Fighting Illini Head To Heart of Dallas Bowl

The Fighting Illini football team has learned its postseason destination and it turns out the squad will be heading south at the end of the month.

University of Illinois officials have accepted an invitation to the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl, where the Illini will battle Louisiana Tech. The game takes place at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas on Friday, Dec. 26 at Noon.

This marks Illinois' first bowl appearance since 2011 and Coach Tim Beckman is more than pleased with the opportunity to continue the season:

"I couldn't be more excited or proud of our football team for what they accomplished to earn the invitation to the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl. Our seniors did an outstanding job of leading our team through a challenging schedule, and never quit. We are looking forward to facing an explosive Louisiana Tech team on December 26. It's a great reward for all the hard work this Fighting Illini football team put in over the last year. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of Orange and Blue at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas."

Tickets for the game are available through the Fighting Illini Ticket Office. Officials say buying tix through the school could improve the Orange and Blue's bowl selection in future years. In addition, it ensures that fans are seated together at the game.

Of course, if you're not making the trip down to Dallas you still can catch all the action right here on WROK.