The Graphic Edge Bowl Celebrates 40 Years

One-of-a-Kind Bowl Features Two Games; Four Teams

On Sunday, December 3, 2017 The UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa will host the 40th playing of one of the most unique bowl games in all of college football. The Graphic Edge Bowl actually features two games and includes four NJCAA teams – two from Iowa and two from around the country.

This year’s opening game kicks off at 11:00 AM CST and will pit the Ellsworth Community College Panthers (3-8) against Northland Community & Technical College Pioneers (9-2). The feature game will follow at 3:00 PM CST and will see third-ranked ranked Iowa Western Community College Reivers (10-1) take on No. 5 Northwest Mississippi Community College Pioneers (8-2).

Thom McDonald, Commissioner and Men’s Region XI Director for the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference, explains the unique two-game structure of The Graphic Edge Bowl this way: “The two-game structure started in 1991 at a time when the number of bowl games was on the decline. Having two games helped to preserve some of the opportunity that was being lost for these athletes and teams to play in a game and a venue of this magnitude; it provides a memorable experience for the players and valuable exposure for their programs.”

The venue McDonald refers to is the iconic UNI-Dome on the Campus of the University of Northern Iowa, in Cedar Falls. For many of the Iowa players, playing in the UNI-Dome will be a return to the site where they competed for a state championship. For others, it will be the first time they’ve played in a climate-controlled, domed stadium with all the trappings of a marquis game.

Throughout its history, The Graphic Edge Bowl has also been known as the RC Cola Bowl, the Pepsi Cola Bowl, and the Siegler Printing Bowl. The Graphic Edge came on as the title sponsor in 2002 and, according to McDonald, has helped to build the prestige of the bowl and create a meaningful experience for the more than 300 players who compete in the games each year. “Honestly, this bowl wouldn’t be what it is without the support of John Reglein and The Graphic Edge,” McDonald said. “Every year the players and coaches rave about the gift packs, the banquet, the whole experience.”

Tickets are available beginning at 10:00 AM the day of the game at the UNI-Dome West Entrance; $15 for adults, $10 for students. Tickets are good for both games. The games will also be streamed online on NJCAA TV at http://www.njcaatv.com/landing/index.

. Visit www.TheGraphicEdgeBowl.com for complete details.