The Bowl Championship Series Game is the latest in the evolution of college sports bowl games. The game pits the number one and number two NCAA Division I college teams against one another to play for the undisputed title of the "best team in college football." The 2011 game will be held January 10 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (near Phoenix).
History of the Game:
Prior to the 2006 season, choosing the number one team in college football has relied on the outcome of a series of bowl games -- the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, and the Orange Bowl. While colorful, a clear winner did not always emerge from this system. Beginning in 2006, the number one and number two ranked teams, as determined by the BCS voters, will play in a single game for the national title.
The Voting:
The number one and number two college teams are chosen by a weekly poll of sports writers and coaches combined with a computer-generated ranking. The selection process is complicated and continues to evolve.
The 2010/2011 Game:
The 2010/2011 Bowl National Championship Series game will be held January 9 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, pitting #1 Auburn against #2 Oregon. (Ohio State--ranked #6 for 2010/2011--will play in the Sugar Bowl, in New Orleans on January 4.)
About University of Phoenix Stadium:
University of Phoenix Stadium, formerly Cardinals Stadium, opened in 2006 and is located in Glendale, Arizona, about nine miles northwest of Phoenix. The stadium seats 63,400, but can expand to 72,200 for mega-events, such as the BCS Championship Game. The stadium was designed to resemble a barrel cactus and has a retractable roof. For a seating diagram of the stadium, click here.
Future Games:
The 2012 game will be held in New Orleans on January 9, the 2013 game will be in Miami on January 7, and the 2014 game will be held in Pasadena on January 7.
(Updated 12-7-10)
(Updated 12-7-10)
