The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Bowl officially launched its promotional campaign for 2017 with its annual "Kickoff Party" in anticipation of the fourth edition of the game.

Stakeholders hosted the event at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium last night to galvanise support for the only NCAA Division I bowl game to be hosted outside of the United States

In three prior editions, The Bahamas Bowl made an indelible mark on the NCAA Bowl season, and the event extended its reach through a partnership with ESPN, "the worldwide leader in sports."

Richard Giannini, the executive director, said the support from the Bahamian public has been integral to the game's growth and the impact has been reflected in television ratings and economic impact.

"It's great to be back here and on behalf of ESPN thrilled to enter into the 4th season. We are so pleased at the support we have had over the years and we appreciate the involvement of the Government of the Bahamas and local stakeholders in doing what you do to ensure this game is a success," he said.

"We have been thrilled with three-year results thus far. The hours of live coverage has been a series of 3.5 hour commercial for islands of the Bahamas and for Nassau in particular. We can say and the ratings have indicated that of any live events that have been hosted here, the Bahamas Bowl has received the highest ratings.

"From an economic standpoint, we have been pleased to bring over 7,000 team members and fans to the game, and the money being spent in the islands has equalled over $15 million.

In addition to giving back to the community, we are doing what we promised years ago in delivering a first-class event, due in large part to our partners."

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard said the event further develops the Bahamas' sports tourism initiative.

"We have said to all persons using the backdrop of our country hosting these events that when you visit the Bahamas through this portal, the ministries of tourism sports and culture are working in tandem with each other and with our partners," he said.

"We are pleased you have chosen the Bahamas and we have had significant economic impact from this venture and one of the big takeaways for us has been the exposure we have gotten from television viewers internationally. Sports and culture go hand in hand and we certainly would love to put Bahamian culture on display as we continue looking forward to great things ahead."

National Sports Authority General Manager, Jeff Beckles, said his organisation seeks to improve the infrastructure necessary to host the game on an annual basis. This year's improvements will be highlighted by a new state of the art practice field located at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

"The NSA along with partners continue to be excited about the opportunity to put this event on. Those that have attended can attest to the high level of excitement to competition," he said "Every year the NSA looks to make a demonstrative statement on improvement to our facilities. Last year we invested heavily on the infield, this year we have offered a brand new practice facility. We invested heavily in the original stadium and now we have a field that can host American football, soccer, lacrosse and other sports."

Lea Miller Tooley, Bahamas Bowl Director of Sales and Marketing, said the Bahamas has become a fixture on bowl season and continues to gain notoriety with programs across the United States.

"The Bahamas really understands the importance of sports tourism. Our bowl game has become known for having the greatest hospitality so when you travel and talk with these teams that once mentioned the Bahamas as this place where they host that great basketball tournament, now they say thats where you have that amazing bowl game. We look forward to it being bigger and better this year."

Ticket sales for the 2017 Bahamas Bowl went on sale at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium box office and online at NSA-Bahamas.com yesterday.

Ticket prices for the 2017 Bahamas Bowl, which will be held Friday, Dec. 22 at 12:30 pm, start at $10 for general admission. Ticket prices for the Bahamas Bowl range from $10-$30.

Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium Box Office or via the National Stadium Authority-Bahamas website at NSA-Bahamas.com. For more information, call the National Stadium Box Office at 325-0376.

The 2017 gameday entertainment includes a pregame performance by the Bahamas All-Star Band, a halftime performance by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, and Junkanoo groups will perform during the break between the first and second quarters as well as the break between the third and fourth quarters.

For the second straight year, the game date falls at the start of a long holiday weekend in the Bahamas, allowing for an early Friday afternoon game.

Crowds of over 13,000 each year in Nassau have watched the only current bowl game played outside of the United States. The inaugural game in 2014 saw WKU beat Central Michigan 49-48 in a memorable offensive shootout. In 2015, Western Michigan beat Middle Tennessee 45-31 and last year, Old Dominion held off Eastern Michigan 24-20.

As with the first three editions, the 2017 Bahamas Bowl will feature teams from Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference.