Sugar Bowl Classic

Sugar Bowl Classic

January 1New Orleans, Louisiana, has been host to football and lots of hoopla since the Sugar Bowl originated there in 1935. That first game took place in the depths of the Great Depression, and since then the Sugar Bowl has survived many difficulties, including a World War and a devastating hurricane.
The first Sugar Bowl took place in 1935 between Tulane University's Green Wave, unbeaten in the South, and Temple University's Owls, the only unbeaten team in the North. The Green Wave and the Owls waged an exciting contest in which Tulane overcame a 14-point deficit to win, 20-14. Since then, the annual event has included a berth for the Southeastern Conference champion. Alabama has won the most games with eight wins (many with legendary coach Bear Bryant), and Louisiana State is right behind them with seven wins. In 2009, the Sugar Bowl celebrated its 75th anniversary with a Legends Luncheon event that welcomed 42 former coaches and Most Valuable Players back to New Orleans. In the 75th annual Sugar Bowl, Utah trounced Alabama, 31-17.
The Sugar Bowl has been played in New Orleans every year except 2006 when, for the only time in the history of the game, it was played away from the city. This was soon after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. The New Orleans Superdome was left standing, but badly damaged. So in 2006, the Sugar Bowl staff moved to Georgia and put on the game in the Georgia Dome. The game moved back to New Orleans the following year.
CONTACTS:
Allstate Sugar Bowl
1500 Sugar Bowl Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-828-2440; fax: 504-828-2441
www.allstatesugarbowl.com
SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 12
BkFestHolWrld-1970, p. 3
GdUSFest-1984, p. 73