Sports have always been an integral part of the human lifestyle. Today major sporting events are being held around the world. Therefore, to accommodate international athletes, such sporting events must be organized in large cities having state-of-art facilities such as the University of Toledo, for sporting events bring more to a city than fan excitement. Major sports events are often seen as a source of economic generation.
Hosting an international sports event is a very prominent affair today and all countries look forward to taking advantage of the opportunity. Toledo and Lucas County are fortunate to welcome the Italian Bowl XLII Championship Game (italianbowlusa.com) on July 1, 2023, in the Glass Bowl Stadium. This is the equivalent of the Super Bowl for American football which is being played outside Europe for the first time in the league’s history. Almost 8,000 tickets have already been sold for this event.
The Italian Bowl
The first official football game was played in Florence on January 1, 1945, between the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. This was the catalyst that brought American football to Europe, which eventually led to the formation of national leagues.
In 1981, the first structured Italian Federation of American Football (AIFA) was founded.
Today, FIDAF organizes approximately 100 teams and 10,000+ athletes. Each year, more than 20 men’s league teams compete for the coveted title of champion.
Why Toledo:
Toledo is conveniently located in the heart of the Great Lakes region and within a one-day drive of 60 percent of the U.S. population. The XLII Italian Bowl will serve as the crowning jewel of Toledo’s July 4th celebration. The top two IFL teams will bring unmatched global excitement and epic enthusiasm for the game of American football, born right here in Ohio — the home state of professional football, putting Toledo in the global spotlight.
The Italian Bowl hosts notable events:
- Passport to the Taste of Italy – June 18-24, 2023
Before the teams arrive for the 42nd annual Italian Bowl, area residents and guests alike will help crown a culinary champion in a fun, week-long "People's Choice" competition that begins, on Saturday, June 17 with exciting Facebook Live “Toasts” hosted by area media personalities who will encourage friends from around the world to raise their glasses and ends with a televised Judges Choice awards for a wonderful week of food and international friendship!
- Mayors Cup – Sunday, June 25, 2023 – 12-5 p.m. – Central Catholic High School
City of Toledo Mayor Wade Kapsukiewicz welcome local mayors to participate in a skills competition at Central Catholic High School – home of the Fighting Irish.
The winning mayor will pick up the first Mayor’s Cup at the Italian Bowl halftime festivities. There is tailgating, children’s activities, food trucks, and entertainment. Entrance to the event is FREE. This community effort will bond NW Ohio in welcoming our international guests.
- A concert with Mariam Battistelli, International Italian Soprano who will be singing the American and Italian national anthems as well as the halftime entertainment. The preview concert will be held at the Perrysburg home of Ann Sanford. Guests will enjoy gourmet grazing with Italian wines and spectacular entertainment. Tickets are $175 – please call Brittany at 317-412-4819.
- A Youth Football Clinic will be held on Friday morning, June 30, at St. John’s Jesuit High School conducted by 4th and Goal Athletics. It will be a day to remember for youth football athletes in grades 6-8 who want to learn from the pros. The youth camp will be held with players from the teams as well as several celebrity helpers.
GAME DAY is Saturday, July 1 at 3 p.m. – general admission $15, reserved seating $30, and stadium seats $50. For tickets go to italianbowlusa.com. After the Italian Bowl there will be a Toledo Night Market featuring delightful cuisine, artisans, entertainment, and refreshments. Spectacular fireworks close out the celebration on the banks of the Maumee River at 10 p.m.
First Published May 25, 2023, 1:42 p.m.
