College Bowl Game Canceled After 29 Years of Tradition
After 29 years of tradition, the GameAbove Sports Bowl has officially been canceled, marking a significant change in college football. This bowl game, which underwent several name changes over its history, was a staple in Detroit’s sports calendar.
Cancellation of the GameAbove Sports Bowl
The GameAbove Sports Bowl, initially established as the Motor City Bowl in 1997, later became known as the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, then the Quick Lane Bowl, and finally the GameAbove Sports Bowl. The game was unique as it took place indoors, first in the Pontiac Silverdome and subsequently in Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions.
History and Attendance Challenges
Over the years, this bowl game typically featured teams from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) competing against teams from major conferences like the ACC and Big Ten. However, the game struggled with attendance. In recent years, it failed to attract more than 29,000 fans, despite Ford Field’s capacity of 65,000.
- Notable Moment: Toledo’s thrilling victory over Pittsburgh in 2024 marked the game’s most memorable moment, ending in a 48-46 score after six overtimes.
- Annual Low Attendance: The last five games fell below 29,000 spectators, highlighting ongoing attendance issues.
Wider Context of Bowl Game Cancellations
The cancellation of the GameAbove Sports Bowl is part of a broader trend, with three bowl games being scrapped this offseason, including the LA Bowl and Bahamas Bowl. The expansion of the College Football Playoff format has contributed to this decline, making it challenging to fill bowl slots as fewer teams qualify.
Recent Trends in Bowl Game Selections
The 2025 postseason revealed how tough the bowl landscape has become. For instance, a 5-7 Appalachian State team played in the Birmingham Bowl due to a shortage of eligible teams. Similarly, 5-7 teams like Rice and Mississippi State also received bowl invitations.
- Increased Coaching Changes: Frequent coaching changes have affected team participation.
- Traditional Teams Declining: Programs like Notre Dame, Kansas State, and Iowa State, along with several 5-7 teams, have chosen to decline bowl invitations.
As the conversation about reducing the number of bowl games continues, the loss of the GameAbove Sports Bowl may pass unnoticed in a post-season that still rewards teams with .500 records. The college football landscape is evolving, leading fans to question the future of bowl games in this new reality.
