TAMPA -- The University of South Florida Athletics Department and football practice facility will host the AFC Champion in Super Bowl XLIII.

The AFC team will use the practice fields, training room, locker room and weight room from Jan. 25-31, 2009.

The Super Bowl is returning to Tampa and Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1. It is the fourth time that Tampa has served as the host city and the second time at Raymond James Stadium. It is also the second time that USF has served as a practice facility.

"This is great opportunity to showcase our university, our facilities and the USF brand," said USF Associate AD for Facilities and Event Management Scott Glaser.  "We take great pride in the fact that they are returning for a second time. Our department has built a new training center since the NFL utilized our campus in 2001. We believe they will be impressed with the first class amenities provided to the AFC Champion."

In May 2004, the USF athletic family moved into a sparkling new $15 million facility that provides student-athletes with an outstanding environment for improving the mind and body with impressive space for academic counseling, sports medicine and strength and conditioning, in addition to a home for the athletic department staff.

After Super Bowl XLIII, USF will be one of only six programs to play their home football games in a stadium that has hosted multiple Super Bowls while they have been a tenant.  The others are USC, UCLA, San Diego State, Miami and Tulane.