D.C.’S EAGLEBANK BOWL GRANTED FOUR-YEAR EXTENSION

2010 Match-up of ACC and C-USA teams will be televised live on ESPN, Dec. 29

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The EagleBank Bowl, played at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. each December, was granted a four-year license by the NCAA Football Issues Committee through the 2013 season, DC Bowl Committee organizers and the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA) announced today. This year’s bowl is scheduled for December 29, 2010 and will be televised live by ESPN at 2:30 p.m. ET.

The 2010 edition of the EagleBank Bowl, which is entering its third year, is scheduled to feature the eighth selection from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) versus a Conference USA (C-USA) opponent.

“It is terrific news that Washington, D.C. was able to secure bowl certification for the next four years in what has become a highly competitive marketplace for bowl games across the nation,” said Steve Beck, Executive Director of the EagleBank Bowl. “Furthermore, we were fortunate to keep the date consistent with last year, in the heart of bowl season, enabling us to continue building our brand and fan base in the Mid-Atlantic region.” 

In 2008, Wake Forest defeated Navy, 29-19 in the inaugural game. Last year, traditional Pac-10 power UCLA rallied to top upstart Temple, which was appearing in its first bowl game in 30 years, in a 30-21 thriller. Given the game’s success over the past 16 months, the EagleBank Bowl has already earned a national reputation given its destination location and its charitable outreach.

“Our team and entire traveling party had an unbelievable and eye-opening experience, the kind that they will not soon forget,” said UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel. “Our team truly matured just from being exposed to the sights and sounds of Washington, D.C. Any team should consider themselves extremely blessed and fortunate to be selected for this exciting bowl.”

The NCAA’s continued certification was great news for EagleBank and city officials in Washington, D.C.

“We are proud to have the EagleBank name associated with this tremendous event that showcases our nation’s capital and has quickly become a signature holiday event for the local community,” said Ron Paul, Chairman and CEO of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and EagleBank, the game’s title sponsor. “We’re looking forward to bringing the best of college football back to D.C. for another great game in 2010.” 

 “This four-year license by the NCAA is a testament to the hard work of the bowl organizers, wide-ranging support throughout the Washington region and commitment of the District of Columbia to ensure a quality experience for the participating teams and their fans,” said Erik A. Moses, Managing Director of the WCSA’s Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division. “The EagleBank Bowl is quickly becoming a signature event at RFK Stadium, which is a tremendous national public relations platform for Washington, D.C. as a sports market as well as an economic stimulus for our local businesses.”

As part of its overall mission and in tribute to the United States’ military, the EagleBank Bowl seeks to include a service academy in the game on a regular rotation. Army and Navy will alternate years, with the third year serving as a bye for both programs. The game also honors military service during EagleBank Bowl Week and throughout the year.

EagleBank Bowl Schedule

2010 – ACC vs. Conference USA

2011 – ACC vs. Navy

2012 – ACC vs. Army

2013 – ACC vs. Big 12

About the EagleBank Bowl

The EagleBank Bowl has been held in the Washington, D.C.’s historic RFK Stadium since 2008. Organized by the DC Bowl Committee, Inc., the Washington Convention and Sports Authority and title sponsor EagleBank, the EagleBank Bowl serves as a premier regional event. With first rate participants and events, the EagleBank Bowl seeks to positively impact the regional economy and charitable partners, honor the U.S. military and solidify the nation’s capital as a leading college football destination. For more information, please visit www.EagleBankBowl.org.

About the Washington Convention and Sports Authority

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (WCSA) creates economic and community benefits for the District through the attraction and promotion of hospitality, athletic, entertainment and cultural events. The Authority owns and manages the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that generates over $400 million annually in total economic impact for the city. The Authority also owns and manages the Stadium-Armory campus, which includes Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the DC Armory and the surrounding Festival Grounds, and serves as the owner and landlord for Nationals Park. For more information, please visit www.wcsa.com.

About Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and EagleBank

Eagle Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for EagleBank, which commenced operations in 1998. The Bank is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and conducts full service banking services through fourteen offices, located in Montgomery County, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. The Company focuses on building relationships with businesses, professionals and individuals in its marketplace.

“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support this year’s game has received from the corporate world and private sector,” says Bob Treseler, director of corporate development for the EagleBank Bowl. “Even in this tough economic climate, businesses, both big and small, are rallying to our cause and enabling us to grow the EagleBank Bowl into the region’s premier college football event.”

Along with title sponsor, EagleBank, the city of Washington, D.C., is committed to growing the bowl into a community and charitable event that draws fans from all over the region to Washington, D.C., during the holidays. In the inaugural EagleBank Bowl in 2008, Wake Forest defeated Navy, 29-19, before nearly 30,000 fans at RFK Stadium.

This year’s matchup features the first-ever meeting between the UCLA Bruins and the Temple Owls. Both Rick Neuheisel at UCLA and Al Golden at Temple have guided the resurgence of their respective programs with talented coaching staffs and players.

As part of RCN’s commitment, more than 100 service members and their families will attend the pregame Tailgate Party, as well as the game, for free. Additionally, RCN donated $5,000.00 of cable TV time to help promote the bowl.

“We are grateful for community role models such as RCN, who have joined in our mission to honor members of our military,” says Steve Beck, executive director of the EagleBank Bowl.

In its inaugural year, the EagleBank Bowl donated nearly $280,000.00 to a variety of charities in cash and in-kind donations. This year, the EagleBank Bowl has a charitable partnership agreement with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), an organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

“We are proud to team up with the EagleBank Bowl to support our military and show our deep appreciation of their sacrifices,” says Dick Beville, vice president and general manager of RCN-Washington, D.C. “In addition to providing tickets to the bowl game, RCN is happy to help our service members by increasing awareness of the Wounded Warrior Project.”

EagleBank Bowl Week includes the Teams Luncheon at the JW Marriott Washington, D.C., on Sunday, December 27, as well as the official Tailgate Party at the D.C. Armory and the 2009 EagleBank Bowl at RFK Stadium on Tuesday, December 29.

The Tailgate Party is sure to be a lively event. One of the most energetic and engaging bands on the East Coast, Love Seed Mama Jump, will provide live entertainment along with the Temple pep band and cheerleaders from both participating schools.

Xbox and Nintendo will provide games for the kids, and the highlight of the day is an all-you-can-eat buffet including old-fashioned homemade chili, pulled-pork sandwiches and seafood paella, among other items, provided by some of the District’s most popular restaurants, such as Clyde’s, Tony & Joe’s, Old Glory and J. Paul’s.

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.

“We are honored to be named as the presenting sponsor of the EagleBank Bowl benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. Since 2007, we have supported Operation Second Chance locally through our Windows of Opportunity initiative, and our involvement with the EagleBank Bowl will provide us with the opportunity to extend the reach and support of this worthwhile organization throughout the D.C. metro area,” says Tommy Chaikin, owner of the Renewal by Andersen showroom in Rockville, Md.

“The support this year’s game has received from the business community has been phenomenal,” says Steve Beck, executive director of the EagleBank Bowl. “These local Renewal by Andersen businesses share a common commitment to our men and women in uniform, and we are thrilled to have them aboard as presenting sponsor of our radio broadcast.”

In addition to the Bowl’s support of the Wounded Warrior Project, Renewal by Andersen of the Washington, D.C. Capital Area contributes a portion of proceeds from every window sold to Operation Second Chance through its “Buy a Window. Help a Hero.” campaign, which helps service men and women recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and other VA hospitals throughout the nation. A new Web site dedicated to this effort, www.WindowsHelpingHeroes.org, is now available for local homeowners and businesses to learn more about Operation Second Chance and to tie the purchase of Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows to a donation.

