The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl and the Southeastern Conference extended their contract through the 2013 season on Friday.The SEC has been affiliated with the bowl since its inception in 1998. The Atlantic Coast Conference is the bowl’s other conference partner. Its contract also runs through 2013.

“Nashville has been a great destination for SEC teams and fans and we look forward to continuing to provide them with an incredible bowl experience,” said Christine Karbowiak, the bowl’s chairwoman.

“We could not ask for a better situation in partnering with both the SEC and the ACC for the next four years,” said Dan Crockett, president and SEC of Franklin American Mortgage Company, which replaces Gaylord Hotels as the bowl’s title sponsor.

Officials are expected to announce the date of this year’s bowl next month. Last season it was held at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 27. The bowl will continue to air on ESPN through 2014.

“Nashville has been a great host to our schools and fans for the past twelve years,” SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said in a statement. “The bowl gives our institutions an opportunity to play in an outstanding stadium and enjoy a world-class tourist destination that is centrally located in the SEC footprint.”