Sports Foundation ‘excited’ about New Orleans Bowl matchup

NEW ORLEANS – Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero said Tuesday the matchup of Appalachian State and Middle Tennessee in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

“We’re excited about this matchup,” Cicero said Tuesday at the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Quarterback Club presented by Home Bank at Rock ‘n’ Bowl. “The football should be great. The event continues to grow on an annual basis.”

This year’s matchup between Appalachian State (10-2) and Middle Tennessee (8-5) features a contrast in styles.

“Appalachian State averages more than 250 yards per game on the ground,” Cicero said, “and Middle Tennessee averages more than 250 yards per game through the air.”

Charlie Ward will be the guest speaker at the bowl luncheon Friday, Dec. 14.

Other events during bowl week include the “Dashing Through the Dome” ramp race Friday, a country concert Friday night, and the Chevron Day of Service.

Cicero said the New Orleans Bowl will also take the winner of the Sun Belt title game after the 2019 season. Its agreements with the Sun Belt and Conference USA expire after next season.

Besides the New Orleans Bowl, the Sports Foundation will host three major events in the next 16 months.

It will play host to the SEC Gymnastics Championships in March, the 2020 College Football Playoff championship game and the Women’s Final Four in April 2020.

Sports Foundation and Allstate Sugar Bowl officials will be in San Francisco for this year’s CFP title game on Jan. 7. After that, Cicero said, “The clock is on for New Orleans.”