CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Navy has reached an agreement with the
Meineke Car Care Bowl that could put the Midshipmen into the bowl
when they're eligible, game officials announced Tuesday.
The deal assures Navy or the No. 3 selection from the Big East
Conference will play an Atlantic Coast Conference team in the
Meineke Car Care Bowl.
"Having the opportunity to bring Navy to Charlotte is a great
position to be in come selection time," bowl executive director
Will Webb said in a statement. "This deal affords the Meineke Car
Care Bowl several very attractive possibilities for this year's
game."
In 2005, the Midshipmen sold 20,000 tickets for the Poinsettia
Bowl in San Diego, and officials estimate that Navy helped draw up
to 35,000 people to the contest.
Navy brought 18,000 fans to the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco in
2004. A year before that, Navy brought 25,000 fans to the Houston
Bowl, leading to a record crowd of 51,068.
The 2006 Meineke Car Care Bowl is scheduled for Dec. 30 at Bank
of America Stadium in Charlotte.