N.C. State and Texas A&M get invites to TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

The stage is set for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl after the announcement that North Carolina State will play Texas A&M in the New Year's Eve game in Jacksonville.

This year's game at TIAA Bank Field will start at 7:30 p.m. followed by a free post-game concert performed by country artist Cole Swindell.

The teams on the field are representing the Southeastern Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The Wolfpack come into the game on a hot streak, winning four of their final five games on the way to a 9-3 record. The Aggies have an 8-4 record and are ranked 19th in the country.

"We are very excited to be facing a very good North Carolina State team in a New Year’s Eve bowl game," Texas A&M Head Football Coach Jimbo Fisher says. "The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is a first-class event run by a first-class organization and the city is a great destination. I’m certain the 12th Man will enjoy its time in Florida."

The Texas A&M fan base is considered one of the most vocal in college athletics, which could mean a lot of visitors to Northeast Florida.

This is the second time Texas A&M has played in the game after an appearance in 1957, but it's the first time the Wolfpack will be a part of the festivities.

This year will mark the 74th time the bowl game has been played, and the country concert isn't the only event on top of the football. There will be a tailgate happy hour starting at 4:30 p.m. at Daily's Place, and the crowd will be treated to fireworks at midnight.