The annual college football bowl game at Ford Field in Detroit has a new name and a new partner in GameAbove Sports, per reports from multiple outlets. The event, previously known as the Quick Lane Bowl, will now go by the GameAbove Sports Bowl and is slated for a 2 p.m. kickoff on December 26. GameAbove Sports, a company with activities ranging from charitable giving to sports entertainment, has stepped up as the title sponsor in a move that looks to bring new energy to the game.
According to ClickOnDetroit, TJ Lang, a former NFL player who also serves as a radio broadcaster for the Detroit Lions and an ambassador for GameAbove, championed the new partnership, "We are thrilled to align ourselves with such a wonderful sports event and part of the college bowl season," Lang stated. Emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between GameAbove and the Detroit community, he added, “This partnership reflects GameAbove’s mission and dedication to sports, while showcasing and creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes. This also expands GameAbove’s presence in Detroit. As a group, we’ve been fortunate to contribute to various academic, wellness and sports initiatives across the region. We’re just as excited about the community outreach tied to this bowl game as to what will take place on the field on Dec. 26.”
The change in sponsorship marks the end of Quick Lane's involvement, which had been the title sponsor from 2014 through 2023, as described by MLive. GameAbove's acquisition aligns with their recent expansion into sports, as the company announced earlier this year its intent to acquire a franchise in the Big3 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube. The company is set to base the new team in Detroit starting with the 2025 season.
Reflecting on the essence of this collaboration, Detroit Lions Executive Director of Bowl Game & Events, Brad Michaels commented to the official Detroit Lions website, “In a city that is extremely dedicated to football, it is an inspiring time to introduce new elements to the college football post-season bowl experience through this new partnership.” The contest typically features teams from the Big Ten and the Mid-American Conference, and with tickets starting at $29, fan access remains a priority.
The GameAbove Sports Bowl aims to continue the tradition of post-season excitement in Detroit. For those interested in attending, tickets will be available for purchase starting October 16, at the official event website, as confirmed by the Detroit Lions.
.jpg){kind=link}