 college football season? Every program you turn on, every magazine you read, every talk show host you listen to will all tell you the same thing. The Florida Gators are unbeatable and will be BCS Champions. Mark Schlabach of ESPN said it best: “Should the SEC East even bother playing games this season?”

As a Gator fan myself, all this hype scares me. The Florida Gators dominated the Oklahoma Sooners in the BCS Championship game back in January. They are returning all 11 defensive starters and have the best college football player, Tim Tebow. So why does all this scare me? It is so hard for a football team in the NCAA to go wire-to-wire. The Florida Gators are ranked No. 1 in all the major preseason polls and rightfully so. But when everyone expects the world from you, it’s harder to deliver.

Odds are the Gators will lose one game. No Florida team has ever gone undefeated. Two games on the schedule that scare me are at LSU and vs. Georgia (in Jacksonville). Sure Tennessee, Arkansas and Florida State are all going to be tough games but the Gators play them in the Swamp, giving them a significant advantage.

I do predict that the Gators will be in the BCS Championships again, fighting for a chance to win back-to-back titles. But I won’t predict the outcome of the game… anything can happen in college football. What do you think of the Gators chances in 2009? Do you think all the No. 1 preseason rankings are justified?

Comment here or tweet me and let me know.