BOWL MOVES TO ESPN ON SUNDAY

After being played on Fridays the past two years, the game is being moved to Sunday, Dec. 21 in 2008 at the request of ESPN, which airs the game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

"It's going to work out better for us," bowl executive director Billy Ferrante said Wednesday from Hollywood, Fla., where the game received recertification from the NCAA. "This way, fans will be able to come in on Friday and Saturday, enjoy their weekend in New Orleans and still get back home in plenty of time for Christmas."

Ferrante acknowledged that the Sunday date conflicts with the NFL, but pointed out that the Saints are at Detroit that day, a game that is considered unlikely to be switched to NBC's prime-time TV slot that night.

Ferrante said he also is working to renew the title sponsorship contact with R&L Carriers, which expires after this season, along with ties to the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA, which provide the participating teams. The deal with the Sun Belt, which helped found the bowl in 2001, expires after this year's game, and the Conference USA arrangement runs through 2009.

courtesy the Times Picayunne-Ted Lewis (4/1/2008)