FOX SPORTS HOUSTON SHOWCASES TEXAS BOWL

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Decemeber 26, 2008) FOX Sports Houston provides an in-depth look at the creation and impact of the Texas Bowl in MAKING OF THE TEXAS BOWL, a 30-minute special that premiered on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7:00 PM CT.

The show chronicles the creation of the game, which replaced the defunct Houston Bowl in 2006. Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes, and current Chairman of the Texas Bowl Board of Directors John Huff discuss the challenges and successes the bowl has experienced in the rapid process from dream to reality.

The program also features the emphasis the Texas Bowl places on the importance of a positive experience for the participating schools and for the Houston community, and explains the team selection process.

Texas Bowl Board Member and FOX Sports Houston Sr. Vice President and General Manager, Steve Tello said, “So many people have worked so hard to make the Texas Bowl a success; it’s turned into a great story. This 30 minute special presentation celebrates the hard work of those involved.”

Bart Enis and Patti Smith also break down this year’s game featuring Rice and Western Michigan in a one-hour 2008 TEXAS BOWL PREVIEW special on Friday, Dec. 26 at 11:00 PM CT. They’ll highlight Rice’s high-powered offense led by quarterback Chase Clement and All-American receiver Jarett Dillard, and recap one of the most productive seasons in school history.

The Texas Bowl is played every December at Reliant Stadium, the home of the Houston Texans, and has partnerships with the Big 12 Conference and Conference USA. The Texas Bowl drew over 50,000 fans in it’s inaugural game in 2006, and drew over 62,000
in 2007. The 2008 game pre-sold over 50,000 tickets before the competing teams were announced. Each year the Texas Bowl makes an economic impact of $25 million into the Houston economy.

FOX SPORTS HOUSTON 2008 TEXAS BOWL PROGRAMMING
(All times listed are Central)

Making of the Texas Bowl
Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 24, 7:30 p.m.

2008 Texas Bowl Preview
Wednesday, December 24, noon
Thursday, December 25, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 26, 11:00 p.m.
Sunday December 28, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, December 29, 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 30, 11:00 a.m.