Bahamas Bowl Introduces Teams for 2017

In less than a month, thousands of local and international football fans will shift their focus to Thomas A Robinson National Stadium to witness the fourth edition of the Bahamas Bowl.

The 2017 Bahamas Bowl is set for December 22nd, and features the UAB Blazers of Conference USA against the Ohio Bobcats of the Mid-American Conference. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. Once again, the game will be televised live on ESPN.

Senior Assistant Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of UAB Bryant Carter said that he was impressed with the condition of the stadium and anticipates a tightly contested game between the two teams.

“It is a pleasure and honor to be playing in the fourth Bahamas bowl. It is also a privilege to be playing such a prestigious team, such a well-coached and notable program in Ohio,” said Carter. “This game is a reward for a team that is much deserving, no one outside of our community thought we would be here, but we did it and did it the right way. With a lot of eyes on us, we answered the call. We are honored to be a part of this bowl game and the history there of.”

This year was the Blazers first season back on the field following a two-year hiatus. UAB finished its regular season 8-4, and will now compete in a bowl game for the first time since the 2004 Hawaii Bowl where they lost to the Hawaii Warriors, 59-40.

“It’s good to be back. It’s my third trip here, and seeing the field and the improvements that have been made are great,” said Clark. “We want to thank everyone for this invitation. We know it’s going to be a battle and a test. We didn’t play for two years, so this is a storybook ending to our season.”

Jim Schaus, Ohio Athletic Director, said he’s thrilled that the Bobcats players will get a chance to experience The Bahamas.

“This is a special day for us. I want to thank the entire team involved with putting this event on,” Schaus said. “There are so many entities that have to come together to make this work, so we thank everyone that played a part. Our athletes are excited to come here. It’s like giving a Christmas wish to all the athletes and fans.”

The Bahamas Bowl will be Ohio’s eighth bowl appearance in the last nine seasons. “I’m excited and delighted to be here. We credit UAB, what they have accomplished is nothing short of amazing. This should be a great football game. They have a quarterback that can beat you in a lot of different ways, a good running back and a great receiver. They have a complete team.”

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