Carolina Sells 30,500 Tickets To Tire Bowl

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.--The University of North Carolina has sold 30,500 tickets to the Continental Tire Bowl and is completely sold out of any tickets available through the Athletic Department Ticket Office. Carolina was contractually obligated to sell just 12,500 tickets but sold 30,500 tickets in only three weeks since being invited to the bowl on November 23.

The Continental Tire Bowl matches North Carolina (6-5), which tied for third place in the ACC with Miami and Virginia, against Big East representative and future ACC opponent Boston College (8-3).

"We've had an incredible response from our fans and I want to thank them for their support," said Athletic Director Dick Baddour. "Our fans appreciate the way this team has competed all season against one of the nation's toughest schedules. In addition to more than, 30,000 tickets sold through our ticket office, Raycom officials estimate they have sold another 10,000 - 15,000 tickets to Carolina fans. I could not be more pleased for our University. We are all looking forward to a great week in Charlotte."

"Carolina fans have come out in droves," said Will Webb, Continental Tire Bowl Director. "They are excited about this team and we are excited about the level of enthusiasm exhibited by the Carolina faithful. Charlotte will be the place to be in the week after Christmas."

Tickets are still available through all TicketMaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com. To order from TicketMaster by phone in Charlotte, call [phone]. Tickets are also available at the Carolina Panthers Box Office, located at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and through the Continental Tire Bowl ticket office at 1-800-618-8149.

College football's first bowl game to call the Carolinas home, the third-annual Continental Tire Bowl will take place on Thursday, December 30, 2004 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., with a 1 p.m. kickoff. The game is certified to and operated by Charlotte-based Raycom Sports.