“Big 12 mulling Monterrey as site of 1st Mexico-based bowl game”

[BobPSU92]

See the link below. From the article:

”WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Big 12 conference is exploring starting a bowl game in Monterrey, Mexico, as a linchpin of the league's push into the country, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The game would begin in the postseason following the 2026 season and has been targeted for Monterrey, the sources said.

Along with the plans for the postseason bowl game, the Big 12 also plans to hold other sports in Mexico as part of a greater strategy in the country. The men's and women's basketball teams from both Kansas and Houston have agreed to play each other in a regular-season game in Mexico City in December 2024, sources told ESPN.

According to the sources, Big 12 teams are also expected to play exhibition games against local teams in both women's soccer and baseball. The bowl game is expected to be the first postseason one in Mexico between two American college football teams.”

Sources: Big 12 mulls 1st Mexico bowl game

The Big 12 conference is exploring starting a bowl game in Monterrey, Mexico, as a linchpin of the league's push into the country, sources told ESPN.

www.espn.com

More of what we’re up against.

 

[84lion]

Odd location. I can see the Bahamas Bowl as it's a tourist destination. Is Monterrey a "vacation spot?' Seems to me that Cancun would be a better location. Then there is the issue of violent crime in Mexico. Seems an odd strategy overall but then again I notice it's an ESPN article so my first inclination is to "follow the (Mouse's) money."

Whether kids need "international" playing experience seems debatable, although taking more time away from studies (due to travel) doesn't seem conducive to their education.

 

[NittPicker]

Odd location. I can see the Bahamas Bowl as it's a tourist destination. Is Monterrey a "vacation spot?' Seems to me that Cancun would be a better location. Then there is the issue of violent crime in Mexico. Seems an odd strategy overall but then again I notice it's an ESPN article so my first inclination is to "follow the (Mouse's) money."

Whether kids need "international" playing experience seems debatable, although taking more time away from studies (due to travel) doesn't seem conducive to their education.

+1 I guess one positive is the flight to Monterrey would be shorter than flying to a west coast bowl game for most Big XII teams. But the "experience in competing in another country" angle is weird. It's not as though they'll be tested by a local team which plays a different style of American football.

I get it though. Fairly or not, the Big XII will have an impossible time trying to establish itself in the US as being on par with the Big Ten or SEC. OTOH, Mexico is wide open for marketing opportunities. The problem is not many people in Mexico care about college athletics conferences. It's not the same as professional leagues playing international games. They do it to promote their one specific product and showcase players who are among the best in the world. Play a Premier League game in Mexico and the stadium would be SRO. A futbol game in Mexico between WVU and Texas Tech would barely register.

 

[psuro]

Big 12 Commish is also considering doing an exhibiton hoops tourney in Rucker Park, and will invite UConn (whom they are considering for membership) and Gonzaga (whom they are considering for hooops only).

Some nice out of the box thinking.

 

[Bob78]

Big 12 Commish is also considering doing an exhibiton hoops tourney in Rucker Park, and will invite UConn (whom they are considering for membership) and Gonzaga (whom they are considering for hooops only).

Some nice out of the box thinking.

I agree, and can see why Mexico is the first logical option, although not my cup of tequila given the risks around tourist crimes. And I like idea of a bowl in the Caribbean, even as a minor, low-eyeballs game.

I say consider Europe, too, as the NFL has already laid a strong foundation there. College sports are not a thing in Europe, so the novelty could be of interest to the locals.
A warmer, Mediterranean location may not be the draw for local fans, but London has tolerable December temperatures, certainly no worse than some of the bowls already played in the US, and is a destination of interest for many in the US.
Make it part of an International Series of bowls for two or three conferences to participate in. Who cares if the games are usually between a couple of 7-5 teams? Their fans would have some fun with it, and it's a great recruiting angle as well.

 

[GrimReaper]

Odd location. I can see the Bahamas Bowl as it's a tourist destination. Is Monterrey a "vacation spot?' Seems to me that Cancun would be a better location. Then there is the issue of violent crime in Mexico. Seems an odd strategy overall but then again I notice it's an ESPN article so my first inclination is to "follow the (Mouse's) money."

Whether kids need "international" playing experience seems debatable, although taking more time away from studies (due to travel) doesn't seem conducive to their education.

Monterrey is a decent city, but not a tourist destination. Major advantage over Cancun is the stadium, Estadio BBVA, designed by Populous, seating over 50k. Monterrey has also played host to a number international contests, including the World Cup and MLB games. Facilities in Cancun would be likened to glorified HS stadiums.

 

[Bob78]

Odd location. I can see the Bahamas Bowl as it's a tourist destination. Is Monterrey a "vacation spot?' Seems to me that Cancun would be a better location. Then there is the issue of violent crime in Mexico. Seems an odd strategy overall but then again I notice it's an ESPN article so my first inclination is to "follow the (Mouse's) money."

