BOCA RATON, Fla. — A pep rally was held Friday evening at Mizner Park ahead of the 2021 Boca Raton Bowl.
WPTV spoke with a man named Mark, who said he's rooting for the Hilltoppers during Saturday's game.
"We're going to be rooting for Western Kentucky today due to the storms and tornadoes they've had," he said.
Western Kentucky's opponent, Appalachian State, held their rally in Riviera Beach.
Bosting 36 businesses, Mizner Park is a destination for food and shopping. With people staying local, businesses are hoping for a bump in sales and foot traffic.
Chris Papandrea is the general manager at the Kapow Noodle Bar.
"I think along with any local bowl game between Mizner having the pep rally and the teams, guests, families and fans staying local, I think a lot of push comes to Mizner Park," he said.
It's game on come Saturday.
"I'll say Western Kentucky," said Papandrea. "I'm going to vote for them to win by seven."
The game begins Saturday at 11 a.m. at Florida Atlantic University.