Sugar Bowl

Sugar Bowl History

The Sugar Bowl stands as a prominent fixture in American college football lore, entrenched in a rich history that spans over eight decades. Commencing its annual spectacle on January 1, 1935, the Sugar Bowl shares the distinction of being among the second-oldest bowl games in the nation alongside the Orange Bowl and Sun Bowl, trailing only the illustrious Rose Bowl Game in seniority.

Originally gracing Tulane Stadium, the Sugar Bowl found a new home in the Superdome in 1975, except for a brief interlude following the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The game sought refuge in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the 2006 edition before resuming its place in the revamped Superdome the following year. Embraced by various sponsors over the years, including Nokia and USF&G Financial Services, the game has been officially titled the Allstate Sugar Bowl since 2007.

The genesis of the Sugar Bowl was seeded in the visionary proposal of Colonel James M. Thomson and Sports Editor Fred Digby in 1927, as they advocated for a New Year's Day football extravaganza in New Orleans. It wasn't until 1935 that their persistent efforts came to fruition, marking the inaugural Sugar Bowl showdown at Tulane Stadium. Notably, the 1942 Sugar Bowl etched an unusual chapter with its remarkable 2–0 scoreline, the lone scoring play being a safety.

This historic game witnessed significant milestones, including Bobby Grier becoming the first black player to participate in the Sugar Bowl in 1956 amidst social tensions. Even in 1968, amidst the Army's successful season, Pentagon officials denied their participation in the bowl game, citing conflicts with the academy's mission amidst the Vietnam War.

In a bid to adapt and expand its significance, the Sugar Bowl became part of the College Football Playoff system, hosting national semi-final games periodically. Additionally, it joined forces with the Big 12 and SEC to create the Champions Bowl, further solidifying its status in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.

Sugar Bowl schedule 2023

The 2023–24 College Football Playoff's Sugar Bowl is slated for January 1, 2024, at New Orleans' Caesars Superdome. This 90th annual event features a high-stakes semifinal match between the 3rd ranked Texas Longhorns from the Big 12, and the 2nd ranked Washington Huskies of the Pac-12. The victor earns a shot at the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, amplifying the anticipation for this clash of gridiron titans. With tradition and prestige, this showdown promises intense athleticism and strategic brilliance, captivating fans as it unfolds in the historic venue, setting the stage for the ultimate quest towards college football's crowning glory.

Sugar Bowl Game Time

The Sugar Bowl showdown for the 2024 college football season is set to kick off on January 1, 2024, hosted at New Orleans' Caesars Superdome. Scheduled to commence at 7:45 p.m. CST, this highly anticipated game will unfold under the spotlight, captivating audiences far and wide. The clash between formidable college football titans will be broadcast live on ESPN, promising an evening of exhilarating gridiron action as the teams vie for glory in this iconic postseason bowl game.

Sugar Bowl Teams Qualified for 2023

The 2023 Sugar Bowl is set to showcase a compelling clash between two powerhouse college football teams: the undefeated Pac-12 champion, Washington, and the one-loss Big 12 champion, Texas. This anticipated matchup marks the sixth encounter between these formidable squads, with Texas currently holding a 3–2 lead in their overall series. Notably, this game serves as a rematch of the 2022 Alamo Bowl, where Washington secured a 27–20 victory over Texas. As these resilient teams converge once more on the Sugar Bowl stage, anticipation mounts for an intense showdown destined to add another chapter to their competitive history.

sugar bowl tickets

Sugar Bowl tickets are available through official platforms like the Sugar Bowl website, affiliated partners, and trusted resellers. Fans can also explore options via alumni associations, fan clubs, or university departments for exclusive access to the Caesars Superdome event.

Sugar Bowl Location: Caesars Superdome

The Sugar Bowl, an annual college football extravaganza in New Orleans since 1935, found its enduring home in the Caesars Superdome in 1975. Formerly the Louisiana Superdome, this iconic Sugar Bowl stadium in the heart of the city's Central Business District serves as the revered fortress for the NFL's New Orleans Saints. Renowned for its resilience post-Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Superdome briefly relinquished the Sugar Bowl to the Georgia Dome in 2006. Since 2007, Allstate's sponsorship has adorned the event, officially naming it the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Caesars Superdome stands tall, embodying a storied legacy and anchoring the thrilling spectacle of college football's grandest showdowns.

Sugar Bowl Records

The Sugar Bowl stats encapsulate a rich history of college football excellence, showcasing remarkable team and individual performances. From high-scoring clashes to record-breaking feats, the stats reveal iconic moments etched into the annals of this prestigious bowl game.

Team Records:

• Most points scored (one team): 52, Florida vs. Florida State in 1997

• Most points scored (losing team): 35 (shared by Georgia vs. West Virginia in 2006 and Alabama vs. Ohio State in 2015)

• Most points scored (both teams): 81, LSU (47) vs. Illinois (34) in 2002

• Fewest points allowed: 0, achieved eight times, most recently by Oklahoma vs. Penn State in December 1972

• Largest margin of victory: 35, Oklahoma (35) vs. LSU (0) in 1950

• Total yards: 659, Florida (482 pass, 177 rush) vs. Cincinnati in 2010

• Rushing yards: 439, Oklahoma vs. Auburn in January 1972

• Passing yards: 482, Florida vs. Cincinnati in 2010

• First downs: 32, LSU vs. Illinois in 2002

• Fewest yards allowed: 74, Ole Miss vs. LSU (-15 rush, 89 pass) in 1960

• Fewest rushing yards allowed: -39, Tennessee vs. Tulsa in 1943

• Fewest passing yards allowed: 0, achieved three times, most recently by Pittsburgh vs. Georgia Tech in 1956

• Sacks: 10, Baylor vs. Ole Miss in January 2022

Individual Records:

• All-purpose yards: 282, Kevin Williams, Miami (FL) vs. Alabama in 1993

• Touchdowns (all-purpose): 4, Domanick Davis, LSU vs. Illinois in 2002

• Rushing yards: 230, Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State vs. Alabama in 2015

• Rushing touchdowns: 4, Domanick Davis, LSU vs. Illinois in 2002

• Passing yards: 482, Tim Tebow, Florida vs. Cincinnati in 2010

• Passing touchdowns: 6, Justin Fields, Ohio State vs. Clemson in 2021

• Receiving yards: 239, Josh Reed, LSU vs. Illinois in 2002

• Receiving touchdowns: 3 (shared by Ike Hilliard, Florida vs. Florida State in 1997 and Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma State in 2016)

• Tackles: 20, Tom Cousineau, Ohio State vs. Alabama in 1978

• Sacks: 3 (shared by six players, most recently Eric Striker, Oklahoma vs. Alabama in 2014)

• Interceptions: 3 (shared by three players, most recently Bobby Johns, Alabama vs. Nebraska in 1967)

Long Plays Records:

• Touchdown run: 92 yards, Ray Brown, Ole Miss vs. Texas in 1958

• Touchdown pass: 82 yards, Ike Hilliard from Danny Wuerffel, Florida vs. Florida State in January 1995

• Kickoff return: 100 yards, Andre Debose, Florida vs. Louisville in 2013

• Punt return: 78 yards, Kevin Williams, Miami (FL) vs. Alabama in 1993

• Interception return: 96 yards, Al Walcott, Baylor vs. Ole Miss in January 2022

• Fumble return: 26 yards (shared by Bobby Jackson, Illinois vs. LSU in 2002 and Geneo Grissom, Oklahoma vs. Alabama in 2014)

• Punt: 76 yards, Glenn Dobbs, Tulsa vs. Tennessee in 1943

• Field goal: 53 yards, John Carroll, Oklahoma vs. Auburn in January 1972

Miscellaneous Record:

• Game attendance: 85,161, Notre Dame vs. Alabama in 1973

Sugar Bowl Winner List

The Sugar Bowl Winner List highlights historic clashes dating back to 1935, revealing thrilling battles and iconic triumphs. This storied legacy showcases perennial college football powers asserting dominance. From the inaugural victory of Tulane over Temple to the latest showdown where Alabama emerged victorious against Kansas State in 2022, this illustrious event has seen legendary teams claim glory. Notable encounters include Florida's dominant display against Florida State in 1997 and Ohio State's triumphs in 2015 and 2021. Each year, the Caesars Superdome witnesses fierce contests, etching the names of victors into the annals of college football history.