What Is 2024 Salute to Veterans Bowl

Overview

The 2024 Salute to Veterans Bowl is an NCAA-sanctioned post-season college football game honoring U.S. military service members. Scheduled for December 28, 2024, it continues a tradition of recognizing veterans through athletic competition and community outreach.

Hosted at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, the game features teams selected from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Beyond the field, the event includes military appreciation ceremonies, player interactions with veterans, and fundraising for veteran support organizations.

• December 28, 2024 marks the official date of the 2024 edition, with kickoff set for 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
• Cramton Bowl, with a seating capacity of 25,000, has hosted the game since 2006 and is undergoing minor renovations to improve fan access.
• The matchup will feature a team from the American Athletic Conference and one from the Mid-American Conference per the current tie-in agreement.
• ESPN holds broadcast rights, with an average viewership of 1.2 million fans during the 2023 edition.
• Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships support Wounded Warrior Project and Operation Homefront, two nationally recognized veteran charities.

How It Works

The Salute to Veterans Bowl operates under NCAA bowl selection protocols, with conference tie-ins, eligibility requirements, and logistical planning managed months in advance.

• Eligibility: Teams must achieve at least a 6–6 win-loss record to qualify for bowl consideration, per NCAA rules for the 2024 season.
• Selection Order: The AAC sends its seventh-highest ranked eligible team, while the MAC sends its second-highest after the MAC Championship representative.
• Player Participation: Despite NFL draft preparations, most key players participate, with an average of 85% of eligible athletes suiting up in 2023.
• Game Duration: The game follows standard NCAA rules, with four 15-minute quarters and a 20-minute halftime show honoring military personnel.
• Sponsorship: Title sponsorship is held by Honor Credit Union, a military-focused financial institution, through 2026.
• Travel & Logistics: Each team receives 50 complimentary hotel rooms and charter flights arranged by the bowl committee.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2024 Salute to Veterans Bowl with four other mid-tier bowl games in terms of date, conference affiliations, viewership, and charitable impact.

This comparison highlights the Salute to Veterans Bowl’s unique focus on military appreciation, placing it among the top mid-tier bowls in veteran engagement despite slightly lower viewership than larger counterparts.

Why It Matters

The Salute to Veterans Bowl extends beyond sports, serving as a platform for national gratitude and community impact. Its annual timing during the holiday season amplifies visibility for veteran causes and strengthens civic-military ties.

• Over 15,000 veterans have been honored at the event since its inception in 2001, including special recognition ceremonies.
• The game generates approximately $750,000 annually for veteran charities through donations and fundraising campaigns.
• Local Montgomery businesses benefit from an estimated $2.3 million economic boost each year due to visiting fans and media.
• High school marching bands from military families are invited to perform, fostering intergenerational support for service traditions.
• The event promotes STEM scholarships for children of veterans, partnering with universities in both participating conferences.
• Media coverage reaches over 200 outlets, increasing awareness of veteran employment and mental health programs.

By blending competitive college football with meaningful tributes, the 2024 Salute to Veterans Bowl reinforces the value of service and sacrifice in American culture.