Georgia accepts invitation to Belk Bowl; Louisville to furnish opposition

ATHENS -- The University of Georgia will celebrate its 50th bowl game by making its inaugural appearance in Charlotte's Belk Bowl on December 30 to play Louisville. <br /> <br /> The Bulldogs have never played in the Belk Bowl, which is in its first year hosting an SEC team. The bowl has been in existence since 2002. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium and will be televised nationally by ESPN. Georgia and Louisville have never met in football. <br /> <br /> "We are excited our team will have the opportunity to represent the Southeastern Conference in the Belk Bowl," said UGA J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity. "This will be a completely new city and venue for our team and fans and I know we are all looking forward to the opportunity of visiting this dynamic city with first class facilities and attractions. And it's an opportunity for our team to earn its 10th victory this season for the 21st time in our program history and ninth time under Coach Richt. Our fans have always been a big part of our success, and I'm confident they will support the team with their attendance in this bowl game." <br /> <br /> "The selection of our team to play for the first time in the Belk Bowl is a great opportunity for our team and especially our seniors," said UGA head coach Mark Richt. "We've never been to Charlotte and it will be a new experience for our fans and all our players. Charlotte is an exciting city, has a great stadium, and will furnish first class competition with a quality opponent like Louisville. It will be a challenge for our team and we are looking forward to the game." <br /> <br /> This will be Georgia's 50th bowl game&#8213;sixth most of any team in the country. The Bulldogs' all-time bowl record is 27-19-3.