Sun Belt Applies for New Orleans Bowl

January 26, 2000

NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation (GNOSF) has submitted an application to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to host a postseason Division I Bowl Game at the Louisiana Superdome starting in 2001. If approved by the NCAA, the Bowl Game would match the Sun Belt Conference football champion against an at-large team in the week before Christmas.

"We are excited about the possibility of having an annual Bowl Game during an otherwise slow period in our hospitality industry," said Jay Cicero, GNOSF President/CEO. "We believe having a commitment from the champion of the Sun Belt Conference already in place strengthens our application, as does our reputation for hosting major sporting events."

"This bowl will be an opportunity for two deserving teams and their fans to come to New Orleans before Christmas, have fun for four days and be recognized for their accomplishments" said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Wright Waters. "This bowl is not intended to compete with the Sugar Bowl. The Sugar Bowl is an American icon. We want this bowl to be a great time and to reward our conference champion."

The Sun Belt Conference will kickoff football competition in 2001 with seven member institutions: Arkansas State, the University of Idaho, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Middle Tennessee State University, New Mexico State and North Texas.

A bid was submitted by the GNOSF to the NCAA before the January 15 deadline, and a ruling on the application is expected by the Spring of 2001.

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