Update, 7:09 p.m. July 11: Revised to include Valdez's tweet.

AUSTIN — Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, cribbing a page from former Gov. Rick Perry's re-election playbook, announced late Wednesday that he'll submit to one debate this fall against Democrat Lupe Valdez — during Friday night football.

Abbott said he's accepted an invitation from Irving-based Nexstar Media Group to host and televise from Austin a one-hour gubernatorial debate at 7 p.m. Central Time on Sept. 28. That's a Friday.

It will be carried on 12 Texas television stations Nexstar owns, in addition to partner stations in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Abbott's campaign said.

"We're in," Valdez tweeted.

But the former Dallas County sheriff quickly suggested she hasn't signed on to the Sept. 28 date or Austin as the location.

"Seriously, during Friday Night Lights? Texans deserve better. Call me, maybe?" her tweet concluded.

Thanks @GregAbbott_TX for accepting a debate! We’re in and always happy to discuss our vision for a Texas that works for all. We haven’t agreed to the terms yet - but seriously, during Friday Night Lights? 🏈 Texans deserve better. Call me, maybe? — Lupe Valdez (@LupeValdez) July 11, 2018

Abbott campaign spokesman Alejandro Treviño called a televised statewide debate "essential to the democratic process" because voters can hear directly from candidates.

Abbott will share his vision, Treviño said in a written statement.

"We look forward to our opponent accepting this invitation to discuss the critical issues on the minds of Texans," he said.

INBOX: @GovAbbott agrees to debate his Democratic opponent on a Friday night during high school football season. Deja vu all over again #txgov #tx2018 #txlege — Evan Smith (@evanasmith) July 11, 2018

Abbott has near-universal name recognition and has amassed more than $40 million for his bid to win a second four-year term. Valdez is seeking to become better-known outside the Dallas-Fort Worth media market, though she has struggled to raise much money.

In 2006, Perry, who is now U.S. energy secretary, granted just one debate to his general-election foes — two independents and Democrat Chris Bell.

On debate night, Bell said Texans should have a better opportunity to hear from the candidates, "and they shouldn't have to sneak away from a high school football game on the day before the Texas-OU game just to hear from all four candidates on the same stage."

Perry won that election, 39 percent to 30 percent for Bell. Then-Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, entertainer Kinky Friedman and two lesser hopefuls divided the rest of the vote.