Papajohns.com Bowl To Feature Big East, SEC Through 2013
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The Southeastern Conference and the Big East Conference have both signed deals with ESPN Regional Television to participate in the Papajohns.com Bowl in Birmingham, AL, through the 2013. Conference USA will also have access to participate.
In addition, the MAC and the Sun Belt have agreed to provide backup teams should there be an opportunity. The MAC will serve as the primary backup over the next four years, while the Sun Belt has a one-year agreement to provide a team based on geographic qualifications.
“We are excited about extending our commitment to the outstanding football fans in the greater Birmingham area,” said Pete Derzis, senior vice president & general manager, ERT.
The fifth annual Papajohns.com Bowl, will be played at Legion Field on Saturday, Jan. 8, with a 12 p.m. ET kickoff. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN. Last season, more than 45,000 fans saw Connecticut defeat South Carolina 20-7.
“The Southeastern Conference is pleased to continue its relationship with the Papajohns.com Bowl,” says SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. “The city of Birmingham, the bowl staff and the many volunteers that support the bowl have helped create a tremendous atmosphere for college football. College football fans around the city of Birmingham are known for their passion for college football and the SEC, and the Papajohns.com Bowl gives fans a chance to support an SEC team in a quality postseason bowl setting.”
The Big East is a charter participant in the Papajohn’s.com Bowl, having provided a team each year since the inaugural game in 2006. The Big East boasts a 4-0 record in the Papajohns.com Bowl.
“We’re very excited to extend our relationship with the Papajohns.com Bowl,” says Big East Conference Commissioner John Marinatto. “Our teams have had wonderful experiences in Birmingham and the bowl continues to grow each year. With the support of ESPN, a great local organizing committee in Birmingham and the ability to play an opponent from the Southeastern Conference, the Big East is proud to be a part of the game.”