Senior Bowl Staying In Mobile Through At Least 2012

BREAKING NEWS

The Mobile Arts & Sports Association has signed a contract that will keep the Senior Bowl in Mobile for at least the next three years.

MASA board members met for about four hours Thursday at the Riverview Plaza Hotel in downtown. The finally agreed on a three year facilities lease agreement with the Ladd Peebles Stadium Board with an option to cancel the agreement after each year. But more importantly, they decided to cut off talks with any other cities. Jacksonville and Tampa were among the nine trying to lure the game away from the Port City.

“We are excited that the board has voted for the Senior Bowl to remain in Mobile for the immediate future,” said Vic Lott, chairman of MASA. “I know our city, county and Mobile’s major businesses will rise to the occasion and support the Senior Bowl financially, as will the community with its attendance at the Senior Bowl each year.”

Senior Bowl President Steve Hale says they would like to commit to Mobile for the next 60 years.

“We face a number of challenges, which include ... the size of the Mobile market and the 60-year-old Ladd Stadium due to its age and the lack of updated technology,” Lott said. “(MASA) continues to work with city and county officials and the stadium board to explore every option to ensure the long-term viability of the Senior Bowl.”

News 5's Bill Riales will have a full report tonight on News 5 at 10:00 after "The Mentalist."

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