Maj. Gen. Ronald Bailey (left), commanding general 1st Marine Division speaks with Alvin Brown, mayor of Jacksonville, Fla. During the 2012 Gator Bowl coaches luncheon, Dec. 31, 2011. During the luncheon, the Gator Bowl inducted three new members into its hall of fame. The Gator Bowl is an annual event that has been held continuously since 1946. Not only is it among the oldest but it is also one of the first televised football games. The Marines have had an on-site presence for several previous Gator Bowl games and have built a strategic partnership with the committee that allows the Corps to reach large and diverse crowd of spectators.