Security in Tampa ahead of tonight's CFP title game has been "tight with so many fans downtown braving chilly weather" over the weekend, and there has also been a "huge police presence," according to O'Donnell, DiNatale, Dawson & Cridlin of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said, "The world is watching, and we are performing." CFP media day was held at Amalie Arena on Saturday, and fans were "allowed to sit in the lower tier and watch." CFP COO Michael Kelly said this year marked the "first time" media day had been "held in its own venue and marketed to fans." Kelly: "This is by far the biggest crowd we've ever had for media day" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 1/8). In Tampa, Danielson & Dawson noted the CFP is "something of a national coming-out party for the Riverwalk -- downtown's designated artery for people and entertainment during the weekend celebration of the big game." The Riverwalk "provided a traffic-free connection to all of Saturday's major fan events" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 1/8). Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Tampa "has been awesome" as a host. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey added, "There's health in being in a new place. ... This is the first time we've had really a downtown footprint for a championship game since the CFP's been in place. Dallas was spread out. Phoenix was spread out. Both were great hosts. I think this is a different experience, and I think that's positive" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 1/9). Fox Sports' Stewart Mandel tweeted, "Save for the rain, Tampa the best CFP title site so far. All events, most hotels downtown. Fans already everywhere. Feels like a Final Four." ESPN's Chris Fowler: "Tampa Riverwalk showing nicely for #CFP title game. Even more fun if the windchill weren't 30 degrees!" ESPN's Brett McMurphy noted Tampa will be the "first community ever to host championship game in college football, men’s and women’s hoops Final Fours & hockey Frozen Four." Univ. of Arkansas Associate for Athletic Administration Morgan Strehlow: "You're a stunning host, Tampa."
GET OUT YOUR NOTEBOOK: The new Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the '18 CFP title game, and in Atlanta, Tim Tucker reported about 40 members of the Atlanta Football Host Committee were in Tampa this weekend "at the CFP’s invitation for a behind-the-scenes look at how the championship game operates." Members of the Atlanta delegation are "studying all aspects of the spectacle -- stadium set-up and operations, security, marketing, branding, signage, volunteer programs, hospitality programs, media operations, ancillary events, you name it." Planning for the '18 event is "in the early stages." The host committee’s staff, working from space in the Georgia World Congress Center, "officially began operating in September" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 1/8). In Orlando, Matt Murschel reported Orlando leaders have been "studying Tampa’s progress as they weigh whether to bid" for the CFP title game. CFP Exec Dir Bill Hancock said, "Tampa’s done a great job. Their community leadership -- both in the public sector and the private sector -- has been phenomenal." Orlando would have to "make a substantial financial investment, including more upgrades to Camping World Stadium needed to meet the qualifications to host a national championship." The venue would "need to add more luxury suites and expand its current press box" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 1/8).
