Growing into one of the mid-Atlantic region’s premier and most-anticipated college football events, EagleBank Bowl Week brings the excitement of the bowl season to the nation’s capital and a spirit of celebration to the region. And as part of its commitment to honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of America’s men and women in uniform, the EagleBank Bowl benefits the game’s official charity partner, the Wounded Warrior Project, which supports severely injured men and women of the military.

“The outpouring of support the EagleBank Bowl continues to receive is nothing short of phenomenal,” says Steve Beck, executive director of the EagleBank Bowl. “Heading into our second year, we are finding that the more people learn about the game, the more they embrace the game itself and its mission. This year’s exciting matchup, coupled with a lineup of fun-filled activities leading up to kickoff, is making this ‘the can’t miss’ event of the holiday season.”

EagleBank Bowl Week is designed to be an experience for the entire family, including opportunities for residents, alumni, football fans, and the general public to attend events like the Teams Luncheon at the JW Marriott Washington, D.C., the official Tailgate Party at the D.C. Armory and the EagleBank Bowl game at RFK Stadium, while dishing out a dose of Washington, D.C., hospitality by greeting each team at their hotel upon their arrival in the nation’s capital.

The Teams Luncheon is a celebration of football and the two participating schools prior to the big game. Fans get a chance to interact with the players, coaches and local dignitaries in addition to hearing comments from Temple coach Al Golden and UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel. The luncheon will be emceed by ESPN’s Kevin Blackistone and held on Sunday, December 27, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 p.m.

The Tailgate Party is sure to be a lively event in the D.C. Armory prior to kickoff. Featuring one of the most energetic and engaging bands on the East Coast, Love Seed Mama Jump, and an all-you-can-eat buffet of food provided by some of the District’s most popular restaurants, it all adds up to a fantastic EagleBank Bowl game-day experience.

“With a fantastic matchup, a full roster of entertainment, and exciting events being held throughout the city, the EagleBank Bowl experience offers something for just about everyone,” says Ronald Paul, chairman and CEO of EagleBank.

All signs point to game day and this year’s match up will not disappoint. Under fourth-year coach Al Golden, Temple is making its first bowl appearance in 30 years and is one of the hottest teams in college football this season. The squad rolled off nine consecutive victories to post their first winning record since 1990.

Coach Rick Neuheisel’s leadership at UCLA is resulting in a resurgence of the program. The Bruins are playing in a bowl game in just his second year at the school and boast one of the top defenses in the nation. Both teams have something to prove and will be looking to make a statement come game day.

“We can’t wait to get Bowl Week started,” says Erik A. Moses, managing director of the WCSA Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division. “Washington, D.C., is not only celebrating the holiday season, but also college football and this annual sporting event that is taking hold in our city.”

The EagleBank Bowl encourages everyone to come out and support one of Washington, D.C.’s signature annual events and enjoy the many exciting activities that make up 2009 Bowl Week.

The EagleBank Bowl today announced that it is holding a charitable event this Wednesday, December 16, at Policy in Washington, D.C., where guests will have the opportunity to hear from a retired U.S. Army officer who was injured in the line of duty.

Claude J. Boushey Sr., a 25-year member of the Army who lives in La Plata, Md., will speak about the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to assist injured veterans during their recovery and rehabilitation.   

Boushey will also talk about his own life as a chief warrant officer for the Army, including when he was injured in the Iraq War in 2004 as the result of a helicopter crash.

“We’re honored that Claude is taking the time to share some of his personal experiences in the Army, as well as raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, a critically important organization and the EagleBank Bowl’s charitable partner in 2009,” says Marie Rudolph, a co-founder of the EagleBank Bowl. “I also want to thank our friends at Policy for providing a wonderful venue to host this event.”

The event will run from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and Policy will provide light appetizers sponsored by Quality First Mortgage (www.qfmortgage.com). Drink specials include two for one beers, as well as $5.00-$6.00 beers, wine and specialty cocktails.

There is a $10.00 suggested donation, and all donations and a percentage of bar sales from the event will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

Policy is located at 1904 14th St NW. The nearest Metro station is U Street-Cardozo. For more information, please call Policy at 202-387-7654 or visit www.policydc.com.

The 2009 EagleBank Bowl will take place at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, December 29, broadcast live on ESPN from the historic RFK Stadium. In this year’s game, UCLA will battle Temple. The EagleBank Bowl is the first and only major college-football bowl game in the nation’s capital.

A charitable and community event, the EagleBank this year has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project, and profits from the 2009 game will benefit this vital organization that supports the men and women who make countless sacrifices to protect our country’s freedom.

Prior to kickoff on Tuesday, December 29, the EagleBank Bowl and the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA) will hold the game’s official Tailgate Party from 12:30 pm to 4:30 p.m. at the D.C. Armory, featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet with food provided by popular D.C. restaurants and $2.00 beer specials. Admission is $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for children ages 4-12. Children ages 3 and under are free.

In partnership with the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Education Foundation (RAMW-EF), local restaurant favorites Clyde’s, J. Paul’s, Old Glory and Tony & Joe’s will provide food for the all-you-can-eat buffet, including old-fashioned homemade chili, pulled-pork sandwiches and seafood Paella, among other items.

