Alamo Bowl

Alamo Bowl
Name	Alamo Bowl
Stadium	Alamodome
Location	San Antonio, Texas
Operated	1993–present
Conference tie-ins	Big 12 vs. SEC
Previous conference tie-ins	WAC, Big Ten, Pac-12
Sponsor	Valero
Former names	Builders Square Alamo Bowl (1993–1998), Sylvania Alamo Bowl (1999–2001), MasterCard Alamo Bowl (2002–2005), Valero Alamo Bowl (2006–2010, 2019–present), Valero Alamo Bowl presented by Dr Pepper (2011–2018)

Alamo Bowl. The Alamo Bowl is an annual NCAA college football bowl game held in San Antonio, Texas, typically in late December. Since its inception in 1993, the game has featured teams from prominent Power Five conferences, primarily matching the Big 12 Conference against the Southeastern Conference. The event is a major economic and cultural driver for the city and is played at the indoor Alamodome.

History

The game was first played in 1993 as the Builders Square Alamo Bowl, created to provide a postseason destination for teams from the Western Athletic Conference. Early editions often featured the WAC champion against an at-large opponent, such as the Big Ten Conference. A significant shift occurred in 1995 when the game moved from Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas to the newly constructed Alamodome. The bowl's conference affiliations evolved over the decades, securing a partnership with the Big 12 Conference in 1995 and later engaging in agreements with the Pac-12 Conference and the Big Ten Conference before establishing its current primary tie-in with the Southeastern Conference in 2015. The game has been sponsored by Valero Energy Corporation since 2006, with presenting sponsorships from entities like Dr Pepper. Notable historic moments include the 2016 contest, where a TCU victory over Oregon set a record for the largest comeback in bowl history.

Game results

The Alamo Bowl has hosted numerous memorable contests decided in the final moments. The inaugural 1993 game saw California defeat Iowa. In 2000, a dramatic finish featured Nebraska edging Northwestern. The 2011 game was a high-scoring offensive showcase where Baylor, led by Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, outlasted Washington. The 2015 matchup between TCU and Oregon set a record for combined points in a regulation bowl game. More recent results include a 2022 victory by Texas over Washington and a 2023 win by Arizona over Oklahoma. The game results are compiled through official records maintained by the NCAA and the bowl organization.

MVPs

Each game names an Offensive and Defensive Most Valuable Player, with honorees including many future National Football League stars. Early winners include Dave Barr of California and Pat Barnes of California. Quarterbacks have frequently earned the award, such as Robert Griffin III of Baylor, Marcus Mariota of Oregon, and Sam Ehlinger of Texas. Standout defensive recipients include Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska and Derrick Johnson of Texas. The selection is made by a panel of media members covering the event, and the award is often a precursor to professional success, as seen with players like Christian McCaffrey of Stanford.

Appearances by team

Several programs have made multiple appearances, reflecting sustained success. The Texas Longhorns hold the record for most appearances. Other frequent participants include Oklahoma, Iowa, and TCU. The Stanford Cardinal and Oregon Ducks were regular representatives during the bowl's partnership with the Pac-12 Conference. From the Southeastern Conference, Alabama, LSU, and Oklahoma have appeared since the tie-in began. The complete list encompasses teams from across the United States, including the Kansas State Wildcats, Michigan State Spartans, and USC Trojans.

Conference tie-ins

The bowl's conference affiliations have changed several times to align with the evolving College Football Playoff structure and television contracts. Initially tied to the Western Athletic Conference, it later partnered with the Big 12 Conference as its primary anchor. From 2010 to 2021, the game typically featured a selection from the Big 12 Conference against a choice from the Pac-12 Conference. A major change was announced in 2019, securing a long-term agreement pitting the Big 12 Conference against the Southeastern Conference starting in 2025, though this was accelerated to begin in the 2021 season. These tie-ins are negotiated with ESPN Events, which owns and operates the game.

Venue

The game has been played exclusively at the Alamodome since 1995. This multi-purpose indoor stadium, located in downtown San Antonio, was completed in 1993 and is owned by the City of San Antonio. The dome provides a climate-controlled environment for fans and players, with a seating capacity for football of approximately 65,000. The venue also hosts other major events, including the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, concerts, and the San Antonio Spurs before the construction of the Frost Bank Center. Its central location contributes significantly to the bowl's economic impact on the San Antonio River Walk area and the broader local economy.

Category:College football bowl games Category:Sports competitions in San Antonio Category:Recurring events established in 1993