Media Advisory
For Immediate Release

Contacts:  Steve Triggs, Orange County Communication Division Manager
407-836-5818 or email: Steve.Triggs@ocfl.net

The 1958 University of Buffalo football team enjoyed a dream season culminating in the school's first ever bowl bid to play Florida State in the Tangerine Bowl. However, the now defunct organization that controlled the stadium refused to allow the team's two African-American players to participate. Bulls teammates remained true to each other and unanimously declined the bowl bid, a decision that was recounted 50 years later in the ESPN documentary – "All or Nothing."

When Mayor Richard Crotty became aware this unfortunate chapter of Central Florida history, he reached out to the 1958 Buffalo team to show them that our community has come a long way in 50+ years.  Thanks to generous corporate support from AirTran Airways, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal and others community partners the 1958 Buffalo Bulls will enjoy a long overdue celebration in Orlando this weekend.  

Two media opportunities:

#1 – Reception for the 1958 Univ. of Buffalo Team – Friday, Sept. 18, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal, 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando. (Contact Steve Triggs if you plan to cover so he can give the hotel a heads up)

#2 – Mayor Crotty & UCF will recognize of the 1958 Buffalo Team at halftime of the UCF v. University at Buffalo football game, Saturday, Sept. 19, Brighthouse Stadium, Kickoff @ 7:30 p.m. (For credentials: www.sportssystems.com/ucf  Credentials will be held at Media Will Call, Gate 18.  Contact Leigh Torbin, Dir. of Communications for UCF Athletics for more info: 407-325-5703.  THERE WILL BE A PRESS AVAIL IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ON FIELD CEREMONY DURING HALFTIME.

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