Honolulu, Hawai`i - The University of Hawai`i and the University of Houston have both accepted invitations to play in the 2003 SHERATON HAWAI`I BOWL, ESPN Regional Television Senior Vice President Pete Derzis and Sheraton Hawai`i Bowl Executive Director Jim Donovan announced today.

"I am excited about this year's match up," Donovan said. "I think Hawai`i and Houston are two quality football programs from two competitive conferences. It should be a high scoring affair and a lot of fun for local fans and the ESPN national audience to watch on Christmas Day."

Houston (7-5) of Conference USA is coached by Art Briles who has led the Cougars to their fist bowl game since 1996 in his first year at the helm. Houston Athletics Director Dave Maggert accepted the invitation yesterday afternoon.

"This is a great opportunity for the players considering what they've done for this program," Maggert said. "There is only one game played on Christmas Day, and that is the Hawai`i Bowl. I believe it will give us great exposure. Hawai`i is a great opponent. This is great for our athletic program and for our University."

Hawai`i (8-4) of the Western Athletic Conference and coached by June Jones, concludes its regular season on Saturday (Dec. 6) with a home game against No. 18 Boise State. Hawai`i Athletics Director Herman Frazier accepted the invitation after the Warriors defeated Army on Nov. 22, 2003.

"We are pleased to be in our second Sheraton Hawai`i Bowl in as many years," Frazier said. "This is a great opportunity to showcase our football team to the nation on ESPN and we are excited about playing a quality program in the University of Houston."

The 2003 SHERATON HAWAI`I BOWL will be played on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25) at 8 p.m. EST/3 p.m. HST and will be telecast by ESPN from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.