D.C’s EagleBank Bowl Granted Four-Year Extension
D.C.’S EAGLEBANK BOWL GRANTED FOUR-YEAR EXTENSION
2010 Match-up of ACC and C-USA teams will be televised live on ESPN, Dec. 29
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The EagleBank Bowl, played at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. each December, was granted a four-year license by the NCAA Football Issues Committee through the 2013 season, DC Bowl Committee organizers and the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA) announced today. This year’s bowl is scheduled for December 29, 2010 and will be televised live by ESPN at 2:30 p.m. ET.
The 2010 edition of the EagleBank Bowl, which is entering its third year, is scheduled to feature the eighth selection from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) versus a Conference USA (C-USA) opponent.
“It is terrific news that Washington, D.C. was able to secure bowl certification for the next four years in what has become a highly competitive marketplace for bowl games across the nation,” said Steve Beck, Executive Director of the EagleBank Bowl. “Furthermore, we were fortunate to keep the date consistent with last year, in the heart of bowl season, enabling us to continue building our brand and fan base in the Mid-Atlantic region.”
In 2008, Wake Forest defeated Navy, 29-19 in the inaugural game. Last year, traditional Pac-10 power UCLA rallied to top upstart Temple, which was appearing in its first bowl game in 30 years, in a 30-21 thriller. Given the game’s success over the past 16 months, the EagleBank Bowl has already earned a national reputation given its destination location and its charitable outreach.
“Our team and entire traveling party had an unbelievable and eye-opening experience, the kind that they will not soon forget,” said UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel. “Our team truly matured just from being exposed to the sights and sounds of Washington, D.C. Any team should consider themselves extremely blessed and fortunate to be selected for this exciting bowl.”
The NCAA’s continued certification was great news for EagleBank and city officials in Washington, D.C.
“We are proud to have the EagleBank name associated with this tremendous event that showcases our nation’s capital and has quickly become a signature holiday event for the local community,” said Ron Paul, Chairman and CEO of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and EagleBank, the game’s title sponsor. “We’re looking forward to bringing the best of college football back to D.C. for another great game in 2010.”
“This four-year license by the NCAA is a testament to the hard work of the bowl organizers, wide-ranging support throughout the Washington region and commitment of the District of Columbia to ensure a quality experience for the participating teams and their fans,” said Erik A. Moses, Managing Director of the WCSA’s Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division. “The EagleBank Bowl is quickly becoming a signature event at RFK Stadium, which is a tremendous national public relations platform for Washington, D.C. as a sports market as well as an economic stimulus for our local businesses.”
As part of its overall mission and in tribute to the United States’ military, the EagleBank Bowl seeks to include a service academy in the game on a regular rotation. Army and Navy will alternate years, with the third year serving as a bye for both programs. The game also honors military service during EagleBank Bowl Week and throughout the year.
EagleBank Bowl Schedule
2010 – ACC vs. Conference USA
2011 – ACC vs. Navy
2012 – ACC vs. Army
2013 – ACC vs. Big 12
About the EagleBank Bowl
The EagleBank Bowl has been held in the Washington, D.C.’s historic RFK Stadium since 2008. Organized by the DC Bowl Committee, Inc., the Washington Convention and Sports Authority and title sponsor EagleBank, the EagleBank Bowl serves as a premier regional event. With first rate participants and events, the EagleBank Bowl seeks to positively impact the regional economy and charitable partners, honor the U.S. military and solidify the nation’s capital as a leading college football destination. For more information, please visit www.EagleBankBowl.org.
About the Washington Convention and Sports Authority
The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA) creates economic and community benefits for the District through the attraction and promotion of hospitality, athletic, entertainment and cultural events. The Authority owns and manages the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact for the city. The Authority also owns and manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the DC Armory and the surrounding Festival Grounds, and serves as the owner and landlord for Nationals Park. For more information, please visit www.wcsa.com.
About Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and EagleBank
Eagle Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for EagleBank, which commenced operations in 1998. The Bank is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and conducts full service banking services through fourteen offices, located in Montgomery County, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. The Company focuses on building relationships with businesses, professionals and individuals in its marketplace.