With the 2021 Lending Tree Bowl about four months away, there is still no contract between game officials and the City of Mobile, and it remains unclear where the game will be played.
Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s administration said it is “currently in negotiations with game officials.” A major sticking point is the city’s financial support. The previous contract, which expired after last December’s game, required the city to provide up to $1.1 million in support, minus the title sponsor’s contribution.
Stimpson has sharply criticized that arrangement. Past sponsors paid varying amounts — GMAC up to $900,000 a year, GoDaddy $600,000 and Dollar General $200,000 — shifting more of the cost onto the city over time. Last year, lender Lending Tree paid $250,000, meaning the city contributed about $850,000.
Jerry Silverstein, president of the game, said he was unsure when a contract would be finalized and presented to the City Council, which will have at least three new members after the August 24 municipal election. He also said there is “absolutely no truth” to rumors that ESPN is trying to buy the game.
The game is set for Saturday, Dec. 18, with a 5:45 p.m. kickoff, and could still follow the Senior Bowl’s lead in moving from Ladd-Peebles Stadium to South Alabama’s Hancock-Whitney Stadium. “To be determined,” Silverstein said.