The Big Ten and ACC are in discussions with the Pinstripe Bowl for a conference tie-in after the 2013 season, according to CBS Sports’ Jeremy Fowler:
Big Ten, ACC “in discussions” with Pinstripe Bowl, according to report
Conferences looking for affiliation with New York City bowl game after 2013.
Chris McGrath
Big Ten and ACC in discussions with the Pinstripe Bowl about commitment after 2013, according to a league source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerCBS) April 4, 2013
The Pinstripe Bowl, which was played at Yankee Stadium for the third time in December, has featured a matchup between the Big East and Big 12 since its inception. Bowl executives have pushed for at least one team within driving distance of New York City in order to ensure continued solid attendance at the cold-weather bowl site. That has led to either Rutgers or Syracuse, both Big East programs, playing in each of the bowl’s three games.
With Rutgers moving to the Big Ten and Syracuse to the ACC in 2014, the tie-in with the former Big East and current Big 12 provides just two regional teams: Connecticut and West Virginia. A realignment to the Big Ten and ACC could ensure the continued success of the Pinstripe’s model.
The Pinstripe has been mentioned as a potential Big Ten bowl partner since May 2012. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany announced in January that the conference was looking to diversify its bowl slate, both in location and opponent. The Big Ten’s current set of bowl games are primarily Florida-based and against the SEC.
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