USO & DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TO AGAIN BENEFIT FROM THE MILITARY BOWL’S RETURN TO RFK STADIUM ON DECEMBER 28

Last Season’s Game Raised Over $100,000 to Support the USO and Generated $18 Million in Economic Impact for Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. – The DC Bowl Committee today announced the 2011 Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman will again benefit the USO and commemorate the dedication and sacrifices made by those who serve our country, with a focus this year on wounded warriors and their families.  Funds raised from the bowl help thousands of military personnel and their families through the game’s partnership with the USO.  Last year, the Military Bowl donated $100,000 to the organization and provided more than 5,000 game tickets for service members and their families.

The Military Bowl is the first and only bowl game in the nation’s capital.  The 2011 game will take place at RFK Stadium on Wednesday, December 28 and will feature the U.S. Naval Academy, pending bowl eligibility, versus a bowl qualifier from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).  The game will air nationally on ESPN at 4:30 p.m. EST.

 “The mission of the USO is to lift the spirits of our troops and their families, and we couldn’t do that without committed partnerships like Northrop Grumman,” said USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson.  “Northrop Grumman’s sponsorship of the Military Bowl means our brave men and women in the military will receive well-deserved recognition at the event.  Funds raised from the bowl game will go toward programs delivered by the USO that provide troops and their families a home away from home as well as our growing support for wounded warriors.”

The Military Bowl aims to boost the regional economy and position the nation’s capital as a college football destination.  According to an economic impact report, the 2010 game contributed approximately $18 million to the local economy.

“We feel honored to host an event focused on supporting and showing our appreciation for the men, women, and families who serve our nation,” said President and Executive Director of the Military Bowl, Steve Beck.  “We are particularly excited about the 2011 Military Bowl as we will soon be announcing a number of new initiatives and programs that elevate the game’s presence throughout the region and greater support the USO and our nation’s military.”

In addition to the focus of this year’s game, the DC Bowl Committee announced the launch of the Military Bowl Touchdown Club, a membership organization dedicated to supporting and growing the tradition of college football in the nation’s capital, developing a year-round calendar of events, and creating opportunities that will directly benefit the USO and military families.

The Military Bowl Touchdown Club is designed to engage regional residents to embrace and support the bowl game, and to extend its reach in the community.  Membership in the club also directly benefits military families.  Each purchase of a $100 membership supplies four tickets for military members and their families to attend the 2011 Military Bowl.  Membership in the Touchdown Club grants individuals and companies an opportunity to purchase tickets not available to the general public, premium parking, preferred seating at Touchdown Club events, access to a field-level reception on game day and more.

The 2011 Military Bowl marks the game’s fourth year.  In 2010, the University of Maryland defeated East Carolina University, 51-20, in front of a record crowd of 38,794 fans.  Previous Military Bowl matchups include UCLA’s 30-21 win over Temple in 2009 and Wake Forest’s 29-19 defeat of Navy in the inaugural 2008 game.

For more information on the Military Bowl, please visit www.MilitaryBowl.org, www.facebook.com/MilitaryBowl and www.Twitter.com/MilitaryBowl.

 www.MilitaryBowl.org