Day 1 Gallery | Bowl Central
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Fighting Illini left frigid Champaign-Urbana Monday with more than 200 members of the official travel party and arrived at a warmer, yet cool, Tampa on schedule. After checking in at the Westin Tampa Waterside, the team and party had a few hours to explore Downtown Tampa prior to a team dinner at the hotel.
The team kicks off the week with practice Tuesday afternoon at the University of Tampa followed by a trip to the Florida Aquarium. After a few days of cool weather (cold by Tampa standards), high temps on Tuesday are expected in the 60s under mostly sunny skies. The forecast promises a warm up just about each day the remainder of the week.
The Westin's location in Downtown Tampa allows access to countless restaurants and points of interest within walking distance, along with Tampa's Historic Streetcar that runs from Downtown to Ybor City. In addition, water taxis are available in the waterway next to the hotel.
Illinois and Mississippi State will meet Monday, Jan. 2, at Raymond James Stadium in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl (12 pm ET/11 am CT on ESPN 2).
