Head football coaches speak ahead of Pop Tarts Bowl

Pop-Tarts Bowl coaches news conference

FOX 35's Matt Trezza talks with the head football coaches of the University of Miami and Iowa State University about this weekend's Pop-Tarts Bowl game.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida sports leaders say big events bring a big windfall of cash to Central Florida’s economy. The head football coaches of the University of Miami and Iowa State University said they were happy to be a part of that with Saturday’s Pop Tarts Bowl.

"How many families that are here intend to come back because they've had such a great experience, right?" said Coach Mario Cristobal, from the University of Miami. "From an economy standpoint, that's always a bonus, always a tremendous plus."

"But the reality of it is the impact that they have taken these experiences and given back to the local community and the impact of really making a difference," said Coach Matt Campbell, from Iowa State. "I think that's really powerful for our kids to hear."

Florida Citrus Sports officials said the city's bowl games bring in more than $100 million to the local economy. Data from the Orlando Sports Foundation stated the Cure Bowl would have an economic impact of nearly $54 million, with more than $4 million also going to cancer research. The games also bring more exposure to what Orlando offers beyond its theme parks.

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Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports, said these games give a boost to Orlando’s businesses and local nonprofits.

"From 1947 on, that's what these games have done," Hogan said. "Started with a fundraiser for a children's hospital in Umatilla, Florida, and so many years later, it's doing summer camps and scholarships, and now the modern-day investments in Westlake, so we're super-proud of what these games do."

Florida Citrus Sports supports Lift Orlando, along with other local nonprofits. The organization helps the businesses and communities around Camping World Stadium. The Pop Tarts Bowl coaches said they were proud to support the Central Florida community.

"It's all tied in together, right?" Cristobal said. "Impact, growth and development. Reaches the economy but also reaches the individual. It's transformational."

"To watch a bowl game and bowl experience, and that's actually happening and money is being reinvested into young people and making a difference in communities," Campbell said. "I think that's really powerful."

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