Big 12 Commissioner Steve Hatchell announced that six cities
have submitted bids to host the Big 12 Conference's inaugural
football championship game.  Bids came from Irving, Dallas, San
Antonio, Houston, Kansas City, and St. Louis.  Holding the game
"is contingent on it generating at least $500,000 in revenue for
each school," and based on bids from each city, it is likely to
make at least that much.  Hatchell would like to have a decision
by September 1 (FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 7/15).
     FREEDOM BOWL FACES DEADLINE FOR SPONSOR:  Jerry McGee, Exec
Dir of the Orange County Sports Association, said that August 1
is the final deadline to find a sponsor for the Freedom Bowl.
McGee said there is a strong possibility the game won't be played
until '96.  The Bowl must "guarantee a $750,000 payout to each
competing team before the NCAA will grant certification."  To
entice sponsors, McGee said the game's name will be changed to
the "Big Orange Classic" (Monty Phan, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER,
7/14).