New Orleans Bowl

New Orleans Bowl
Name	New Orleans Bowl
Stadium	Caesars Superdome
Location	New Orleans, Louisiana
Conference	Sun Belt Conference, Conference USA
Established	2001
Sponsors	[]

New Orleans Bowl The New Orleans Bowl is a postseason college football bowl game played annually in New Orleans, Louisiana since 2001. The game has featured teams from the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA, attracting matchups involving institutions such as Tulane University, Louisiana State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Tech University, University of Southern Mississippi, and visiting programs like University of Miami (Florida), Auburn University, Texas A&M University, University of Michigan, and University of Florida. Played in the Caesars Superdome and previously influenced by events like Hurricane Katrina and local recovery efforts, the bowl ties into the sporting and cultural landscape of New Orleans Saints, Sugar Bowl, College Football Playoff, NCAA Division I FBS, and regional traditions such as Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz Festival.

History

The bowl was founded in 2001 as part of the expansion of postseason opportunities following changes driven by the Bowl Championship Series and later the College Football Playoff era. Early editions involved matchups that featured teams from the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA, with schools such as North Texas Mean Green football, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders football, Southern Miss Golden Eagles football, Memphis Tigers football, Tulane Green Wave football, and Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks football. The event's continuity was tested by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which affected scheduling, stadium availability, and the participation of programs like Tulane and LSU Tigers football. Post-Katrina, the bowl served as a marker of regional restoration alongside civic efforts by entities like the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. Over time, conference realignment involving Big 12 Conference, Southeastern Conference, American Athletic Conference, and Atlantic Coast Conference had indirect effects on eligible teams and tie-ins. The New Orleans Bowl has been administered by organizers connected to the New Orleans Bowl Committee, local universities, and partners such as the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation.

Game Results and Records

Game results have included victories by representatives from Conference USA and the Sun Belt Conference, producing statistical leaders and individual award winners from institutions like Troy University, Appalachian State University, Georgia Southern University, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Northwestern State University, and University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Records compiled in the New Orleans event include single-game passing performances by quarterbacks from Tulsa Golden Hurricane football, rushing totals from backs associated with East Carolina Pirates football, and receiving marks by players from Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football. Coaches with bowl victories include staff linked to Rick Stockstill, Skip Holtz, Lane Kiffin, Coach Chad Lunsford, and other tacticians who later moved through programs such as Florida Atlantic Owls football, Marshall Thundering Herd football, and Ohio Bobcats football. Historical game summaries reference matchups against nationally recognized programs like Oklahoma State Cowboys football, Nebraska Cornhuskers football, Penn State Nittany Lions football, and Ole Miss Rebels football when invitations crossed conferences.

Sponsorship and Naming Rights

Title sponsorship of the bowl has shifted among regional and national companies, involving partners such as Allstate Corporation, R+L Carriers, and local brands connected to New Orleans tourism and hospitality sectors. Corporate naming rights reflect relationships with entities including Essence Festival, Ochsner Health System, and logistics firms with interests in visibility tied to college athletics. Sponsorship deals have been negotiated in the context of broader agreements among NCAA bowl organizers, media rights holders like ESPN, and event promoters that coordinate with municipal stakeholders including the New Orleans Sports Commission and private backers from Greater New Orleans, Inc..

Venue and Attendance

The game has been primarily staged in the Caesars Superdome, a venue home to the New Orleans Saints and site of major events such as the Super Bowl XLVII and Sugar Bowl. Temporary relocations and adjustments have involved facilities in the New Orleans metropolitan area and nearby stadia when necessary. Attendance figures have varied, influenced by competing events like Mardi Gras parades, weather tied to Hurricane season, and the profiles of participating teams such as Miami Hurricanes football or Auburn Tigers football. Local economic impact assessments have connected bowl weekends to hotel occupancy tracked by the New Orleans & Company and conventions managed through the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Broadcasting and Media Coverage

Television rights historically aligned with sports networks such as ESPN, ESPN2, and associated regional sports networks, with radio coverage provided by affiliates of Westwood One and local broadcasters operated by corporations like Entercom Communications and Cumulus Media. National and regional sports journalists—from outlets including Sporting News, The Advocate (Baton Rouge), Times-Picayune, ESPN.com, and CBS Sports—have covered game narratives, while play-by-play teams have featured announcers connected to networks like ABC Sports and personality-driven analysis from former players tied to programs such as Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and Alabama Crimson Tide football. Social media engagement involves platforms like Twitter and Instagram, with highlights syndicated across services including YouTube and league-managed channels.

Notable Players and Moments

Memorable performances include MVP outings by players who later advanced to the National Football League such as alumni from LSU Tigers football and Tulane Green Wave football, with individual achievements by athletes who had collegiate careers at C.J. Spiller-era institutions, standouts from Harlon Hill Trophy contenders, and future Pro Bowl participants. Game-defining plays have featured dramatic comebacks, last-second field goals, and defensive stands credited to personnel who later joined rosters of franchises like the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants. Iconic moments are preserved in highlight packages distributed by networks and celebrated at alumni reunions hosted by universities including University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Louisiana Tech University.

Category:College football bowls