The Mid-American Conference (also referred to as the 'MAC'), has been referred to as the Conference of Quarterbacks, and ranks as one of the highest among all 11 NCAA Division 1-A conferences for graduation rates.

The Quarterbacking tradition of the MAC continued last season, as the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Florida's junior quarterback, Tim Tebow, as the winner of the 2009 Manning Award. The Manning Award is given to college football's top quarterback. Among the finalists were MAC signal callers Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan, Drew Willy of Buffalo and Nate Davis of Ball State.

Will they be the next Ben Roethlisberger, Chad Pennington or Bryon Leftwich?

For more information on the MAC, please visit their website.

In 2007, four of the eight teams were ranked in the top 10 at the same point, with two schools reaching number two and one school reaching number one. Earlier this year, three Big East Conference players were chosen in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft; Connecticut running back Donald Brown, Rutgers wide receiver Kenny Britt, and Louisville center Eric Wood. 2009 looks to be another great year for Big East Football.

For more information on the Big East Conference, please visit their website.

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The 2nd Annual International Bowl All-Star Showcase will feature the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) High School All-Stars taking on their counterparts from Quebec on New Year's Day at Rogers Centre. Kick-off is at 7pm.

This year's game will include one of the most decorated quarterbacks in local high school annals, 2009 Toronto Star Most Valuable Player Tyler Pritty. Pritty recently guided the Markham District Marauders to the 2009 Metro Bowl. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns in the Marauders' 19-0 victory over Birchmount Park.

"We are so proud in being able to provide such a great opportunity to both teams by having them play at Rogers Centre as part of our International Bowl festivities", remarked International Bowl president Don Loding. "This is a great chance for everyone to watch some of the best the high school level has to offer. It is something you will not want to miss."

The game will be preceded by the Battle of the Bands, featuring the bands from the South Florida Bulls and the Northern Illinois Huskies, who play in the International Bowl on January 2. Admission to the game is included with your ticket to the 2010 International Bowl. Tickets will be available for purchase at Gate 7.

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Toronto Sports Association Press Conference
Date to be confirmed
11:30am - 1:00pm

The Head Coach and a star player from each team will meet the Toronto media and have the opportunity to discuss his team, the season, and preparations for the bowl game. The press conference will feature Head Coach introductions, comments, and one-on-one opportunities.

Welcome Reception and Dinner at Casa Loma
Tuesday, December 29th

Representatives from the City of Toronto, Toronto Tourism, our media partners and the Rogers Centre will join Athletic Directors, Coaching Staffs, Official Travel Party members, International Bowl Sponsors and VIP Guests for an elegant reception at Casa Loma, Toronto's landmark castle. Select officials and the two Head Coaches highlight a brief program.

Players Nights in Toronto's Entertainment District
Wednesday, December 30th and Thursday, December 31st

Toronto is a place to see and be seen when the sun goes down. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, players will enjoy some of the finest dining and entertainment in North America. With lights flashing, bands playing, and the dance floors full, team members can get away for a few hours of youthful enjoyment. Some restrictions will apply.

CN Tower Tour
Times to be confirmed

We've included one of Toronto's most unique attractions on the schedule - the CN Tower. The CN Tower is the World's Tallest Building, it soars more than 1,815 feet and offers a breath-taking view.

Kickoff Luncheon at the Westin Harbour Castle
Friday, January 1st

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is the host sponsor for the International Bowl. At the Westin Harbour Castle a grand luncheon will be served at 12:00 for an expected crowd of over 400. The two Head Coaches will share the spotlight as guest speakers, and guests include sponsor representatives, city officials, both teams, Travel Party members and VIP's.

Battle of the Marching Bands
Friday, January 1st

Don't wait until game day to be in downtown Toronto. On Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. the marching bands will face off at the Rogers Center. Each band will perform their school's fight song, and then alternate with selected numbers. After crowning the winner, band members and fans filter into the many eateries and pubs in the finest Entertainment District in North America.

Game Day Pep Rally
Saturday, January 2nd

The International Bowl gets off to a rousing start as each school hosts a pre-game pep rally at the Rogers Centre. Join the marching bands and cheerleaders for a pre-game performance and rally on the stadium plaza prior to entering the stadium.

International Bowl Game
Saturday, January 2nd

The 3rd Annual International Bowl continues a great holiday tradition for the City of Toronto, the Big East Conference, and the Mid-American Conference. The coin will be tossed at Noon and the winner will be decided on the field.

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We are proud to introduce the 2010 International Bowl Patch Program. Here is how it works: Purchase the Official International Bowl Patch (the same ones the players wear) for $15.00. Show your patch at the restaurants, bars and retailers shown below to receive great deals.

It is that simple! Plus, you'll get to keep a great souvenir!

