TicketsNov. 16, 2009
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati football team will play its 2012 contest against Virginia Tech at FedExField, the Landover, Md., home of the Washington Redskins, UC Director of Athletics Mike Thomas announced Monday.
"This is an exciting opportunity to play a top-flight opponent in one of the top football facilities in the country," head coach Brian Kelly said. "I have a great deal of respect for Frank Beamer and the Virginia Tech program and we are looking forward to renewing our rivalry. We also have an opportunity to play a game in our nation's capital and expose a new group of fans to what Bearcats football is all about."
The Bearcats are off to a 10-0 (6-0 BIG EAST Conference) start to the 2009 season, earning their third-straight 10-win season for the first time in school history. This season also marks the first time UC will play in a bowl game in four-consecutive years.
UC and Virginia Tech have met nine times on the gridiron with the Hokies holding a 5-4 advantage in the all-time series after winning the past two contests. The series in neutral site games is tied at one win apiece. The two squads last met in the 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl with Virginia Tech earning a 20-7 win. The previous neutral site matchup took place in the 1946 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, an 18-6 UC win.
"As the program has gained more national notoriety over the last few years with national rankings, a BIG EAST championship, and last year's BCS appearance in the Orange Bowl, we are always looking for opportunities to grow our brand beyond Cincinnati and the state of Ohio," Thomas said. "These types of games are important to the development of our championship program and help to expand our exposure on a national stage."
"We are excited to have Cincinnati and Virginia Tech playing at FedExField," Redskins Chief Marketing Officer Mitch Gershman said. "This game, a rematch of the 2009 Orange Bowl, highlights two outstanding programs and continues FedExField's commitment to hosting the most competitive and nationally acclaimed matchups in the country."
Information on tickets sales and kickoff time will be released at a later date.
The game marks the Bearcats' initial visit to FedExField, while it will be the third trip for Virginia Tech, joining a 2004 contest with Southern California and an upcoming matchup with Boise State in 2010.