Tampa, Fla. – The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl will return to Raymond James Stadium on Friday, December 18, at 2:30 PM ET. Owned and operated by ESPN Events, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN and will feature two teams selected from a diverse pool, including teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and American Conference.
Last year featured a commanding performance by NC State, as the Wolfpack defeated the Memphis Tigers 31–7. NC State built a 31–7 halftime lead and never looked back, earning its first bowl victory since 2017. Linebacker Caden Fordham was named MVP after recording 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a 55-yard
interception return, becoming the first defensive player in Gasparilla Bowl history to earn MVP honors. The Wolfpack defense held Memphis to just seven points, marking the second-lowest scoring output in bowl history, while NC State set a new Gasparilla Bowl record with 31 points in the first half.
“Each year, the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl continues to elevate its profile in postseason events in college football, and we’re thrilled to return to Raymond James Stadium this December, ” said Scott Glaser, Executive Director of the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl and ESPN Events. “The continued support from our partners, fans, and the Tampa Bay community has helped make this bowl a special experience for participating teams and student-athletes. We look forward to welcoming another outstanding matchup and creating lasting memories for everyone who is part of this year’s game.”
Union Home Mortgage, a nationally recognized mortgage banking company, has been a dedicated supporter of the Gasparilla Bowl. Their ongoing partnership plays a crucial role in enhancing the event’s outreach and impact.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Gasparilla Bowl and build on the success we’ve shared over the years,” said Bill Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage. “This game has become a special part of the college football postseason, bringing together great teams, passionate fans, and a vibrant community that we hold close to our hearts. We are committed to creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike to make memories at high-caliber events like the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.”
As the 2026 college football season approaches, anticipation builds for another exciting matchup in Tampa. The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl continues to provide a platform for standout performances and unforgettable moments, solidifying its place in the postseason landscape. With the game taking place just before Christmas, local businesses and fan groups have a unique opportunity to host holiday parties or family gatherings, including pre-game tailgates and stadium seating.
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl ticket information will be announced later this fall. Additional game information is available at gasparillabowl.com.
Field Operations Notice: The Tampa Sports Authority adheres to all NFL field management policies and best practices regarding playing surface quality and player safety. As a result, no sod replacement or field surface modifications are permitted within 48 hours of an NFL game kickoff.
This policy applies to all events held at Raymond James Stadium, including preparations related to the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, and helps ensure the field remains in optimal condition for both collegiate and professional competition.
About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In the 2025-26 academic year, the 35-event schedule includes three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, two college volleyball events, the premiere regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.
Follow ESPN Events on Instagram, Facebook, X or YouTube pages.
About Union Home Mortgage
Union Home Mortgage Corp. (UHM) is a high-growth, full-service retail, wholesale, and consumer direct independent mortgage banking company with branches across the U.S. in 48 states + D.C. UHM is an in-house loan servicer offering world-class customer service through high touch communication & technology. A privately held family business, with a collaborative culture that stands out in the mortgage industry, UHM Partners (employees) are guided by a Code of Conduct that emphasizes respect, open communication, and accountability. All these principles translate to industry-leading customer retention and satisfaction. Some honors include being a Six-Year USA Today Top Workplace and an Eleven-Year Northeast Ohio Top Workplace. Learn more at uhm.com.
Media Contacts:
Crackerjack Media on behalf of Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl:
Jennifer Renspie, 813.352.9115, [email protected]
ESPN Media Contacts:
Danny Chi, [email protected]