We have a limited number of patches available for sale. You have two purchase options for the International Bowl Patch:

1. Pre-order the patch online and pick it up at Will Call near Gate 7 at the Rogers Centre.

2. Purchase from our authorized dealers:

• Rogers Centre Ticket office at Gate 7 (Monday to Saturday 10AM - 6PM, except Holidays)
• Joe Badali's Restaurant (www.joebadalis.com) (156 Front St West)*
• Harbour Sports Grille (www.harboursportsgrille.com) (10 Yonge St)*

* - check the website for hours of operations

International Bowl Patches will soon be available at more authorized locations.

Click here to view the 2010 International Bowl Patch Participants.

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Getting to Toronto

From Fort Erie or Niagara Falls
If crossing into Canada at Fort Erie, from Interstate 90 take the Peace Bridge/Canada exit. If crossing at Niagara Falls, take the Rainbow Bridge. After entering Canada, take the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) to Toronto. QEW changes to Gardiner Expressway in Toronto. Take the Spadina Avenue exit from the Gardiner Expressway and follow the signs to the Rogers Centre. Surface parking is available in several lots around the Rogers Centre, on Queen's Quay and Front Street.

From Windsor-Detroit
Enter via the Ambassador Bridge. After entering Canada, take Highway 3 to Highway 401 east for 139 miles to Exit 235 to Highway 403 east. Continue on Highway 403 for 64 miles, onto Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). QEW changes to Gardiner Expressway in Toronto. Take the Spadina Avenue exit from the Gardiner Expressway and follow the signs to the Rogers Centre. Surface parking is available in several lots around the Rogers Centre, on Queen's Quay and Front Street.

From Port Huron
Take I-69 or I-94 to the Bluewater Bridge. After entering Canada, take Highway 402 East to Highway 401 (approximately 64 miles). Take Highway 401 east 31 miles to Exit 235 to Highway 403 east. Continue on Highway 403 for 64 miles. onto Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). QEW changes to Gardiner Expressway in Toronto. Take the Spadina Avenue exit from the Gardiner Expressway and follow the signs to the Rogers Centre. Surface parking is available in several lots around the Rogers Centre, on Queen's Quay and Front Street.

Downtown Map

Click the map below to enlarge.

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American visitors traveling by land (car, bus, train) or air require a valid passport to enter Canada, and to re-enter the United States. For complete details, we recommend you visit the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

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Hotel Reservations and Special Rates

The following hotels have been selected and approved as Official International Bowl Hotels, and offer a variety of special International Bowl rates:

Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Headquarters for the International Bowl

The International Bowl is pleased to announce that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will once again provide the Team Headquarters Hotels for the International Bowl. Starwood Hotels & Resorts will also sponsor the Kickoff Luncheon.

Westin Harbour Castle

Featuring breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Rogers Centre. The Westin Harbour Castle is located close to other major attractions such as the Air Canada Centre, CN Tower, the Entertainment District and the Eaton Centre shopping mall.

The Westin Harbour Castle will be pleased to offer a special rate for Fan Preferred and Student Preferred. Reservations for International Bowl can be made by clicking the following links, International Bowl Fan Preferred and International Bowl Student Preferred, or by calling 1-888-627-8559 (United States and Canada) or 1-800-228-1212 (Overseas).

Sheraton Centre

In the heart of the business and entertainment districts, the CAA/AAA Four Diamond Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is conveniently connected to Toronto's underground PATH, a 10- kilometre network of offices, shops, and services. The Sheraton Centre boasts a premier business centre and full conference facilities. You'll also enjoy Toronto's largest year-round pool, a 24-hour fitness centre and numerous unique dining options.

The Sheraton Centre offers a special rate for Fans and Students. Reservations for International Bowl can be made by clicking the following links, International Bowl Fan Preferred and International Bowl Student Preferred, or by calling 1 888 627 7175.

Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown

The Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown will serve as the official media headquarters for the International Bowl and will house the media check-in and workrooms as well as overnight accommodations and hospitality.

The Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown is ideally located within Rogers Centre - the world's only 4 diamond hotel located within a major league sports and entertainment venue. Guests can watch their team warm up while enjoying a drink in the lounge or just soak in the unique view into the Rogers Centre. The Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown is in the heart of Toronto's Toronto's famous entertainment district, minutes from the CN Tower as well as the best theatres, restaurants and shopping.

Special packages are also available for fans.

We welcome all to join The Official International Bowl Group on Facebook.

This will be the place to:

• Find the latest pictures and videos
• Discuss potential Big East and MAC match-ups
• Connect with other fans
• Share stories from past International Bowl experiences

And now you can follow us on Twitter. Stay up to date with the latest news related to the International Bowl.

Keep checking the International Bowl website for more information.

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Interested in keeping up to date with the International Bowl? Sign up for our e-mail newsletter (distributed monthly during the college football season).

As a subscriber of our newsletter, you will get exclusive content and information. You will be among the first to know who the two teams will be.

The International Bowl respects your privacy. Click here to review the International Bowl Privacy Policy.

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