ConAgra Foods is title
sponsor of Hawaii Bowl

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Star-Bulletin staff

ConAgra Foods has reached a multi-year deal with ESPN Regional television to become the title sponsor of the Hawaii Bowl, it was announced at a news conference this morning at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

"We felt it was important to secure one of America's finest companies as the sponsor of our new bowl," said ESPN regional television executive vice and general manager Chuck Gerber. "And we found that in ConAngra."

The inaugural Christmas Day bowl, owned and operated by ESPN Regional, marks the return of postseason college football to Oahu following the departure of the Aloha and Oahu Bowls after the 2000 season.

"Besides being a great college football tradition, it is held on one of America's greatest holidays," said Tim McMahon, ConAgra Foods senior vice president of corporate communications and marketing.

The bowl will feature teams from the Western Athletic Conference and Conference USA, though through a partnership agreement the University of Hawaii is guaranteed a spot in the game if it is bowl-eligible. As host school, UH will provide game operations, marketing and management assistance for the Hawaii Bowl.

ESPN Regional also markets or owns other sports events, including tournaments, bowl games and awards shows.

Kickoff for the Hawaii Bowl is set for 3 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.