“It’s a great feeling to know that we’ve helped in some small way to de-stress these families’ lives as much as possible. From helping with mortgage payments and buying groceries to making it possible for families to travel for visits with recovering soldiers, and even buying DVD players and Wii console games for those confined to hospital beds for months at a time, we’ll continue to do whatever we can to help these heroes move on,” adds Mark Chaikin, owner of the Renewal by Andersen showroom in Fairfax, Va.

Cindy McGrew, founder and president of Operation Second Chance, says, “I am reminded each day just how blessed we are living in this great nation. I have seen firsthand what courage, strength, bravery and determination can overcome. It just goes to show what can be done to help rebuild these young peoples’ lives when working together with companies such as Renewal by Andersen of the Washington, D.C. Capital Area.”

This year’s EagleBank Bowl is set for 4:30 pm on Tuesday, December 29, at RFK Stadium, with ESPN and Federal News Radio 1500 AM to broadcast the game live.

With more than 50 years of service to our country and support for the military, Mr. Perot is a true American Patriot. As a former officer in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Perot has been a leading source of support for the nation’s wounded warriors involved in military engagements around the world, including veterans from the Gulf War, the Vietnam War, Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

“Ross Perot’s dedication and commitment to our nation and military has been well documented, and we are honored he has decided to lend his support to the EagleBank Bowl,” says Steve Beck, executive director of the EagleBank Bowl. “His participation will help raise awareness of the game and its mission, which in turn will help us support our charitable partner, the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides much-needed aid to severely injured service members.”

Entering the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1949, Perot subsequently helped establish the Naval Honor Code and served as his class president. Following his naval service, Mr. Perot worked as a salesman for IBM before he founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962 with a $1,000.00 loan from his wife. He subsequently built EDS into one of the world’s largest technology services firms, which he eventually sold to General Motors.

In 1988, Perot founded a new technology services company, Perot Systems Corp., where he served as Chairman Emeritus until November 2009, when it was acquired by Dell Inc.

“I am honored to participate in this year’s EagleBank Bowl, which is dedicated to the noble men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to protect our nation and our freedoms,” Perot says. “I can think of no greater cause than supporting our men and women in uniform, and I am looking forward to a great day of football and celebration in our nation’s capital.”

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.

“In either scenario, we feel we have a great matchup for this year’s EagleBank Bowl,” says Steve Beck, executive director of the EagleBank Bowl. “We look forward to hosting the players, coaches and their fans for a tremendous week of fun in the nation’s capital.”

Temple received an at-large invitation to the EagleBank Bowl and will play in its first bowl game in 30 years. The Owls have experienced a football resurgence under fourth-year head coach Al Golden, going 9-3 this season and tying for first-place in the Mid-American Conference.

Temple’s opponent is contingent on the outcome of the Army-Navy game, which will take place this Saturday, 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.

In just his first season, Army head coach Rich Ellerson has guided the Black Knights to a 5-6 record, their most wins since 1996. Army is led by freshman quarterback Trent Steelman and sports one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, allowing just 309.9 yards and 22.4 points per game to rank 17th and 40th nationally in those respective categories. Josh McNary heads Army’s defensive attack, ranking second nationally in tackles for loss (2.05) and third in quarterback sacks (1.14).

With one of the youngest rosters in the country, UCLA won three straight games in November for a 6-6 record and would play in their first bowl game under head coach Rick Neuheisel. The Bruins have gotten it done with defense, as they boast the nation’s interception leader in free safety Rahim Moore, and defensive tackle Brian Price is tied for third nationally with 22.5 tackles for loss.

In last year’s inaugural EagleBank Bowl, Wake Forest defeated the Navy Midshipmen, 29-19, before nearly 30,000 fans at RFK Stadium.

Team Media Contacts
Temple: Cathy Bongiovi (215-204-1608 or cathyb@temple.edu)
Army: Bob Beretta (845-938-6416 or robert.beretta@usma.edu)
UCLA: Marc Dellins (310-206-8194 or mdellins@athletics.ucla.edu)