The ReliaQuest Bowl will bring national attention to Tampa Bay on New Year’s Eve when Iowa and Vanderbilt play each other for the first time.
Bowl officials announced the matchup Sunday and noted that both teams arrive after milestone seasons and strong finishes in the final College Football Playoff rankings.
Vanderbilt enters the game ranked 14th after its first 10-win season. Iowa comes in at No. 23 and returns to a bowl that has become a familiar stage for the Hawkeyes.
“We are absolutely thrilled to extend invitations to The University of Iowa and Vanderbilt University to play in this year’s ReliaQuest Bowl,” said ReliaQuest Bowl Chair Glenn Fasani. “These are two teams that we expect will produce a great match-up that fans are really going to be excited about. We look forward to hosting the teams and their fans and ensuring they will have an unforgettable experience in the dynamic Tampa Bay area.”
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For Vanderbilt, the game marks a big moment in a season that changed expectations inside the program.
“Playing in this game represents an important step for our program as we look to build upon our historic season,” said Clark Lea, E. Bronson Ingram Chair in Football. “We are grateful to have one final opportunity to compete as a team, and to be able to do that in such a prestigious bowl in a great city and against a respected opponent is all very meaningful.”
Lea said the chance to face Iowa raises the bar. “We will need our best performance to complete the mission against an Iowa program that has come to represent the level of sustained success we aspire to at Vanderbilt.”
Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for Athletics Candice Storey Lee said the team’s rise this season brought energy across the university. “Clark Lea’s Commodores have set records, brought our community together and done the hard work of correcting outdated narratives about what is possible at Vanderbilt,” she said. “We are just getting started, and I look forward to seeing Commodore Nation in Tampa to cheer on this remarkable team.”
Iowa arrives in Tampa with long experience at Raymond James Stadium and a fan base that has made this bowl a favorite.
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“We are excited about the opportunity to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl,” said Iowa Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz. “This allows our players one last chance to play together in a city and Bowl that is a Hawkeye favorite for its hospitality and game day experience.”
University of Iowa Athletics Director Beth Goetz called the invitation a mark of consistency. “This marks the seventh time Iowa will compete in this bowl game, a testament to the consistency and excellence of our program. We are also deeply thankful for our passionate and loyal fan base. Your support makes moments like this so special.”
The 40th anniversary ReliaQuest Bowl will kick off at noon on December 31 at Raymond James Stadium. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or directly from the bowl office for priority seating.
Why it matters
A national audience. The New Year’s Eve time slot brings strong viewership for Tampa Bay.
Strong economic impact. Since its start, the bowl has brought more than 1 million out-of-market visitors to the region and created an estimated $1.2 billion in economic impact.
Support for local nonprofits. The game has donated more than $4.5 million to over 220 charities since 2016.
Continued momentum for sports tourism. Big matchups help Tampa stand out as a prime site for college football and major events.