MILITARY BOWL PUMPED $18M INTO REGION

The matchup between the University of Maryland and East Carolina University was particularly compelling, with Ralph Friedgen coaching Maryland for the last time.
D.C. college bowl game gets big boost | ||
2010 | 2009 | |
Total gross impact | $17.7m | $7.7m |
Total direct impact | $13.3m | $5.8m |
Attendance | 38,794 | 23,072 |
From out of town | 25,660 | 15,557 |
Tax revenue | $1m | $438,967 |
Source: Washington Convention and Sports Authority |
“I think it’s important to keep it in the nation’s capital,” said Greg O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of the Washington Convention and Sports Authority. “It was particularly apparent to us [in 2009] with the UCLA players, when they realized the [historic] Redskins [teams] played at RFK, you could just see the awe in their faces. I think we’re going to milk that as long as possible.”
He added that the Military Bowl is still building its reputation. By comparison, Houston’s Texas Bowl generated roughly $25 million in economic effect last year, while the Rose Bowl generated roughly $58 million.
O’Dell said switching in 2010 to a national sponsor in Northrop Grumman also boosted the game’s exposure. Eagle Bank was title sponsor for the December bowl game in 2008 and 2009.
“They’re marketing to their limited customer base,” he said of Eagle Bank, adding that the bank was still a key partner of the bowl. “And for us, having Northrop Grumman brought more resources from their side.”
The matchup between the University of Maryland and East Carolina University was particularly compelling with Maryland helping boost attendance as a local draw. It was also Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen’s last appearance on the sideline after 10 years with his alma mater.
Attendance increased by 68 percent to 38,794, with two-thirds traveling from out of town. Room nights at reporting hotels increased by the same amount to total more than 3,000. That out-of-town effect was helped by East Carolina fans who traditionally travel well and the Maryland football team staying in the District during bowl week and participating in sightseeing trips, O’Dell. said
Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/06/military-bowl-pumped-18m-region?category=68#ixzz1VIX7fKpN
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