New Orleans Bowl: A Legacy of Post-Season College Football
The New Orleans Bowl is an NCAA-sanctioned post-season college football game that has become a staple of the holiday sports calendar since its inception in 2001. Primarily hosted at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, the bowl game serves as a high-stakes finale for teams from the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA (C-USA).
From its early days as an independent event to its long-standing corporate partnerships, the New Orleans Bowl has weathered both athletic triumphs and natural disasters, maintaining its status as a premier destination for collegiate athletes.
Key Facts
- Established: 2001
- Primary Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- Current Conference Tie-ins: Sun Belt and Conference USA
- Longest-running Sponsor: R+L Carriers (2006–2024)
- Most Appearances: Louisiana (7 appearances)
- Broadcasting Partner: ESPN / ESPN2
The Evolution of the Game
The New Orleans Bowl was organized by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation in partnership with the Sun Belt Conference. The inaugural game took place in 2001, where Colorado State secured a 45–20 victory over North Texas. While the first game had no title sponsor, the event quickly grew in commercial appeal.
In 2004, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts became the first title sponsor, renaming the event the Wyndham New Orleans Bowl. However, the 2005 season brought an unprecedented challenge. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Caesars Superdome was unusable. The game was temporarily relocated to Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana, and rebranded as the New Orleans Bowl at Lafayette for a single year.
By 2006, the game returned to the Superdome under a new partnership with R+L Carriers, a sponsorship that would define the bowl's identity for nearly two decades, lasting through the 2024 season.
Conference Tie-ins and Rivalries
The bowl's structure has evolved to ensure competitive matchups. While it began with a temporary contract involving the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in 2001, it soon established a lasting rivalry between the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA.
Typically, the Sun Belt champion receives the invitation, though exceptions occur. For instance, in 2013, Arkansas State played in the GoDaddy.com Bowl instead. The bowl has also occasionally hosted teams from other conferences, such as Ohio from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2010, or MWC representatives in 2011 and 2014.
Historic Performances and Records
The record books of the New Orleans Bowl are highlighted by dominant streaks and individual brilliance. The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (now known simply as Louisiana) were a powerhouse between 2011 and 2014, winning four consecutive games. However, the NCAA later required the school to vacate the 2011 and 2013 victories due to major violations, including ACT fraud.
Individual records showcase the game's offensive potential. In 2022, Austin Reed of Western Kentucky set a passing record with 497 yards. On the defensive side, K.C. Ossai of Louisiana holds the record for most tackles in a single game with 18, achieved in 2023.
The game has also seen massive scoring outputs, most notably in 2017 when Troy defeated North Texas 50–30, resulting in a combined total of 80 points—the highest in the bowl's history.
Bowl Summary and Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Location | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA |
| Temporary Venue (2005) | Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA |
| Payout (2019) | US$ 825,000 |
| Most Successful Team | Southern Miss (4–2 record) |
| Highest Score (Single Team) | 50 (Troy, 2017) |
| Largest Margin of Victory | 35 points (Georgia Southern, 2020) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the New Orleans Bowl typically played?
The game is normally held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, though it was moved to Cajun Field in Lafayette for the 2005 game due to Hurricane Katrina.
Which teams have the most appearances in the New Orleans Bowl?
Louisiana holds the record for the most appearances with seven, followed by Southern Miss with six and North Texas with five.
Why were some of Louisiana's victories vacated?
The NCAA ordered Louisiana-Lafayette to vacate its 2011 and 2013 New Orleans Bowl wins due to major violations, which included ACT fraud.
Who has been the longest title sponsor of the event?
R+L Carriers was the longest-running title sponsor, supporting the game from 2006 through the 2024 season.
Which conferences are currently tied to the New Orleans Bowl?
The bowl currently maintains conference tie-ins with the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA.