Indy eyes NCAA football championship

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Playoffs are coming to major college football. And the decision, which became official Tuesday, spells opportunity for Indianapolis.

It's a big change that could mean big money and the national spotlight for the Circle City.

While the new playoff format will include only four teams, playing in the usual "college bowl" cities, the championship game will be bid out to any city that's interested.

Having just finished playing host to the Super Bowl, professional football's national championship, Indianapolis seems a natural to go after college football's big game. With its indoor facilities and a long history of handling big crowds for both pro and collegiate sports, even in the middle of winter, Indianapolis is sure to be among the top tier of cities in which to play the game.

"This kind of game would not have the kind of impact of the Super Bowl, but it will be very close," said Matt Will, an associate professor of finance at the University of Indianapolis.

Will said the potential payoff of hosting a college football championship is huge for Indianapolis.

"It's outside dollars. You know, that's the key here. These are outside dollars, big money too. The people that like their college teams, they'll spare no expense to see them play," he said.

Moving forward would require a green light from the Indiana Sports Corp., which spearheaded the city's successful bid to host the Super Bowl. But it all starts with the mayor.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is in Germany, but a spokesperson for him told 24-Hour News 8: "The city is capable of hosting it. It's interested if it makes sense. Everyone has to agree."

It may come down to cost. How much money will it take to win the bid?

"But the key is, it has a snowball effect. Because not only will you attract this one-time audience, you will now be on the consideration list for other events," Will said.

Which means the successful Super Bowl this past February may well put Indianapolis near the top of the list for hosting the 2015 College Football Championship.

While Indianapolis waits for the bid requirements before going full speed ahead, the competition is already under way. Thursday, the Houston Sports Authority announced it will not only go after the college championship game, but "agressively pursue this game." And late Friday, the Chik-Fil-A bowl people said they will work hard to bring the game to Atlanta.

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