Camellia Bowl to stay in Montgomery until at least 2025 with contract extension

As Eastern Michigan and Georgia Southern prepare to battle it out this weekend in the Camellia Bowl, Montgomery officials are already celebrating what they called a win for the city.

At his routine Thursday press conference, Mayor Todd Strange said the bowl game will stay in Montgomery until at least 2025. The city originally signed a six-year contract with ESPN, with 2019 being the final game in that deal. The renewal, Strange said, indicates the bowl has been a boon for all involved so far. 

"The success we have had with (ESPN) and the partnership we have with them, we are excited," Strange said.

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Since the bowl came to Montgomery, the Mid-American Conference and Sun Belt Conference have each sent a team to play. Johnny Williams, executive director of the Camellia Bowl, said officials aren't sure whether those conferences will play in the next contract, though they expect a decision by spring.

Strange said many have asked about Troy University, a member of the Sun Belt, playing in the Camellia Bowl. But the Dollar General Bowl, in Mobile, has a higher designation, he said, allowing them to land Troy two of the last three years. Still, Strange said officials are working to bring the Camellia Bowl to that level.

Williams thanked the city for hosting the event and making additions to the Cramton Bowl. But the executive hinted that further additions may be needed to the facility to ensure future success.

Strange touted the financial benefit of the event, saying it has brought in almost $75 million in economic impact since its inception.

Since being announced in 2013, the game has been owned by ESPN and sponsored by Raycom Media. But a 2018 sale of Raycom to Gray Television for $3.647 billion leaves that sponsorship in question as the details of the merger settle and the companies await regulatory approval.

Kickoff is slated for 4:30 p.m. Saturday and a host of activities, including a pep rally and parade are set for the weekend. Last year, Middle Tennessee defeated Arkansas State 35-30 in front of 20,612 people. 

Attendance has topped 20,000 each year since it launched in 2014

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