The Copper Bowl did not announce a new title sponsor after
meetings with WAC, Big 12 and broadcast partner ESPN officials,
but there was "a sense of accomplishment," according to the
ARIZONA DAILY STAR. WAC Commissioner Karl Benson, Big 12
Commissioner Steve Hatchell and ESPN Program Dir Dave Brown were
in Tucson for the day Tuesday to show support for the eight-year
bowl, which is without a title sponsor after Weiser Lock ended
its four-year affiliation in January. Hatchell said it is
important to let the bowl know the conference schools are excited
about it, but the meeting was also held "to see how we can pull
our marketing resources to help support the Copper Bowl
financially." The Copper Bowl reportedly needs $500,000 for this
year's game to be played as scheduled, a figure bowl officials
believe is achievable, "especially after Tuesday's meeting."
Copper Bowl Chair Jack Camper said a title sponsor might be
announced by September 4, but he wouldn't say that the sponsor
would be affiliated with the game this year (Javier Morales,
ARIZONA DAILY STAR, 8/21).
