Just how much do colleges make from bowl games?
A Hartford Courant article quotes Knight Commission Executive Director Amy Perko: “There is a myth that exists that going to a bowl game is a financial windfall for the university.” While the University of Connecticut received $1.2 million from the Big East Conference for its participation in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, the university spent nearly all of the money on bowl-related expenses. The final profit was $25,266. In addition to paying for the travel expenses for the team and band, 108 people were part of the official travel party, including administrators, 25 spouses, secretaries, and team support personnel. The university also gave 13 employees bonuses for the team being selected to participate in the bowl game.