“Tailgating and football go hand-in-hand, so the EagleBank Bowl Tailgate Party is the perfect way for everyone to enjoy good food, fabulous music and a great time prior to kickoff,” says Bob Pincus, vice chairman of EagleBank. “Everyone is welcome – fans, residents, the general public – to our party before the big party. All in an indoor venue.”

Also on the day’s menu is plenty of music and entertainment, including appearances by live bands as well as the pep bands and cheerleaders from the participating schools. EA Sports will provide interactive games onsite, including Xbox and Nintendo Wii, as well as raffle off games to attending fans.

“We’ll have two great football programs for the game and now the Tailgate Party at the D.C. Armory, giving fans another fun event to experience during Bowl Week in the nation’s capital,” says Erik A. Moses, WCSA managing director for the Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division. “People will have ‘one-stop shopping’ at the D.C. Armory with some of the city’s best restaurants.”

“The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Education Foundation is thrilled to be joining with the EagleBank Bowl for an incredible tailgate experience, which will both help promote our local restaurant industry and support a great football game dedicated to the worthy cause of supporting our nation’s military,” says Greg Casten, RAMW-EF president and board chair.

The Temple University Owls accepted an at-large invitation to play in the 2009 EagleBank Bowl, making their first appearance in a bowl game in 30 years. Temple’s opponent is contingent on the outcome of the Army-Navy on December 12 in Philadelphia. If Army beats Navy, the Black Knights will advance to their first bowl game since 1996. If Army loses to Navy, Temple will face UCLA in the EagleBank Bowl.

Tickets for the Tailgate Party and the Bowl Game can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 1-800-551-7328, or at www.ticketmaster.com.

We’ll set up shop at the Crystal City Sports Pub in Arlington, Va., beginning at 2:30 pm on Saturday, December 12, to cheer on the Black Knights. Should Army defeat Navy, the Black Knights will clinch a berth in the 2009 EagleBank Bowl and play Temple. If Army loses to Navy, then UCLA will take the Black Knights’ spot in D.C.’s only college football bowl game.

We will have tickets to the 2009 EagleBank Bowl available for purchase at this Game of the Week. Get a free t-shirt when you buy a ticket!

The Crystal City Sports Pub is at 529 23rd St. South. For more information, please call 703-521-8215 or visit www.ccsportspub.com.

We will have tickets to the 2009 EagleBank Bowl available for purchase at this EagleBank Bowl Game of the Week. Get a free t-shirt when you buy a ticket!

At this event, Public Bar is offering buckets of Bud Light and orders of wings for $25.00. For more information on Public Bar, which is located at 1214 18th St. NW, please visit www.publicbardc.com or call 202-223-2200.

The happy hours will take place from 5 pm to 8 pm on the Saturdays of November 21, November 28, December 12 and December 19. At each of these events, there is free admission, free hors d’oeuvres, special drink prices, prize raffles and giveaways.

Tickets to the 2009 EagleBank Bowl may be purchased at the happy hours.

Piola is located at 1550 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington. Its Web site is www.piola.it, and the restaurant’s phone number is 703-528-1502.

In our latest Game of the Week, come to Public Bar and watch Clemson, the ACC’s Atlantic Division leader, square off against Virginia beginning at 3:30 pm on Saturday, November 21. Another ACC contest that we’ll feature is Virginia Tech versus N.C. State, also beginning at 3:30 pm.

We will have tickets to the 2009 EagleBank Bowl available for purchase at this EagleBank Bowl Game of the Week. Get a free t-shirt when you buy a ticket!

At this event, Public Bar is offering buckets of Bud Light and orders of wings for $25.00. For more information on Public Bar, which is located at 1214 18th St. NW, please visit www.publicbardc.com or call 202-223-2200.

Join us from 6 pm to 10 pm on Wednesday, November 18, at Lotus Lounge in Washington, D.C., to support the Wounded Warrior Project.

We will hold a raffle for 2009 EagleBank Bowl tickets, prizes and more! Lotus will pass out light hors d’oeuvres from 6 pm to 8 pm, and happy hour specials are extended until 10 pm, including $4.00 beer, wine and rail liquor.

There is a $10.00 suggested donation for this event. Lotus Lounge is at 1420 K St. NW. For more information, please visit www.lotusloungedc.com.

We will have tickets to the 2009 EagleBank Bowl available for purchase at this event. Get a free t-shirt when you buy a ticket!

At this EagleBank Bowl Game of the Week, Public Bar is offering buckets of Bud Light and orders of wings for $25.00. For more information on Public Bar, which is located at 1214 18th St. NW, please visit www.publicbardc.com or call 202-223-2200.

We will have tickets to the 2009 EagleBank Bowl available for purchase at this EagleBank Bowl Game of the Week. Get a free t-shirt when you buy a ticket!

At this event, Public Bar is offering buckets of Bud Light and orders of wings for $25.00. Look out for the Bud Light girls handing out Bud Light Golden Wheat!

For more information on Public Bar, located at 1214 18th St. NW, please visit www.publicbardc.com or call 202-223-2200.