The South Shore CVA and Hobart are partnering to bring a historic event to the city on December 7, Indiana’s very first College Football Bowl Game. The game will feature one team from the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), and one from the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) in a showdown at the Brickyard called America’s Crossroads Bowl.
This year’s postseason matchup will serve as a memorable experience for players, coaches, families, and fans.
“The state has had Super Bowls, NCAA conference championships, Big Ten championships, but they’ve never had a college football bowl game,” said John Lynk, Manager of Sports Development for the South Shore CVA. “I’m thrilled. I can’t believe that we actually have the opportunity to bring this game to Northwest Indiana, let alone the very first one in the state.”
Lynk’s predecessor, Rick Flutka (who is retiring) kick-started everything when he stopped by the GLVC’s headquarters while on a trip to Indianapolis. He spoke with their commissioner, kicked around some ideas, and eventually, America’s Crossroads Bowl took shape. When it came time to choose a host city to represent the Region, Hobart emerged as the top choice.
“We picked Hobart since they have such a rich football tradition,” Lynk said. “Hobart’s coach Osika is a former football player, both in college and the NFL. Now, he’s back home leading his old high school. It’s just such a cool set-up and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor is eager for the chance to show off his community on a big stage. He echoed Lynk’s comments.
“I think what put us over the top was our long history of football and the legend of the Brickie Bowl,” Snedecor said. “I think all of those things played a part in them saying ‘this is the place we need to have it.’ I’m looking forward to those teams coming in and being a part of the community while they’re here.”
The teams are planning to get out and engage with the community in a number of ways, from visiting local destinations such as the County Line Orchard, to taking part in Hobart’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony the night before the game.
“We want to make this a great experience for the football players and the people of Northwest Indiana,” Lynk said. “We’re going to get high schools and Pop Warner teams involved. Also, since it’ll be the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, we’re in talks about a scholarship essay contest where students can share what they know and feel about that day.”
There are also pre-game and half-time festivities in the works that will honor all branches of the Armed Forces, as well as first responders. Profits made through merchandise sales will be donated to the Multi-Agency Academic Cooperative, who develop and maintain training opportunities for firefighters, police officers, and EMS.
America’s Crossroads Bowl will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 7 at Hobart High School’s Brickyard Stadium. To learn more, visit americascrossroadsbowl.com. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact John Lynk at 219-989-7770.
