Will Webb says the Meineke Bowl is continuing to build respectability, and the 2008 numbers support his point.
According to bowl executive director Webb, the Meineke ranked fourth in bowl attendance for the Dec. 27 game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. In its seventh year, the bowl drew its largest number of fans yet – 73,712 in announced paid attendance – to see West Virginia edge North Carolina 31-30.
Bowl officials concerned about the economy said teams with local drawing power would be particularly important in the bowl season that was just completed. Charlotte got two of those teams.
“In a year that was tough for everybody, it was nice for us to hit a home run,” Webb said.
The Meineke also posted an increased TV rating for at least the third straight year. Webb said its 4.51 rating ranked 13th among the 34 bowls and was ahead of such prestigious bowls as the Gator (4.09) and Cotton (4.35).
Webb said the date for the 2009 game won’t be known until after the NFL schedule is released because stadium availability is subordinate to the Carolina Panthers’ needs. Once that schedule is known, ESPN has the ultimate say in the date and time slot, but Webb expects a date that should be attractive. North Carolina-West Virginia enjoyed a 1 p.m. Saturday slot that was favorable for strong TV ratings.
“It just helps us (show) ESPN that if we get that slot, we will do well,” Webb said.
Comments
I was at the last game...
Tue, 01/13/2009 - 13:58 — UNC1998It was a festive atmosphere. Tailgating was everywhere, and people were having fun and being good sports. As a UNC fan, I was just glad to see them in a bowl. I loved this one, but hope for more in seasons to come.
Not Rocket Science ....
Tue, 01/13/2009 - 13:28 — FloydTurboHave at least one team within a 3 hour drive and success is guaranteed ..... UNC, NCSU, Clemson, VaTech, UVA, WFU (maybe even Duke someday although Duke has a limited fan base).
In today's era of HDTV no fan base is going to travel long distances for "exhibition" bowl games. A BCS game MAYBE but 95% of bowl games are just post-season exhibitions.