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Updated: Tuesday, 17 Mar 2009, 10:51 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 17 Mar 2009, 10:25 PM CDT
MOBILE, Ala. - The Senior Bowl has been a Mobile tradition for almost six decades, but rumor has it, the game could be looking to "graduate" to an NFL city. "But that hasn't been verified with us," said Ladd-Peebles Stadium Board of Directors, Milton Joyner. "So, we don't really know."
Joyner says there's always talk of the game moving away, but a published report in the Tampa Tribune is adding fuel to the fire.
The article says the Senior Bowl has offered Tampa exclusive negotiating rights for its game. Mobile City leaders wouldn't comment on camera because there's no longer a Senior Bowl contract in place.
But Mayor Sam Jones did release a statement saying, "The Senior Bowl is a valued sporting event in Mobile, contributing a tremendous economic impact to our tourism industry. We would not want the game to leave Mobile. For it has become an institution and event that many of us look forward to."
The Ladd-Peebles Stadium Board of Directors feels the same way. "Certainly, we'd like to keep it," said Joyner, "It's been a very positive thing for the city of Mobile over the years."
In fact, Joyner says the board contacted Senior Bowl officials a month ago to start negotiations on a new deal, but were told to wait.
"We've just been waiting on them to get something done and they haven't so we're moving forward on our own," he said.
On Monday the stadium's board of directors will meet to start working on a new proposal. At this point, Joyner says the Senior Bowl has the ball and the clock is ticking. "As far as I'm concerned we're going to negotiate in good faith and try to them here," Joyner said.
FOX10 News also wanted to know what other local political leaders had to say about the possible move.
Alabama Congressman Jo Bonner sent us a statement, saying, "The Senior Bowl is as much a tradition in Mobile as azaleas and moon pies. It's been a showcase for college seniors, many of whom have gone on to make a successful career in the NFL. I hate to even think about them looking to move to another location, and I hope there is not any truth to these reports."
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