The Senior Bowl’s future in Mobile was uncertain in March 2009 as the event’s leaders weighed outside interest while its contract with Ladd-Peebles Stadium had expired.
Senior Bowl president Steve Hale said reports that the event had entered exclusive negotiations with Tampa were inaccurate. He acknowledged that, without a current Mobile contract, organizers were considering their options and gauging interest from other cities.
Mobile leaders emphasized the event’s value
Mayor Sam Jones said the Senior Bowl was a valued sporting event for Mobile and a contributor to the local tourism economy. A Mobile County commissioner similarly described it as a significant community partner that brought hotel stays and commerce to the area.
The game had been played in Mobile for 59 of its first 60 years, making the contract discussions a major local sports and tourism issue.
Historical negotiations
This article records positions expressed during the March 2009 negotiations. It does not state a final agreement; later reports in this archive document subsequent decisions.