La Mesan directing college bowl games

La Mesa resident Mark Neville has been named executive director of the San Diego Bowl Game Association, the non-profit organization that produces San Diego’s two college football bowl games played annually in December at Qualcomm Stadium, the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl and the Holiday Bowl.

Neville has been with the San Diego Bowl Game Association since 1991. He previously served as associate executive director, overseeing sponsorship, marketing, advertising and media relations efforts. He succeeds Bruce Binkowski, who had been with the association for 37 years, spending the last 14 as executive director. Binkowski is currently serving as a consultant during this year’s transition.

“We are confident Mark is the right guy to lead the San Diego bowl game effort moving forward,” said Association Chairman Vincent Mudd. “His experience and knowledge of the industry is tremendous and he’s been by Bruce’s side learning the ropes for many years now. He is ready and we’re grateful for his passion and professionalism.”

The San Diego Bowl Game Association’s mission is to generate tourism, exposure, economic benefit and civic pride for San Diego and its citizens by producing the nation’s most exciting bowl games and festival of activities. During its 37-year history, the organization has generated more than $730 million in economic impact for the region.

This year, kickoff for the Poinsettia Bowl will be at 1:30 on Wednesday, Dec. 23, and one week later for the Holiday Bowl at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30. Both games will air nationally on ESPN-TV and ESPN Radio. The Poinsettia Bowl will feature a bowl eligible Army taking on a team from the Mountain West Conference. The Holiday Bowl will match teams from the Pac-12 and Big Ten Conferences.