Lions Schedule Quick Lane Bowl 2015
DETROIT – The Detroit Lions announced today that the 2015 Quick Lane Bowl will be played at 5 p.m. EST Monday, Dec. 28, and will be televised by ESPN2.
"We couldn't have been happier with the inaugural Quick Lane Bowl and this year's schedule change is indicative of its success," said Detroit Lions Team President Tom Lewand. "This will allow us a better opportunity to accommodate our guests with expanded travel time around the holidays and position us to build upon the overall experience."
The Quick Lane Bowl will feature teams from the Big Ten and ACC. At the end of the college football season, officials from both conferences will meet with bowl officials to determine the best possible matchup and choose their team representatives.
In the inaugural game (2014), the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights defeated the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, 40-21. Detroit Lions rookie FB Michael Burton played a prominent role in the victory, helping to pave the way for 340 team rushing yards for Rutgers.
"It was an awesome experience – definitely first-class," said Burton who was subsequently drafted by the Lions in the fifth round this year. "Detroit was great, but the thing I probably remember the most is Ford Field. It was unbelievable; just walking throughout the tunnels and throughout the stadium. It was a really nice facility."
2015 will be the second year of a multiyear agreement for Ford's Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center as the title sponsor of an annual college football bowl game at Ford Field.
"We're thrilled to keep the momentum going from last year's success by sponsoring the 2015 Quick Lane Bowl! It's starting to feel like tradition!" said Frederiek Toney, Vice President, Ford Motor Company, and President, Ford Customer Service. "And we're delighted by the opportunities the new date presents for Quick Lane, the teams, the players and their families, and the fans of college football."
The Detroit Lions are the only NFL team to own, host and operate a college football bowl game. The team's entertainment division, DLI Entertainment, has promoted multiple large-scale shows and events at Ford Field, including seven consecutive sold-out Kenny Chesney concerts, Taylor Swift, the 2003 Basketbowl, 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Regionals, 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four and the 2010 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Frozen Four.
