The New Orleans Bowl: A Quarter-Century of Big Easy Bowl Football
The New Orleans Bowl has become an integral part of college football’s postseason tradition since its inception in 2001, bringing competitive matchups and festive atmosphere to one of America’s most vibrant cities. Played annually at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, the bowl game showcases programs from two of college football’s most competitive Group of Five conferences while celebrating the unique culture and hospitality of the Crescent City.
Origins and Early History
The New Orleans Bowl was established in 2001, filling a void in the postseason landscape for mid-major conferences. In the inaugural game, the Mountain West Conference sent Colorado State to face Sun Belt champion North Texas, which made history as the first team in NCAA history to make a bowl game after starting the season 0-5. Colorado State defeated North Texas 45-20 in that first contest, held on December 18, 2001.
The inaugural game was sponsored by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Beginning in 2002, the New Orleans Bowl established what would become its signature conference matchup: the Sun Belt Conference versus Conference USA. This rivalry has defined the bowl game for more than two decades, with only occasional exceptions when other conferences have filled in.
Hurricane Katrina and Resilience
One of the most significant chapters in New Orleans Bowl history came in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. When the devastating hurricane struck in August 2005, the Superdome—which had served as a shelter of last resort during the storm—suffered extensive damage. Rather than cancel the bowl game, organizers moved the 2005 edition to Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana, renaming it the “New Orleans Bowl at Lafayette.”
The temporary relocation demonstrated the bowl’s commitment to the Gulf Coast region during a time of crisis. The game returned to the newly renovated Superdome for the 2006 edition, symbolizing New Orleans’ resilience and recovery. This homecoming was particularly meaningful as the city worked to rebuild its infrastructure and restore its reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.
Sponsorship Evolution
The game was sponsored by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from 2002 to 2004 and was officially called the Wyndham New Orleans Bowl. After the 2005 game, there was no title sponsor in 2006 as the bowl focused on returning to New Orleans.
From 2006 to 2024, the game was sponsored by R+L Carriers and was officially known as the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. R+L Carriers, a freight shipping company, provided one of the longest continuous sponsorships in bowl game history, supporting the event for 19 consecutive years. The company was particularly committed to supporting New Orleans’ recovery and economic development following Hurricane Katrina.
The 2024 edition was the final game under the R+L Carriers sponsorship. As of the 2025 season, the bowl is seeking a new title sponsor and is currently known simply as the New Orleans Bowl.
Conference Affiliations and Team Selection
The New Orleans Bowl typically features a matchup between the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA. The Sun Belt usually sends its conference champion to the New Orleans Bowl, though the conference champion can be sent to other bowls such as the 68 Ventures Bowl, depending on availability and matchup considerations.
Since 2002, this Sun Belt versus Conference USA rivalry has become the bowl’s signature matchup, creating familiarity and regional appeal. The conferences’ geographic footprints overlap in the Gulf South region, making New Orleans a natural and accessible destination for fan bases from both leagues.
There have been occasional exceptions to this format. In 2010, the Mid-American Conference’s Ohio University represented the MAC after Conference USA released UTEP to play in the New Mexico Bowl. In 2011 and 2014, Mountain West teams replaced Conference USA as the opponent for the Sun Belt representative when Conference USA couldn’t provide an eligible team.
The 2025 New Orleans Bowl
The 2025 New Orleans Bowl is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. CST and will air on ESPN. This marks the 25th edition of the bowl game, a significant milestone celebrating a quarter-century of postseason football in the Big Easy.
The matchup features the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Western Kentucky finished the regular season with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in Conference USA play, placing third in the conference. Under head coach Tyson Helton, the Hilltoppers are making their second appearance in the New Orleans Bowl, having previously won the 2022 edition with a 44-23 victory over South Alabama.
Southern Miss finished second in the Sun Belt West with a 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark in conference play. This marks the Golden Eagles’ first bowl appearance since 2022 and represents a remarkable turnaround from a 1-11 record the previous season. The Golden Eagles are making their seventh appearance in the New Orleans Bowl, more than any other program, and hold a 4-1 record in the game.
This matchup features former Conference USA rivals who competed in the same conference from 2014 to 2021. Southern Miss and Western Kentucky squared off four times during that span with WKU winning all four meetings. The most notable encounter came in 2015 at the Conference USA Championship Game, where Western Kentucky defeated Southern Miss 45-28.
Western Kentucky’s defense was particularly impressive during the regular season, featuring the conference’s second-best scoring defense (23.4 points per game) and second-best pass defense efficiency (114.1) in the league. The defense is anchored by senior linebacker Jaylen Wester, who ranks among the conference leaders with 94 total tackles, and junior safety Jalen Lewis.
Southern Miss enters the game under the leadership of offensive coordinator Blake Anderson, who was elevated to full-time head coach after Charles Huff departed for Memphis. Anderson, a veteran head coach with previous experience at Arkansas State and Utah State, provides continuity and leadership during a transitional period. Quarterback Braylon Braxton leads the Golden Eagles’ passing attack and will look to exploit Western Kentucky’s secondary.
The 2024 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
The 2024 New Orleans Bowl was played on December 19, 2024, at the Caesars Superdome, featuring Georgia Southern and Sam Houston. Sam Houston defeated Georgia Southern 31-26 in a hard-fought contest. This marked Sam Houston’s first bowl victory at the FBS level after transitioning from the FCS, where they had been a powerhouse program.
Sam Houston’s Jaylon Jimmerson returned the first of his two interceptions 28 yards for a touchdown in the opening minutes, setting the tone for the Bearkats’ defensive performance. Quarterback Hunter Watson accounted for three touchdowns, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Simeon Evans that gave Sam Houston the lead for good at 14-7.
The game was particularly notable as it was coached by interim head coach Brad Cornelsen after KC Keeler departed to take the Temple job at the end of the regular season. Despite the coaching transition, Sam Houston held on for the victory, improving to 10-3 on the season.
Bowl Week Experience
The New Orleans Bowl offers participating teams and their fans a distinctive bowl week experience centered around the unique culture and attractions of New Orleans. Teams typically arrive several days before the game, allowing players and coaches to experience the city’s famous cuisine, music, and history.
Bowl week festivities include a New Orleans Bowl Luncheon held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on Canal Street the day before the game. This event features team spirit displays, performances by both university bands, speeches from head coaches, and addresses by keynote speakers. The luncheon has become a centerpiece of bowl week celebration, bringing together student-athletes, coaches, university officials, and fans.
One of the most unique bowl week activities is “Yoga in the Dome,” held on the field of the Caesars Superdome the evening before the game. This wellness event, organized in partnership with NOLA Vibe Yoga, provides participants with tickets to the game, special event t-shirts, and post-event refreshments. The session offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to practice yoga on the same field where the game will be played.
Game day features extensive pre-game festivities, including tailgating opportunities in the Legacy Club and other premium spaces within the Superdome. The venue’s central location in downtown New Orleans makes it easily accessible and allows fans to explore the French Quarter, Warehouse District, and other iconic neighborhoods before and after the game.
Venue and Atmosphere
The Caesars Superdome, one of the most iconic venues in American sports, provides an outstanding setting for the New Orleans Bowl. Originally opened in 1975 as the Louisiana Superdome, the facility has hosted numerous Super Bowls, Final Fours, and other major sporting events. The stadium seats approximately 73,000 for football, though bowl game attendance typically ranges from 15,000 to 40,000 depending on the participating teams and their fan bases.
The Superdome underwent extensive renovations following Hurricane Katrina, with additional upgrades completed in subsequent years. Modern amenities include club seating, luxury suites, improved concessions, and state-of-the-art video boards. Notably, the Superdome is a cashless venue, with all concessions, merchandise, and parking requiring credit/debit cards or mobile payment.
The indoor environment ensures predictable playing conditions regardless of New Orleans’ sometimes unpredictable December weather. The controlled climate and artificial turf surface provide a neutral playing field where teams can showcase their skills without weather-related complications.
Memorable Games and Historic Moments
The New Orleans Bowl has produced numerous memorable contests throughout its history. The 2008 game featured one of the most unusual penalties in bowl history when Southern Miss, the designated away team, mistakenly wore their home yellow jerseys. The Golden Eagles were penalized one timeout in the first half for the uniform violation but still managed to defeat Troy in overtime after Michael McGhee blocked a potential game-tying field goal attempt.
The 2011 game saw Louisiana (then known as Louisiana-Lafayette) begin a remarkable three-year winning streak in the bowl, though the 2011 and 2013 victories were later vacated due to major NCAA violations including ACT fraud. Despite the vacated wins, Louisiana’s dominance during this period—they appeared in four straight New Orleans Bowls from 2011-2014—helped establish the program as a Sun Belt power.
The 2016 edition featured Southern Miss defeating Louisiana 28-21, ending the Ragin’ Cajuns’ streak of appearances in the game. The 2020 game, played during the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Georgia Southern dominate Louisiana Tech 38-3 in a game played under strict health and safety protocols.
Statistical Leaders and Records
Through 24 completed games (2001-2024), the Sun Belt Conference holds a significant edge in the all-time series. Conference USA teams have appeared in the bowl 14 times with a 4-10 record, while the Sun Belt has compiled an 8-4 record in their 13 appearances. The Mountain West is 1-1 in two appearances, and the MAC is 0-1.
Southern Miss leads all schools with six appearances in the New Orleans Bowl, followed by Louisiana with five appearances (though two victories were vacated). Other frequent participants include Troy with four appearances and Louisiana Tech with three.
The bowl has featured numerous future NFL players over the years, including several quarterbacks who went on to professional careers. The game has also served as a launching pad for coaches, with several assistants and coordinators using strong bowl performances to secure promotions or head coaching positions at other schools.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The New Orleans Bowl generates significant economic impact for the city, particularly beneficial during the typically slower late-December tourism period. The game brings thousands of visitors to New Orleans, filling hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, and attractions throughout the metro area. Bowl week activities spread economic benefits across multiple days rather than just game day.
Beyond direct economic impact, the bowl game provides valuable exposure for New Orleans on national television. ESPN’s broadcast reaches millions of viewers, showcasing the city’s hospitality, culture, and recovery from past challenges. The bowl has become part of New Orleans’ identity as a premier destination for major sporting events.
For participating universities, the bowl game provides substantial financial benefits through conference distributions, plus invaluable exposure for recruiting and institutional visibility. Players receive bowl gift packages and memorable experiences, while programs benefit from additional practice time during December bowl preparation.
25th Anniversary and Looking Ahead
The 2025 edition marks a significant milestone as the New Orleans Bowl celebrates its 25th anniversary. A quarter-century of postseason football has established the game as a respected fixture on the college football calendar, known for competitive matchups and excellent hospitality.
As the bowl looks toward its future, several factors will shape its evolution. The changing landscape of conference realignment has already affected both the Sun Belt and Conference USA, with teams moving between conferences and new programs joining. The bowl has adapted to these changes while maintaining its core identity.
The search for a new title sponsor represents both a challenge and an opportunity. R+L Carriers’ 19-year commitment provided remarkable stability, and finding a successor who shares that long-term vision will be important for the bowl’s continued success. The 25th anniversary year provides an excellent platform for attracting sponsor interest.
The College Football Playoff expansion to 12 teams has altered the bowl landscape, but the New Orleans Bowl’s mid-December timing and strong conference tie-ins position it well for continued success. As one of the earlier bowl games in the season, it captures attention when many fans are eager for postseason football.
Conference Performance Trends
The Sun Belt’s dominance in head-to-head matchups has been a defining characteristic of the New Orleans Bowl. The conference’s success reflects the overall competitive improvement of Sun Belt programs over the past two decades. Programs like Louisiana, Appalachian State, Troy, and Georgia Southern have established themselves as consistent winners, raising the profile of the entire conference.
Conference USA has faced more challenges in the bowl, despite having strong programs like Southern Miss, Marshall, and others. The conference has undergone significant realignment in recent years, losing some of its most successful programs to other leagues. How these changes affect future Conference USA performance in the New Orleans Bowl remains to be seen.
The competitive balance—or lack thereof—between the two conferences adds intrigue to each year’s matchup. Will Conference USA find ways to close the gap, or will the Sun Belt continue its dominance? These questions help drive interest and discussion leading up to each game.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Bowl has successfully carved out its niche in college football’s crowded postseason landscape. By combining competitive football with the unmatched atmosphere of New Orleans, the bowl has created a distinctive experience that resonates with players, coaches, and fans.
As the game enters its second quarter-century, it carries forward the legacy established over 24 previous editions. From the inaugural game in 2001 through the milestone 25th edition in 2025, the New Orleans Bowl has demonstrated resilience in the face of natural disasters, adaptability to conference realignment, and commitment to providing an excellent experience for all participants.
Whether it’s the bands playing in the Superdome, fans celebrating on Bourbon Street, or players competing under the dome’s bright lights, the New Orleans Bowl captures the essence of what makes college football special. The combination of athletic competition, cultural celebration, and Southern hospitality ensures that the bowl will remain a cherished December tradition for years to come.
For the student-athletes fortunate enough to participate, the New Orleans Bowl offers more than just another game—it’s an opportunity to experience one of America’s most unique cities, compete on a storied stage, and create memories that last a lifetime. As the bowl celebrates 25 years and looks toward the future, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of college football in the Big Easy.