April 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Conference USA has a new bowl partner for 2009. The EagleBank Bowl and the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission announced today that the 2009 EagleBank Bowl will be held on Tuesday, December 29 at RFK Stadium starting at 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised live nationally on ESPN for the second straight year.
In just its second year of existence, the EagleBank Bowl moves into the heart of the college football bowl schedule between Christmas and early January.The 2009 edition of the Bowl is set to feature Army against the eighth selection from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), a move-up of one selection from last year's inaugural game. If Army is not bowl-eligible, a team from Conference USA will be selected as the ACC opponent, as mutually agreed upon by bowl organizers and Conference USA.
"We sought to build on the success of last year's game and our plans are moving along as projected," said Steve Beck, Executive Director of the EagleBank Bowl. "Moving the date of the game after Christmas maximizes our opportunities in attracting top quality teams and ensures that families and football fans can enjoy the game during the holiday season."
The ACC sent an NCAA record 10 teams to bowl games in 2008 and since becoming a 12-team league in 2005, the league has sent more teams bowling than any other conference.
During the last two seasons, Conference USA sent six teams to bowl games, winning a league-record four in 2008.
As part of its overall mission and in tribute to the nation's capital and military, the EagleBank Bowl seeks to include a service academy in the game. Navy and Army will alternate years with the third year as a bye for both programs.In the inaugural game, Wake Forest upended Navy, 29-19, on December 20, 2008. The Demon Deacons were led by Butkus Award winner Aaron Curry and quarterback Riley Skinner, the most valuable player of the game.
"The EagleBank Bowl is putting Washington, D.C. on the map as a college football destination," said Erik Moses, CEO of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission. "We had been looking forward to the return of football to RFK Stadium for some time and the response from visitors, football fans around the region and the participating teams last year was overwhelmingly positive. Looking ahead, fans can enjoy the nation's capital during the holiday season and the great tradition of post-season college football in one of our country's classic sports venues - RFK Stadium."
"This is the beginning of another great Washington, D.C. institution and EagleBank is thrilled to be at the forefront of creating this illustrious community event and legacy," added Ron Paul, Chairman and CEO of EagleBank and Eagle Bancorp, Inc. "We're looking forward to another fun and competitive EagleBank Bowl game in 2009."
Ticket prices and availability for the 2009 EagleBank Bowl will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit www.EagleBankBowl.org.