Nov. 26, 2002

RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State University has accepted a bid to play in the Toyota Gator Bowl, which will be played on January 1 in Jacksonville, Florida. Head coach Chuck Amato and Director of Athletics Lee Fowler formally accepted the invitation from Gator Bowl Association president Rick Catlett today at a press conference held on campus.

"I think I speak for all Wolfpackers when I say that we're absolutely delighted with the opportunity for our football team to play in the Gator Bowl," said Fowler. "This is a tremendous reward for all the hard work and long hours that our coaches and players have put in to make the 2002 season a special one. With all that our team has accomplished this season and all the excitement they've generated, a trip to a high-profile bowl like the Gator Bowl makes for a fantastic conclusion to what has been a truly special and historic season for NC State football."

The appearance will mark the 21st for NC State in a bowl game, but the third in Amato's three years as head coach. Amato joins Lou Holtz (NC State), Bobby Ross (Maryland) and Tommy Bowden (Clemson) as the only coaches in ACC history to take their first three squads to a bowl contest.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets to the Toyota Gator Bowl are $40 for lower level seats and $60 for club level tickets. All Wolfpack Club members and football ticket buyers were mailed an ACC Bowl Game Ticket Information Card earlier this week. Wolfpack Club members will receive priority in ordering tickets. There is no limit to the number of tickets a person can order; however, the priority deadline is December 15. All Wolfpack Club members who give $2,500 or more annually or are Life Members can order up to 8 tickets on priority. All other donors in the $100 to $2,499 range can order 4 tickets on their Wolfpack Club priority. In addition, the Athletic Department is offering a discount to all NC State students, faculty and staff. Students can order a ticket for $30 with a valid ID. Any guest tickets are $40. Faculty and Staff can order up to 2 tickets for $30 each with a valid ID. The deadline for ordering discounted tickets is December 15.

Beginning this afternoon, tickets to the game can be ordered by: - Ordering over the internet at www.GoPack.com