CSNbbs

The Papajohns.com Bowl is searching for a new name. The bowl announced today that Papa John's has not picked up its option to remain the title sponsor of the 4-year-old bowl, which is scheduled to match the SEC against the Big East.

The bowl, owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television, will be rebranded the Birmingham Bowl as ESPN seeks a new title sponsor. ESPN is licensed with the NCAA for the game to be played in Birmingham through the 2013 season. The bowl recently completed four-year agreements with the SEC and Big East that include higher payouts to the conference as part of a complex sharing arrangement that also includes the Liberty Bowl.

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/...s_spo.html

Let's hope this doesn't mean that some small bowls will die on the vine.

I believe Papa Johns is making a big mistake considering they are based in a Big East market (Louisville). How much can a minor bowl sponsorship cost. Thankfully the MAC has Mike Illitch and his combination of civic boosterism, guts and marketing behind the Pizza Bowl. With the possibility of CMU, Temple or NIU playing; interest if not attendance should be up.

5 Hour Energy Bowl