Whether kids need "international" playing experience seems debatable, although taking more time away from studies (due to travel) doesn't seem conducive to their education.

A bowl game could conceivably be during the Christmas/New Years break for many schools, though. They could also work in an educational angle, fwiw. (I know, I know...!)

 

[psuro]

I agree, and can see why Mexico is the first logical option, although not my cup of tequila given the risks around tourist crimes. And I like idea of a bowl in the Caribbean, even as a minor, low-eyeballs game.

I say consider Europe, too, as the NFL has already laid a strong foundation there. College sports are not a thing in Europe, so the novelty could be of interest to the locals.
A warmer, Mediterranean location may not be the draw for local fans, but London has tolerable December temperatures, certainly no worse than some of the bowls already played in the US, and is a destination of interest for many in the US.
Make it part of an International Series of bowls for two or three conferences to participate in. Who cares if the games are usually between a couple of 7-5 teams? Their fans would have some fun with it, and it's a great recruiting angle as well.

Regarding the crime - these teams would be taken around in busses with police escorts, and all of their time would be chaperoned/handled with security. I would venture they are going to be safer than most people their age hanging out in....wherever they hang out.

Re: London - Wembley is partially covered (for fans), so that helps.

 

[Bob78]

Regarding the crime - these teams would be taken around in busses with police escorts, and all of their time would be chaperoned/handled with security. I would venture they are going to be safer than most people their age hanging out in....wherever they hang out.

Re: London - Wembley is partially covered (for fans), so that helps.

Teams are escorted... what about poor ol' me, going there with all my touristy fandom dollars to spend?!!

 

[GrimReaper]

I agree, and can see why Mexico is the first logical option, although not my cup of tequila given the risks around tourist crimes. And I like idea of a bowl in the Caribbean, even as a minor, low-eyeballs game.

I say consider Europe, too, as the NFL has already laid a strong foundation there. College sports are not a thing in Europe, so the novelty could be of interest to the locals.
A warmer, Mediterranean location may not be the draw for local fans, but London has tolerable December temperatures, certainly no worse than some of the bowls already played in the US, and is a destination of interest for many in the US.
Make it part of an International Series of bowls for two or three conferences to participate in. Who cares if the games are usually between a couple of 7-5 teams? Their fans would have some fun with it, and it's a great recruiting angle as well.

Recent college games played in Dublin have had reasonable success. There hasn't been a game played on continental Europe in about 30 years.

 

[psuro]

Teams are escorted... what about poor ol' me, going there with all my touristy fandom dollars to spend?!!

It can't be any less safe than Columbus or Iowa City.

 

[GrimReaper]

Teams are escorted... what about poor ol' me, going there with all my touristy fandom dollars to spend?!!

Monterrey is reasonably safe, probably safer than Cancun. Like everywhere else, there are part of the city to avoid and common-sense vigilance is recommended.

 

[Bison13]

It can't be any less safe than Columbus or Iowa City.

I think you mean New Brunswick

 

[leinbacker]

Is Monterrey where Coach Bobby Bowden beat the University of Mexico?

 

[ApexLion]

Odd location. I can see the Bahamas Bowl as it's a tourist destination. Is Monterrey a "vacation spot?' Seems to me that Cancun would be a better location. Then there is the issue of violent crime in Mexico. Seems an odd strategy overall but then again I notice it's an ESPN article so my first inclination is to "follow the (Mouse's) money."

Whether kids need "international" playing experience seems debatable, although taking more time away from studies (due to travel) doesn't seem conducive to their education.

Monterey is the best city in Mexico - lower crime, good prices, universities, pretty and many expat Americans live there.

 

[BobPSU92]

Monterey is the best city in Mexico - lower crime, good prices, universities, pretty and many expat Americans live there.

Die there?

 

[ApexLion]

Die there?

That too

 

[leinbacker]

Would they call this game the taco bowl?

 

[Got GSPs]

See the link below. From the article:

”WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Big 12 conference is exploring starting a bowl game in Monterrey, Mexico, as a linchpin of the league's push into the country, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The game would begin in the postseason following the 2026 season and has been targeted for Monterrey, the sources said.

Along with the plans for the postseason bowl game, the Big 12 also plans to hold other sports in Mexico as part of a greater strategy in the country. The men's and women's basketball teams from both Kansas and Houston have agreed to play each other in a regular-season game in Mexico City in December 2024, sources told ESPN.

According to the sources, Big 12 teams are also expected to play exhibition games against local teams in both women's soccer and baseball. The bowl game is expected to be the first postseason one in Mexico between two American college football teams.”

Sources: Big 12 mulls 1st Mexico bowl game

The Big 12 conference is exploring starting a bowl game in Monterrey, Mexico, as a linchpin of the league's push into the country, sources told ESPN.

www.espn.com

More of what we’re up against.

Actually, this is a pretty good idea…

 

[Got GSPs]

Maybe the Big Ten should play a week zero game in Canada?