Plan to Save Freedom Bowl Hinges on Television Deal

Orange County officials trying to save the Freedom Bowl are concentrating on two factors often related in sports--television and money.

Jerry McGee, executive director of the Orange County Sports Assn., said the group is “right in the thick of things nailing down” a television contract for the postseason football game at Anaheim Stadium. He said Prime Sports, Turner Sports (TNT and WTBS) and ESPN have discussed airing a game this year, but no decision has been made.

Interest from television networks could help the game attract a title sponsor. The NCAA has given Freedom Bowl organizers until June 15 to come up with financing so the game can be officially sanctioned.

McGee is not certain that a sponsor can be determined by then, but he doesn’t think the NCAA deadline “is set in stone” if progress is being made. That’s where the television deal comes into play.

“They want the ’95 game to work, and we do too,” McGee said of the NCAA.

Organizers hope to play this year’s game between Dec. 26-31, with the Western Athletic Conference’s third-place finisher facing an at-large team. The game would be renamed the Big Orange Classic and no longer involve teams from the Pacific 10.

McGee said organizers hope any future games would break even, at minimum. “We’re not at a point where we can produce an event that loses money,” he said.

The game has played a large part in the Orange County Sports Assn.’s money problems. The organization, which has a debt of $1.7 million, also is looking for a sponsor to become involved with the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame at Anaheim Stadium.

McGee said the organization is talking with some firms about operating the hall and hoped to have a decision within a few weeks.