San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl officials announced today that they have signed a contingency agreement with the Western Athletic Conference that impacts the 2008 and 2009 bowl games. 

The contract stipulates that if the bowl’s agreement with the Pacific-10 Conference doesn’t yield a bowl eligible team with six or more wins, then the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl will get a team from the Western Athletic Conference. 

The bowl’s primary agreement with the Pac-10 calls for the San Diego post-season game to receive the 7th place team.  The WAC agreement is activated only if that 7th place Pac-10 team fails to reach the required six wins.

The Pac-10 or WAC participant will face a team from the Mountain West Conference.  The bowl receives the second selection from the MWC; the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl picks first.

"The WAC looks forward to returning to San Diego and hopefully playing in the Poinsettia Bowl this December,” said WAC Commissioner Karl Benson.  “There is so much history and tradition with the 'red coats' dating back to the 80’s and 90’s.   I know our teams and fans are very excited with this possibility."

The WAC participated in 18 of the first 20 Pacific Life Holiday Bowls.  The Holiday and Poinsettia Bowls are produced by the same organizers, the ‘red coats’.

“We are really excited about this partnership,” 2008 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl President Larry Baber stated.  “This contingency plan assures us a great matchup and creates a natural and necessary regional tie.”

The 4th annual San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl kicks off at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23rd at Qualcomm Stadium.  The game is televised on ESPN.  For ticket information visit www.PoinsettiaBowl.net or call 619/285-5061.