Why is the Sun Bowl important for El Paso? Here are 3 reasons
The 89th Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is back for its annual bowl game on Friday.
One of the oldest traditions in college football history makes its impact not only on the field but for El Paso.
Here are three reasons why the Sun Bowl is important for the Sun City.
Sun Bowl is a quality sporting event
Bernie Olivas, executive director of the Sun Bowl, said the game is a quality event for the entire city to enjoy.
"We're a nonprofit organization. Our goal isn't to make tons and tons of money," Olivas said. "Our goal is to provide the best for our citizens, for children, for everybody and that's our goal."
The Sun Bowl event has something for everyone to enjoy. The 18th-ranked UCLA Bruins and the Pitt Panthers are matched up for a noon kickoff.
Fans can start the day at the pre-game fan party at Glory Field. The event is from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. It is free to the public. Fans can celebrate with food, games, giveaways and enjoy both university bands, Sun Bowl officials said.
Gates open two hours before kickoff.
University of Texas at El Paso economics professor Thomas Fullerton said the Sun Bowl is one of the best-attended bowl games in the country.
"It's not a game where there's just a bunch of empty seats, nobody's really paying attention," Fullerton said. "No, this is a game if it doesn't sell out every year, it comes close to selling out. It's pretty easy to tell whether you're in the state or watching it on television that the fans are having a good time. And it's one of the more entertaining aspects of the local economy that gets celebrated every 12 months."
El Paso receives national exposure from CBS
The Sun Bowl is the second longest-running televised sporting event.
CBS has broadcast the Sun Bowl for 54 consecutive years, Olivas said.
"The Sun Bowl on national TV, they talk about nothing but great things about the city," Olivas said. "So, it gives El Paso some great positive exposure."
Jimmy Rodgers Jr., Sun Bowl president in 1970 and current chair emeritus of the football committee, brokered the deal with CBS in 1968. The Masters, one of the best tournaments in golf, is CBS's longest-running broadcast sporting event, starting in 1956. The first Masters tournament was held on March 22, 1934.
Olivas said the hospitality of El Pasoans to those from out-of-town is why he thinks CBS has broadcasted the Sun Bowl for so long.
"We have great people, great volunteers that have helped us put on events, but it's all the people of El Paso, who welcome all our visitors," Olivas said.
The Sun Bowl association emphasizes events that showcase "El Paso's diverse cultural heritage."
Fullerton said the Sun Bowl raises external awareness of the city and the regional economy.
"It probably causes a lot of businesses to consider investing here or competing here that otherwise wouldn't," Fullerton said.
Positive economic impact for El Paso
With visitors coming from Pittsburg and Los Angeles, El Paso will receive an influx of more people staying at the city's hotels, dining out, shopping in stores, and experiencing more of what the city offers.
This could potentially bring in $15 million to $19 million in one week, Olivas said.
The Norte Dame vs. Miami Sun Bowl game in 2010 brought in about $25 million that week, Olivas said.
Fullerton said the $15 million in commercial activity generated by Sun Bowl visitors is a 6% increase over the average commercial activity volume during a typical week in El Paso.
"There are numerous businesses that take advantage of the sales opportunities provided by the out-of-town visitors," Fullerton said. "It also creates a lot of brand name recognition for the city of El Paso because of all the television viewers across the country."
Fullerton said the Sun Bowl is part of the commercial fabric of the region.
"It also creates job opportunities," Fullerton said. "It provides some nice advertising that raises the profile of El Paso across the United States."
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 3 reasons why Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is important for El Paso
