Big parties for Sugar in works
Sugar and spice adds up to a big tailgate party to ring in the New Year in New Orleans.
For Warrior fans traveling to watch Hawaii and Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, it will be the Cajun-Warriors New Year's Eve Bash, organized by local restaurateurs Don Murphy (Murphy's Bar & Grill) and Kurt Osaki (Hukilau Restaurant).
"Kurt and I were talking and we agreed this was the biggest thing in the history of Hawaii sports," Murphy said. "We know there's so many fans going and no place to go for large groups of people wanting to get together and celebrate. We said we have got to throw a big party."
Through a friend who recently moved from New Orleans to Honolulu, Murphy was able to obtain Generations Hall, a facility that can accommodate up to 5,000 people with the option of a tented parking lot for additional guests.
"If we get a huge response, we'll use the tents, close the street and have a block party," said Murphy, who does just that for the annual Pigskin Pigout and St. Patrick's Day celebrations at his restaurant.
The tickets are $125 for adults, $65 for ages 20 and under. It will be $150 at the door.
The event runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and will include New Orleans-inspired cuisine such as gumbo, jambalaya and etouffee. There will also be appearances by coach June Jones, the UH cheerleaders and live entertainment.
Net proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity, which is helping rebuild the city after Hurricane Katrina as well as UH's Na Koa Football Club.
Tickets will be available beginning tomorrow at Murphy's, the Hukilau or at www.HawaiianCajunBash.com.
Not going to New Orleans?
In the works is the "Largest Shuga Bowl Party in Hawaii" at the Blaisdell Arena. It's scheduled to start at 2:45 p.m. with the 3:30 p.m. Sugar Bowl telecast on two large screens in the arena.
Admission is free, according to event organizers, but no outside food will be allowed. There will be food and drinks available through the arena vendors.