Auburn officials took part in an Outback Bowl signing today in Tampa. Here's the university press release:

TAMPA — The Outback Bowl held its bowl contract signing party presented by Walter Energy Thursday, as Auburn head coach Gene Chizik and Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald signed the 2010 Outback Bowl contract. The function, held on the club level at Raymond JamesStadium, included members of the Outback Bowl Committee, both school’s athletic directors along with nearly 1,000 sponsors, fans and supporters.

“It’s exciting to see both Auburn University and Northwestern University coming to the Outback Bowl,” Outback Bowl President/CEO Jim McVay said. “It’s going to be a classic matchup. We look forward to seeing both teams along with their fans and alumni on New Year’s Day.”

Auburn and Northwestern will meet in the 24th annual Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day at 11 a.m. ET in Raymond James Stadium.

“On behalf of our football program, I want to thank everyone associated with the Outback Bowl for selecting Auburn to play in this outstanding bowl game,” Chizik said. “Our players can’t wait to begin bowl practice and I know they are thrilled to be coming to Tampa to play in this bowl game. We look forward to the challenge of facing a very good Northwestern team and hope that the Auburn fans fill the Tampa Bay area later this month.”

In his first season as Auburn’s head coach, Chizik guided the Tigers to a 7-5 record during the regular season. Northwestern concluded its regular season with an 8-4 mark.

“We’re very excited about coming to the Outback Bowl and look forward to the Auburn fans painting Raymond James Stadium orange and blue on New Year’s Day,” Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs said. “I want to thank Jim McVay and the Outback Bowl Committee for their support and can’t wait to arrive on Dec. 26.”

It will be Auburn’s 35th bowl appearance and 12th in the last 15 years. The Tigers have a 19-13-2 record all-time in bowl games.