Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
signs C-USA, Pac-10 deal

The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl announced it has signed a four-year contract extension with Conference USA to play a Western Athletic Conference team in the postseason game, beginning with the 2006 season.

The announcement, made yesterday by Sheraton Hawaii Bowl Executive Director Jim Donovan, also opened the door for the Pac-10.

As part of the agreement, C-USA will step aside and allow the Pac-10’s sixth-place finisher to play in the 2006 contest. C-USA will then return to participate in 2007. A Pac-10 representative might play in 2008 or ’09.

“In my estimation, this is the best of both worlds given the competitive and exciting outcome of previous C-USA, WAC games,” Donovan said. “Plus our local fans will be thrilled to have the Pac-10 play in the game.”

This year, the game is set for Dec. 24 at Aloha Stadium and will be televised by ESPN at 2:30 p.m.