NASHVILLE, Tenn., (Dec. 6, 2009) – Representatives of the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl announced today the University of Kentucky will represent the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the 12th annual Bowl and face off against the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) Clemson University.  Kick off will be Sunday,

The Kentucky Wildcats are making their fourth Bowl appearance in Nashville, led this year on offense by all-purpose performers Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke.  Cobb, who plays wide receiver and quarterback, finished the regular season second for the SEC in touchdowns; third in all-purpose yards per game; and third in punt return average.  Locke leads the team in rushing and is second in the SEC in all-purpose yardage.  It has been a year of milestone victories for the Wildcats as they won at Auburn for the first time since 1961 and at Georgia for the first time since 1977.  

“We’re honored to be invited to the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl,” said Mitch Barnhart, Kentucky director of athletics.  “I congratulate Coach Rich Brooks and our senior class for an historic accomplishment in earning a fourth-consecutive bowl game.  The city and Bowl staff treats the teams and fans in first-class fashion and we’re privileged to be their guests.  Nashville is a great place to visit as a nationally renowned entertainment center.  Our experiences in previous trips bring back wonderful memories.”
 
The Clemson Tigers are making a return to Nashville after playing Kentucky in the 2006 Bowl. Senior running back C.J. Spiller was named the ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Offensive Player of the Year for the 2009 season. Spiller, along with tight end Michael Palmer and safety DeAndre McDaniel, were given first-team All-ACC honors. C.J. Spiller also holds the NCAA record for kick off returns for touchdowns in a career, and is the only player in the NCAA to score a touchdown every game during the 2009 campaign. Clemson finished third in the ACC in total defense, second in scoring offense, second in passing defense and third in rushing offense.

"We are excited to be selected for the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl,” said Terry Don Phillips, Clemson University director of athletics.  “This will be our second appearance in this bowl and it was an outstanding experience for our program the first time around.  Nashville is a great city and has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment for our fans. It is also a game that will take place in a state-of-the-art NFL facility against Kentucky.”

The 2009 game will mark the fourth Bowl match-up between the SEC and ACC in Nashville.  SEC teams have won the first three conference matchups under the current Bowl contract with the ACC.

“We’re excited to welcome back the teams and fans of Kentucky and Clemson, and we look forward to having them play in the Bowl’s first ever primetime game,” said Scott Ramsey, Bowl president and CEO.  “We anticipate this holiday weekend will be a busy time for local hotels, businesses and entertainment attractions, as well as a great showcase for our city on ESPN.”

Since its inception in 1998, the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl has produced $153 million in direct economic impact to Nashville, and has had millions of viewers through its live ESPN telecast. 

Bowl tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster online at Ticketmaster.com/MusicCityBowl or at any Ticketmaster location.  For more information, call the Bowl office at 615.743.3130, visit the Bowl online at MusicCityBowl.com or follow the Bowl on Facebook and Twitter. 

SPECIAL NOTE TO FANS:
For fans attending the game, please visit MusicCityBowl.com to purchase game day parking.  Several parking options are available, but for those wishing to park in a stadium parking lot at LP Field, passes must be pre-purchased.  No parking passes at LP Field will be available to purchase on game day.
 

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