DETROIT – A new college football bowl game is coming to Ford Field in 2014.
The new game was announced today by the Detroit Lions and the Big Ten Conference. The Lions have entered into a six-year partnership with the Big Ten for a bowl game that will begin in 2014, and will be played at Ford Field.
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In a press release posted on the Detroit Lions official website, Lions Team President Tom Lewand said, "We are thrilled to be hosting a new bowl game in Detroit that will be anchored by an annual commitment from the Big Ten. In addition to showcasing our city and its rich football tradition, this game will be an opportunity for fans to enjoy a postseason matchup featuring one of college football's best conferences."
Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany said, "We are pleased to join with the Detroit Lions in creating this new postseason bowl game in Detroit. The city of Detroit has played host to as many big-time sporting events as any other major city in America, from NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four and Regional games to the Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals. The support of the business and community leaders of Detroit coupled with a world-class facility in Ford Field and Detroit Lions' management of the game will result in a meaningful experience for Big Ten teams and their fans."
The Big Ten and a conference to be named will determine who will be playing in the bowl game at the end of each college football season. The inaugural game is tentatively scheduled for December 30, 2014 (pending TV broadcast schedule).