TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

ACC championship game moves to prime time, ESPN

ADVERTISEMENT

TBO.com

Published: June 17, 2009

TAMPA - The Atlantic Coast Conference has moved the start of its football championship game at Raymond James Stadium to prime time but is moving to ESPN after four years on ABC.

The game will kick off at 8 p.m. Dec. 5.

Last year's game in Tampa began at 1 p.m. and was televised by ABC, as were the previous two in Jacksonville. This inaugural game in 2005 in Jacksonville was at night on ABC.

"Prime time exposure is always a plus," ACC commissioner John Swofford said in a news release.

Virginia Tech beat Boston College, 30-12, in last year's game in Tampa. Only 27,360 fans attended, according to the Tampa Sports Authority, although organizers announced 53,927 tickets were "sold and distributed.''

"We are extremely excited to be able to showcase the championship, as well as the Tampa Bay area, to prime time television audiences across the nation," Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, said in the news release. "This will provide a tremendous amount of exposure for the Tampa Bay area as a premier sports destination."

The game goes to Charlotte, N.C., in 2010 and 2011.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT