One new bowl received certification, 27 others were recertified and one bowl was decertified for the 2003-04 season by the NCAA Football Certification Subcommittee.

The Fort Worth Bowl is new for 2003. Universities representing the Big 12 Conference and Conference USA are scheduled to compete in the Fort Worth Bowl December 23, 2003.

"The Fort Worth Bowl organization came to us very well-prepared with conference and television commitments, as well as good facilities and support from its community," said Tim Curley, athletics director at Pennsylvania State University and chair of the Football Certification Subcommittee. "We believe they will sponsor an event that will be a good experience for student-athletes."

The 27 bowls that have been recertified for 2003 are listed in the accompanying chart. The subcommittee did not recertify the Seattle Bowl because of financial issues and failure to adhere to administrative requirements.

The subcommittee also reviewed the 2002-03 bowl season and noted that about $182 million was distributed to participating teams and conferences. A record 1.4 million fans attended the games. About 5,000 student-athletes had the opportunity to be involved in a postseason football bowl experience.