Badgers fans can start making plans for New Year's Day.

The University of Wisconsin has accepted an invitation to play in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1 in Tampa. The Badgers (9-3) will play an opponent from the Southeastern Conference beginning at 10 a.m. (CST) at Raymond James Stadium.

The game will be televised on ESPN.

Tickets are available at the UW's ticket office, by phone at (800) GOBADGERS or via the Web at uwbadgers.com.

"We're absolutely thrilled to be returning to Tampa for the Outback Bowl," UW athletic director Barry Alvarez said in a statement. "It has been a tremendous destination for us the previous three times we have been there. Our players and fans have always enjoyed the Tampa area and everything the bowl brings to the table."

Badgers coach Bret Bielema echoed Alvarez's sentiments.

"Our entire team is excited to be returning to Florida for our fourth straight January bowl game," Bielema said in a statement. "We've always heard terrific feedback from our fans who have followed us to Tampa in the past and I know we'll have a big sea of red down there again. We're looking forward to the warm weather, hospitality and a great game on New Year's Day."

Hats off to the people from Funjet Vacations, whose press release about trips to the Outback Bowl beat the official UW release to our inbox by about 35 minutes.

Funjet is offering vacation packages from $749. The Web site is funjet.com/badgers.