UCF Knights To Face UF Gators At Gasparilla Bowl In Tampa Dec. 23

TAMPA, FL — The Union Home Mortage Gasparilla Bowl has announced that the University of Central Florida Knights (8-4) from the American Athletic Conference and the University of Florida Gators (6-6), representing the Southeastern Conference, have accepted invitations to compete in this year’s game.

The 14th edition of the bowl game will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Thursday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. and will air on ESPN. The game and its surrounding events also kick off Tampa’s famed Gasparilla parade season.

“We are thrilled to welcome two outstanding teams, the UCF Knights and the University of Florida Gators, with the warmth and hospitality that the Tampa Bay community is renowned for,” said Scott Glaser, executive director of the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. “From today’s announcement to the moment we award the treasured Gasparilla Bowl trophy, we aim to make this an unforgettable experience for fans who have the opportunity to remain close to home when cheering on their team at Raymond James Stadium.”

UCF finished the season with a 5-3 conference record and is led by Head Coach Gus Malzahn, who is in his first year with the team. 2021 represents the Knights' fourth Gasparilla Bowl appearance. The team holds a 2-2 record in its games, having defeated Marshall 48-25 at Raymond James Stadium in 2019. UCF is now 49-12 in its last 60 games.

Interim Head Coach Greg Knox will lead the University of Florida. This will be the Gator’s first appearance in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl and their 47th bowl appearance holding a bowl record of 24-22.

The Gasparilla Bowl marks only the third time these in-state teams have met. Florida defeated UCF in both previous matchups, having last faced off in 2006.

Tickets for the 2021 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl start at $15. College football fans who want to catch all the action with their favorite Krewe of 10 or more can purchase discounted group ticket packages by calling 813-301-6900. Individual and group ticket information is also available here. The Gators represent the 2021 Gasparilla Bowl’s home team, and will be on the east sideline of Raymond James Stadium. The visiting UCF Knights will be on the west sideline.

Gasparilla Bowl Beach Invasion

Meanwhile, the city of Treasure Island will host the ESPN Gasparilla Bowl Beach Invasion. The University of Central Florida Knights and the University of Florida Gators football players, coaches and fans will converge on Treasure Island Dec. 21 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. for the traditional invasion to kick off the Gasparilla Bowl festivities.

The beach invasion will take place behind Gulf Front Park, 10400 Gulf Blvd.

Due to some traveling and scheduling issues, marching bands from the University of Florida and University of Central Florida will not be participating this year.

"The beach event will include a series of competitions between the football players of both college teams," Justin Tramble, assistant parks and recreation director, said.

The Gasparilla-themed invasion will also have a variety of games and activities along with food vendors.

"The city of Treasure Island and ESPN Events has a strong relationship that has benefited the community," Tramble said. "This year, ESPN Events is looking to continue the strong partnership by becoming more involved with the hotel community."

With the Gasparilla Bowl game being sold out, a large crowd is expected for the beach invasion, which means parking lots could fill quickly. To find a list of parking lots around the city of Treasure Island, visit mytreasureisland.com/parking.

For more information on the invasion, click here.