Gasparilla Bowl
2026
Your independent guide to the best entertainment in 2026! This website is operated by a ticket broker.
We are not affiliated with nor endorsed by the Gasparilla Bowl.
2025 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl: NC State vs. Memphis
The 2025 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl brings together the NC State Wolfpack and Memphis Tigers for their first-ever meeting at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM ET on ESPN. This 17th edition of the Gasparilla Bowl features two programs with rich bowl traditions looking to cap their seasons with a statement victory in the Sunshine State.
NC State Wolfpack: Seeking First Bowl Win Since 2017
Head coach Dave Doeren leads the Wolfpack (7-5, 4-4 ACC) to their sixth consecutive bowl game, but NC State hasn't won in the postseason since defeating Arizona State 52-31 in the 2017 Sun Bowl. The Pack boasts a top-10 red zone offense nationally, scoring on 38 of 41 trips. Notable 2025 wins include a 48-36 victory over then-No. 8 Georgia Tech and a 35-31 triumph over Virginia. NC State returns to the Gasparilla Bowl for the first time since 2014, when they defeated UCF 34-27.
Memphis Tigers: 12 Straight Bowl Seasons
The Memphis Tigers (8-4, AAC) extend their remarkable streak to 12 consecutive bowl appearances—the longest among all non-Power 4 programs in the nation. Memphis features one of the AAC's most dynamic offenses paired with a resilient defensive unit. This marks the Tigers' return to the Gasparilla Bowl, where they competed in the inaugural 2008 game against USF.
Get Your Gasparilla Bowl Tickets
BigStub connects fans with verified sellers offering authentic Gasparilla Bowl tickets at competitive, all-in prices. This first-ever matchup between NC State and Memphis promises exciting football to kick off the holiday bowl season.
Complete Guide: 2025 Gasparilla Bowl
Game Details
- Event: 2025 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
- Matchup: NC State Wolfpack vs. Memphis Tigers
- Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM CT
- TV: ESPN
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium
- Location: 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607
- Edition: 17th Gasparilla Bowl
What Is the Gasparilla Bowl?
The Gasparilla Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played in Tampa, Florida, named after the city's famous Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Established in 2008, the bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events and traditionally features teams from the ACC and AAC conferences. The game is played at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
How to Purchase Gasparilla Bowl Tickets
- Browse verified listings in the ticket inventory above
- Select your section—lower bowl, club level, or upper deck
- Review all-in pricing—displayed prices include all fees
- Complete secure checkout with buyer protection
- Receive tickets via email or mobile transfer
About Raymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, provides an ideal setting for bowl games. The 65,618-seat venue features the iconic pirate ship in the north end zone, modern amenities, and excellent sightlines throughout. The stadium has hosted multiple Super Bowls and major college football events.
Getting to Raymond James Stadium
- Address: 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607
- From I-275: Exit at Dale Mabry Highway or Himes Avenue
- From Tampa International Airport: Approximately 10 minutes
- Parking: Multiple lots surrounding the stadium
- Rideshare: Designated pickup/drop-off areas on stadium grounds
Team Profiles
NC State Wolfpack
- Record: 7-5 (4-4 ACC)
- Head Coach: Dave Doeren
- Bowl Streak: 6th consecutive bowl appearance
- Last Bowl Win: 2017 Sun Bowl (beat Arizona State 52-31)
- Key Stat: Top-10 red zone offense (38/41 scoring)
- Notable Wins: #8 Georgia Tech (48-36), Virginia (35-31)
- Previous Gasparilla Bowl: 2014 (W 34-27 vs UCF)
Memphis Tigers
- Record: 8-4 (AAC)
- Bowl Streak: 12 consecutive seasons (longest among non-Power 4)
- Strengths: Dynamic offense, resilient defense
- Previous Gasparilla Bowl: 2008 inaugural game (vs USF)
- Series History: First-ever meeting with NC State
Gasparilla Bowl History
- Established: 2008
- Previous Names: magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl, Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, BitPay Bowl
- Owner: ESPN Events
- 2024 Result: Florida defeated Tulane 33-8
- Current Sponsor: Union Home Mortgage
Follow the Teams
- Gasparilla Bowl: gasparillabowl.com
- NC State Athletics: gopack.com
- Memphis Athletics: gotigersgo.com
- ESPN: ESPN College Football
Frequently Asked Questions: 2025 Gasparilla Bowl
When is the 2025 Gasparilla Bowl?
The 2025 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl takes place on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The game airs nationally on ESPN.
Who is playing in the 2025 Gasparilla Bowl?
The NC State Wolfpack from the ACC face the Memphis Tigers from the AAC. This is the first-ever meeting between these two programs in football.
What channel is the Gasparilla Bowl on?
The 2025 Gasparilla Bowl airs live on ESPN at 2:30 PM ET on Friday, December 19, 2025.
How much are Gasparilla Bowl tickets?
Ticket prices vary by section and demand. Raymond James Stadium offers seating at various price points from upper deck to premium club level sections.
Where is the Gasparilla Bowl played?
The Gasparilla Bowl is played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The 65,618-seat venue is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Have NC State and Memphis played before?
No, the 2025 Gasparilla Bowl marks the first-ever meeting between NC State and Memphis in football history.
When did NC State last win a bowl game?
NC State's last bowl victory was the 2017 Sun Bowl, where they defeated Arizona State 52-31. The Wolfpack have lost their last five bowl appearances.
How long is Memphis's bowl streak?
Memphis has appeared in 12 consecutive bowl games, the longest active streak among all non-Power 4 programs in college football.
What is the Gasparilla Bowl named after?
The bowl is named after Tampa's famous Gasparilla Pirate Festival, an annual celebration honoring the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar that has been held since 1904.
How do I get to Raymond James Stadium?
Raymond James Stadium is located at 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Access via I-275 at Dale Mabry Highway or Himes Avenue exits. The stadium is approximately 10 minutes from Tampa International Airport.
Is parking available at Raymond James Stadium?
Yes, multiple parking lots surround Raymond James Stadium. Arrive early for best availability on game day. Pre-purchased parking passes are recommended when available.
What time do gates open?
Raymond James Stadium gates typically open 2 hours before kickoff for bowl games. Check official Gasparilla Bowl communications for specific gate times.
What is the weather like in Tampa in December?
Tampa in December features pleasant weather with temperatures typically ranging from 55-75°F. Rain is possible but less common than summer months. Raymond James Stadium is an outdoor venue.
Who won last year's Gasparilla Bowl?
Florida defeated Tulane 33-8 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl behind a dominant defensive performance and the passing of quarterback DJ Lagway.
Can I visit Tampa attractions during my trip?
Absolutely. Tampa offers attractions including Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, historic Ybor City, and beautiful beaches in nearby Clearwater and St. Petersburg, making it an ideal bowl game destination.