April 30, 2012
CLEVELAND - The Mid-American Conference announced a new four-year contract extension with long-time Mobile, Alabama bowl partner, the GoDaddy.com Bowl, through the 2017 football season.
Northern Illinois, the 2011 Mid-American Conference Champion, defeated Sun Belt Conference Champion Arkansas State, 38-20, in the 2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl at Mobile's Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
"We are extremely happy to extend our long-established and successful bowl partnership with the GoDaddy.com Bowl and the city of Mobile," said Dr. Jon Steinbrecher, MAC Commissioner. "Our membership, most importantly our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans, continually enjoy an outstanding experience with the bowl festivities and the hospitality provided by the GoDaddy.com Bowl, President Jerry Silverstein and the entire city of Mobile."
A bowl partner with the MAC since 2001, the Mobile-based bowl was originally named the GMAC Bowl for nine years (2001-2009) before current bowl sponsor GoDaddy.com joined for the 2010 football season. GoDaddy.com has been bowl sponsor for the last two years (2010-11).
"Our relationships with both conferences continue to grow and mature and we are pleased to have them continue to be a part of our game. The MAC has been associated with our game for 12 years and the Sun Belt for three years. We have had many memorable games as evidenced by the TV ratings, our title sponsorship and games that have become instant classics on ESPN," said Jerry Silverstein, GoDaddy.com Bowl President.
"This game produced the 10th most memorable game in college football history. Fans, student athletes, alumni, and coaches continue to rave about their experience in Mobile. The city continues to support all of the events leading up to the game itself. Without the great support we receive from of the City of Mobile, the County, our title sponsor, GoDaddy.com and these two conferences, hosting these events would not be possible."
New to the partnership between the MAC and the GoDaddy.com Bowl will be an internship for the city of Mobile. This opportunity will be provided for one student from the MAC who has a career interest in city government or urban development to work with the city of Mobile beginning in 2013.
The MAC has an 8-3 record in 11 bowl games in Mobile, Ala. Last year, Northern Illinois defeated Arkansas State, 38-20 on Jan. 8, 2012, to win the GoDaddy.com Bowl.
MAC Bowl History In Mobile, Ala.
2001 - GMAC Bowl - Marshall 64, East Carolina 61 2OT
2002 - GMAC Bowl - Marshall 38, Louisville 15
2003 - GMAC Bowl - Miami 49, Louisville 28
2004 - GMAC Bowl - Bowling Green 52, Memphis 35
2005 - GMAC Bowl - Toledo 45, UTEP 13
2006 - GMAC Bowl - Southern Miss 28, Ohio 7
2007 - GMAC Bowl - Tulsa 63, Bowling Green 7
2008 - GMAC Bowl - Tulsa 45, Ball State 13
2009 - GMAC Bowl - Central Michigan 44, Troy 41 2OT
2010 - GoDaddy.com Bowl - Miami 35, Middle Tennessee State 21
2011 - GoDaddy.com Bowl - Northern Illinois 38, Arkansas State 20
-- MAC --
