Dec. 26, 2007

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Texas Tech Football team and staff arrived in Jacksonville, Fla., earlier this afternoon to begin preparations for the 2008 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl on New Year's Day.

PHOTO GALLERY

Almost 400 players, coaches, staff and family members boarded a pair of Southwest Airlines charter jets at 10 a.m. this morning for the two hour flight to Florida. Upon arrival in Jacksonville, the team was escorted by the Jacksonville Police Department to the the team hotel - the Marriott Sawgrass Resort (home of the PGA Players Championship).

Following a brief team meeting, the team took part in a Gator Bowl Welcome Party at Dave & Busters. The team enjoyed a meal and then spent over an hour playing various games at the popular entertainment venue. After the welcome party, things turned straight to business as head coach Mike Leach held an impromptu workout session at the University of North Florida. The practice session lasted just under an hour.

The team will head back to the practice fields at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday before heading off to Adventure Landing for another Gator Bowl team function.

The Red Raiders will face the Virginia Cavaliers at Noon (CT) on Tuesday, Jan. 1.