The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WITH this being the 150th anniversary of college football in the United States, the sixth annual Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl will take the spotlight on Friday, December 20 at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

The game is slated to begin at 2pm and will be covered live on ESPN by the team of Steve Levy, Greg McElroy and Dianna Russini.

The Buffalo Bulls, coached by Lance Leipold, will represent the MAC Conference in their fourth bowl game, while the Charlotte 49ers, coached by Will Healy, will appear for Conference USA in their initial bowl in their programme's seven-year history.

Leipold, by the way, was ranked at No.78 in the list of 150 greatest coaches in college football's 150-year history on Tuesday.

He is in his fifth year at the helm and is only one of nine active coaches on the list.

Lea Miller, one of the organisers, said they are extremely excited to stage the bowl game in the Bahamas for the sixth consecutive year. "We are the first bowl game for the whole college season, so it's going to be huge promotion and publicity throughout ESPN, the Bahamas and for the game," Miller said.

"ESPN is doing all they can to provide extensive coverage for the Bahamas and the game."

Both Charlotte and Buffalo are expected to bring a few hundred fans with them, which is better suited for them because it's right before they get right into the Christmas rush.

"This is now a staple on the calendar. It's not just a one-hit-wonder," said Miller, who was also a part of the organising committee for the Battle 4 Atlantis that took place during Thanksgiving.

"People know what it is, they are attending more than they did in the past. They are embracing this game and they understand the promotion and exposure that it brings to the Bahamas.

"It comes in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, but it also shows that the Bahamas is still open for business," she stated. "The teams have bought into it and will be making their contribution to the Bahamas in a more tangible way as well."

Miller said Buffalo will be coming with a plane full of supplies that will be donated to the Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency for the victims of Hurricane Dorian in Abaco and Grand Bahama.

Both teams will also participate in a youth football clinic and will be visiting the Ranfurly Homes for Children as a part of their commitment to the local community in New Providence.

Leonardo 'Nardo' Dean, said the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation is always thrilled to partner with the international sporting bodies in bringing more events to the Bahamas and the Makers Wanted Bowl game fits that description.

"We want them to come down and enjoy the food, the weather and the hospitality of the Bahamian people as they celebrate the 150th year of college football," said Dean, the sports tourism coordinator in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

"The fact that this is the only bowl being played outside of the US and the longest-running international bowl is something that any other country would be delighted to host."

As a part of their promotion, Dean revealed that the Bahamas All-Star Band and Spank Band will be providing the entertainment for the fans.

He's encouraging Bahamians to come out and join the many fans expected in with the visiting teams.

Dean said the Minister of Tourism, Dionisio D'Aguilar, and his executive team are always pleased to encourage events such as this, not just for the vast economic benefits they bring in, but also the exposure of the country through the media, especially ESPN.

Tickets for the game are priced at $10 and can be purchased from the box office at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium from 10am on game day.