Nashville, TN., April 22, 2004 –Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Presented By Bridgestone representatives announced today the 7th annual Bowl would be played on Friday, December 31 at 11:00 a.m. at the Coliseum. The announcement was made during the Bowl’s NCAA certification and Football Bowl Association meetings in New Orleans, LA. “We’re excited about our date and ESPN time slot,” said Joe Kelley, Bowl Chairman. Added Kelley, “last year’s game was played on New Year’s Eve and proved to be a great date for not only the traveling fans but for the local community as well. There will be an incredible week of football action in Nashville with the Bowl on the 31st and the Tennessee Titans playing Christmas Day and Sunday, January 2.”

ESPN has televised the Bowl during the last six years and will through 2008. “For the 2nd consecutive year, the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Presented By Bridgestone will kickoff an incredible triple header of college football on New Year’s Eve on ESPN” said Dave Brown, ESPN director of programming and acquisitions.

“We’re delighted with the timing of the game which we believe heightens the prospect for another highly attractive and successful New Year’s holiday weekend in metropolitan Nashville,” said Jay D. Sevigny, executive vice president, chief operating officer, Gaylord Hotels. The 2003 Bowl was played on Wednesday, December 31 at 11:00 a.m. Auburn University defeated the University of Wisconsin by a score of 28-14 in front of 55,109 fans, the 2nd largest attendance in the Bowl’s 6-year history.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the Bowl for our second year,” said John Gamauf, president, consumer tire replacement sales, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC. “Last year was awesome and once again we will have a great opportunity to showcase our home town. The date and start time of the game will make the broadcast even more accessible to the legion of passionate fans that make up a college football audience.”

In its six years the Bowl has contributed over $10 million to the participating universities, produced an estimated $60 million in economic impact, and has been seen by 29 million viewers on ESPN’s national television broadcast. Tickets will be on-sale to the general public in August through Ticketmaster.

For more information on Nashville’s Holiday Tradition, contact the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Presented By Bridgestone at 615-743-3130 or visit the Bowl online at musiccitybowl.com

WHAT: Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Presented By Bridgestone BROADCAST: ESPN
WHEN/WHERE: Friday, December 31 / 11:00 a.m. CST / The Coliseum
CONFERENCES: SEC vs. BIG TEN
PAYOUT: Minimum $780,000 per team

Media Contacts:
Scott Ramsey 615-743-3130 sramsey@nashvillesports.com
Dave Herrell 615-743-3124 dherrell@nashvillesports.com