Nashville Bowl
2026
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2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl: Tennessee vs. Illinois
The 2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl brings the #23 Tennessee Volunteers home to Nashville to face the Illinois Fighting Illini in their first-ever gridiron meeting on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM ET on ESPN. This SEC vs. Big Ten showdown at Nissan Stadium promises an exciting clash of two 8-4 programs looking to cap their seasons with a statement victory.
Tennessee: Home State Finale for the Vols
Head coach Josh Heupel leads the Volunteers (8-4, 4-4 SEC) into his third Music City Bowl at Tennessee. The Vols boast the nation's fourth-best total offense, averaging 482.0 yards per game, led by SEC leading passer Joey Aguilar (3,444 yards, 24 touchdowns). The receiving trio of Chris Brazzell II, Braylon Staley, and Mike Matthews each logged over 750 receiving yards. Tennessee's defense forced 20 turnovers, ranking third in the SEC.
Illinois: Historic Bowl Run Continues
Coach Bret Bielema's Illinois Fighting Illini (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) make their first Music City Bowl appearance in program history. A victory would give Illinois back-to-back nine-win seasons—a first in program history. The Illini defeated South Carolina in last year's bowl for their first-ever win over an SEC opponent. Quarterback Luke Altmyer leads an Illinois team that has produced one of the best eras in program history under Bielema.
Get Your Music City Bowl Tickets
BigStub connects fans with verified sellers offering authentic Music City Bowl tickets at competitive, all-in prices. With Vol Nation's passionate following and Illinois fans making the easy Midwest drive to Nashville, expect a packed house for this SEC vs. Big Ten showdown.
Complete Guide: 2025 Music City Bowl
Game Details
- Event: 2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl
- Matchup: #23 Tennessee Volunteers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
- Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM CT
- TV: ESPN
- Venue: Nissan Stadium
- Location: 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN 37213
- Conference Tie-In: SEC vs. Big Ten
What Is the Music City Bowl?
The Music City Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring teams from the SEC and Big Ten conferences. Established in 1998, the bowl has generated 48.9 million in economic impact over 27 years, welcoming nearly 1.5 million fans to Music City and filling half a million hotel rooms during what was historically Nashville's slowest tourism period.
How to Purchase Music City 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
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- Receive tickets via email or mobile transfer
About Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium, home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans, provides an ideal setting for the Music City Bowl. Located on the east bank of the Cumberland River with stunning views of the Nashville skyline, the 69,143-seat venue offers modern amenities and convenient access to downtown Nashville's entertainment district, just a short walk across the pedestrian bridge.
Getting to Nissan Stadium
- Address: 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN 37213
- From I-24: Exit at Shelby Avenue or James Robertson Parkway
- From Downtown: Walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
- Parking: Multiple lots surrounding the stadium
- Rideshare: Designated pickup/drop-off areas
Team Profiles
#23 Tennessee Volunteers
- Record: 8-4 (4-4 SEC)
- Head Coach: Josh Heupel (5th season, 45-19 at Tennessee)
- Offense: 4th nationally in total offense (482.0 YPG)
- Key Player: QB Joey Aguilar (3,444 yards, 24 TDs, SEC leader)
- Receivers: Brazzell II, Staley, Matthews (750+ yards each)
- Music City Bowl History: 3 previous appearances (1-2)
- Last Season: CFP First Round vs. Ohio State
Illinois Fighting Illini
- Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
- Head Coach: Bret Bielema
- Bowl Streak: 3 bowls in 4 years (first since 1994)
- Key Player: QB Luke Altmyer
- Music City Bowl History: First appearance
- Last Bowl: Beat South Carolina (first SEC win in history)
- Milestone: Win would give back-to-back 9-win seasons (program first)
Music City Bowl History
- Established: 1998
- Sponsor: Liberty Mutual
- Conference Tie-Ins: SEC vs. Big Ten
- Economic Impact: 48.9 million over 27 years
- 2024 Result: Iowa defeated Missouri 35-28
Tennessee's Music City Bowl History
- 2010: Lost to North Carolina 30-27 (2OT)
- 2016: Defeated Nebraska 38-25
- 2021: Lost to Purdue 48-45 (OT) - Heupel's first season
Follow the Teams
- Music City Bowl: musiccitybowl.com
- Tennessee Athletics: utsports.com
- Illinois Athletics: fightingillini.com
- ESPN: ESPN College Football
Frequently Asked Questions: 2025 Music City Bowl
When is the 2025 Music City Bowl?
The 2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl takes place on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM ET (4:30 PM CT) at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The game airs live on ESPN.
Who is playing in the 2025 Music City Bowl?
The #23 Tennessee Volunteers from the SEC face the Illinois Fighting Illini from the Big Ten. This is the first-ever meeting between these programs in football history.
What channel is the Music City Bowl on?
The 2025 Music City Bowl airs live on ESPN at 5:30 PM ET on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
How much are Music City Bowl tickets?
Ticket prices vary by section and demand. Nissan Stadium offers seating at various price points from upper deck to premium club level. Tennessee's large fan base is expected to drive strong demand.
Where is the Music City Bowl played?
The Music City Bowl is played at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The 69,143-seat venue is home to the NFL's Tennessee Titans and sits on the east bank of the Cumberland River.
Have Tennessee and Illinois played before?
No, the 2025 Music City Bowl marks the first-ever meeting between Tennessee and Illinois in football history.
Is Tennessee playing at home?
While not technically a home game, Tennessee plays in their home state. Nashville is approximately 180 miles from Knoxville, making this essentially a home-field advantage for Vol Nation.
What is Tennessee's record in the Music City Bowl?
Tennessee is 1-2 in Music City Bowl history. The Vols beat Nebraska 38-25 in 2016 but lost overtime games to North Carolina (2010) and Purdue (2021).
Can Illinois make history with a win?
Yes, a victory would give Illinois back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time in program history. It would also be their second consecutive bowl win over an SEC opponent.
How do I get to Nissan Stadium?
Nissan Stadium is located at 1 Titans Way, accessible via I-24 exits at Shelby Avenue or James Robertson Parkway. Fans can also walk from downtown Nashville across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
Is parking available at Nissan Stadium?
Yes, multiple parking lots surround Nissan Stadium. Downtown Nashville garages also offer parking with a short walk across the pedestrian bridge. Arrive early for best availability.
What time do gates open?
Nissan Stadium gates typically open 2 hours before kickoff for bowl games. Check official Music City Bowl communications for specific gate times.
What is the weather like in Nashville in December?
Nashville in late December features cool winter weather with temperatures typically ranging from 30-50°F. Dress in warm layers as Nissan Stadium is an outdoor venue.
What can I do in Nashville before the game?
Nashville offers world-class entertainment including Broadway's honky-tonks, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and award-winning restaurants. The stadium is a short walk from downtown attractions.
Who is Tennessee's quarterback?
Joey Aguilar, a transfer from UCLA via Appalachian State, leads Tennessee's offense. He passed for 3,444 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the SEC in passing yards per game.