University of Missouri and Wake Forest University Accept Invitations to Play in the 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

Tampa, Fla. - The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl has announced that the Mizzou Tigers (6-6) from the Southeastern Conference and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-5) representing the Atlantic Coast 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, Fla., on Friday, December 23 at 6:30 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN. This will be the first Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl appearance for either team, and the first-ever matchup between the two teams. 

“Today, it was my great pleasure to extend invitations to Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the University of Missouri Tigers to the 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl on Friday, December 23, at Raymond James Stadium,” said Executive Director Scott Glaser. “Hosting two outstanding teams and the first-ever SEC vs. ACC matchup in our bowl game history is special. These teams will undoubtedly create an electric atmosphere for students, alums, and local football fans. We look forward to welcoming each team and showing why Tampa Bay is the best place to enjoy Bowl Season action.” 

Mizzou finished the 2022 season with a 6-6 record and a 3-5 SEC conference record. The Tigers won four of their last six games and were the only team this season to play No. 1 Georgia, and hold the opponent to a one-score game (L, 26-22). Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz has led the Tigers to a bowl game in each of his first three seasons, and is only the second coach in school history to do so along with the late Warren Powers (1978-84). This is the program’s 34th bowl appearance, holding an overall bowl record of 15-18. 

Head Coach Dave Clawson will lead the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Wake Forest’s offense averaged a solid 36.8 points per game during the 12-game season, all but guaranteeing its sixth consecutive season of averaging 30 or more points a game. This is the longest active streak in the conference and the fourth longest in ACC history. Twelve student-athletes were named All-ACC, including QB Sam Hartman who also took home the ACC’s 2022 Brian Piccolo Award which recognizes the conference’s "most courageous" football player.

Tickets for the 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl start at $40 for lower-level seating. College football fans who want to catch all of the action with their favorite Krewe of ten or more people can purchase discounted Group Ticket packages by calling 813.301.6900. Individual and group ticket information is also available at GasparillaBowl.com/tickets.