2011 Bowl Games: Ranking the 25 "Cool" Other Places to Hold Bowl Games

It should be a well-known fact by now that college football's whole "Bowl Season" deal is just some facade Northerners came up with so that they have a good reason to visit their Southern brethren in the wintertime for some sun and relaxation. They complain of the chilly weather and this thing they call "snow" (I don't even believe it to be real).

Now, their whole little "bowl season" plan has backfired, as the South actually got too into it. Those Yankees now must watch as their teams lose year after year to the SEC, but hey...a week or two in temperatures that aren't below 50 degrees is totally worth it, no matter the final score.

Us Southerners do have a lot of wonderful places to offer, and as the bowl fever has spread to multiple other parts of the bottom half of the nation, life has gotten better for the North.

We rank which 25 bowl destinations, not including the BCS, are the best as this "bowl season" approaches.

No. 25: New Mexico Bowl

The New Mexico Bowl isn't just the first bowl to be played on the schedule; it's also the worst warm-weather destination on the list. Taking place in Albuquerque, NM, this matchup features the MWC against the Pac-12.

It may be nice and cozy down south in the desert, but that's exactly what Albuquerque is...a desert. There is literally nothing to do and nothing to see.

No. 24: BBVA Compass Bowl

This Big East vs. SEC clash will be a great bowl game to attend. However, that would be completely true if it wasn't in Birmingham, Ala. I have nothing against the classic Southern state, but they do have a reputation for being...crazed.

Additionally, there isn't much to see. I suppose Northerners could stop by the jail where Martin Luther King, Jr. was imprisoned or perhaps throw some eggs at the headquarters of the SEC, which is taking some harsh revenge for that whole Civil War deal.

No. 23: Independence Bowl

I've watched my team, the Texas A&M Aggies, play in Shreveport a few times. The most recent time I was there, Georgia handed us our squad on a platter, but the time before that, my family and I had the unfortunate timing of being caught up in what was later called the "Snow Bowl."

Shreveport does get colder than you would think for a Louisiana city, but it also isn't the greatest attraction for big-time venues. Boredom plus an ACC vs. MWC matchup will just result in disappointment.

No. 22: GoDaddy.com Bowl

The only other Alabama bowl game. At least this one will be somewhere near a beach. Mobile resides right next to the coast, but again, I cannot stress this enough—it is still in Alabama.

Furthermore, it's a big-time matchup of the MAC vs. Arkansas State. Can someone say boring?

No. 21: Hyundai Sun Bowl

The Sun Bowl in good ole Texas. El Paso is such a nice place to visit, too, with all the death, murder and drug dealing going down literally just across the Rio Grande in Mexico.

The "Sun" Bowl isn't lying, though, as it will be hot.

At least the matchup would be pretty cool to watch, as the ACC takes on the Pac-12.

No. 20: Insight Bowl

This Big Ten vs. Big 12 matchup could work out to be a great game, just as it has in the past, but it's still in Tempe, Ariz. Now, Arizona is no New Mexico, but it's close.

What I hear about Tempe, however, makes it sound like a really nice winter getaway. No beaches, but a lot of sun will keep you nice and toasty on a December day.

No. 19: New Orleans Bowl

It's a huge deal when Louisiana-Lafayette faces off against Conference USA. We're talking life-changing experience.

At least it's in New Orleans. There are a ton of attractions to visit and a lot of history to explore.

No. 18: Military Bowl

Going to watch one of America's military academies face off against the ACC would be an honor. Considering how strongly Air Force has shown up this season in some of its games, this matchup has the potential to be quite good.

The game is in DC, however, and is one of the coldest venues on this list. Don't expect any warm feelings while actually at the game, but at least when you're not in the stadium, there are a lot of cool places to visit and sightsee.

No. 17: Music City Bowl

Nashville, the country music capital of the world, is one of the most fun venues in the nation. There is so much history to see in this state capital that you probably wouldn't have time for it all.

An ACC vs. SEC game will provide ample entertainment if country music isn't your thing, though.

No. 16: Armed Forces Bowl

BYU takes on Conference USA in this decent football matchup. Houston or Southern Miss playing here would be exciting to watch. Wherever you look this up, it will say this game is in Dallas, but that is untrue. This bowl game actually takes place deep within the limits of Fort Worth, Texas.

Fort Worth, Dallas and Arlington are basically all the same place and all equally fun, but for the purposes of this article, I split them up. TCU occupies this sector of the massive city, however, and is one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.

No. 15: TicketCity Bowl

This second matchup in the old Cotton Bowl stadium is actually in Dallas. Again, a couple of great attractions, including SMU's campus right in the middle of the city.

Conference USA takes on the Big Ten here in the Lone Star State in what has potential to be a fun matchup.

No. 14: AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic

The final Dallas-based game comes out of Arlington, which is literally right in between Fort Worth and Dallas. This may be called the Cotton Bowl, but it is now played in Jerryworld, otherwise known as Cowboys Stadium.

A Big 12 vs. SEC game should be one of the best in the postseason. Don't miss an opportunity to see this one in person if you can.

No. 13: AutoZone Liberty Bowl

This C-USA vs. SEC matchup should be extremely entertaining considering how strong some of the top C-USA teams are and how some of the lower SEC squads would be a great game for any of them.

This bowl also takes place in Memphis, which—although not very southern geographically—is one of the most "Southern" places you'll ever visit.

No. 12: Belk Bowl

This somewhat early bowl on the schedule takes place in beautiful Charlotte, N.C. It takes two nearby rivals and pits them against each other in an ACC vs. Big East matchup.

Charlotte is beautiful year round, and you can always find a beach somewhere in North Carolina. The temps may be a bit chillier than what some of you may be looking for, but at least it shouldn't be snowing.

No. 11: Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl

St. Petersburg is a lovely Florida destination on the west coast of the peninsula. Its beaches are crisp and beautiful, making it a great Southern getaway. The smaller city is also just across the bay from Tampa, so there are lots of things to do.

Florida International gets the nod in this bowl, as it will take on Conference USA in a fun bowl. Don't be fooled by the name; this is a great place to play.

No. 10: Chick-fil-A Bowl

Atlanta, Ga., the castle of the South. The ACC takes on the SEC in this classic matchup in the Georgia Dome. Look for some big-time teams to be playing there this postseason.

Georgia is the classic Southern state. Some would argue against it, but when it comes to the "South," Georgia seems to be the kind of place they would be thinking of. A visit there might not have many beaches, but what it does have is history, and a lot of it.

No. 9: Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas

In what was simply known as the Texas Bowl, this Big Ten-Big 12 tilt matches up the bottom of each conference. Houston is a great host city, providing Northern visitors with many places to sightsee.

For example, hit up NASA or head down to Galveston to test the Gulf waters. Houston is a beautiful city once you get to know it.

No. 8: Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl

In this Army vs. the Pac-12 game, the cadets get to face off against one of the lower-seeded West Coast teams. However, the Black Knights didn't qualify for postseason play this year, so Illinois takes their place against UCLA.

San Francisco is the main reason this bowl is so high. The city is amazing. It may be filled with hippies and some pretty insane people on the average, but make sure you can hit up every part of the area. Whether it be Fisherman's Wharf or the Golden Gate Bridge, San Fran is a city you can't miss out on.

No. 7: MAACO Bowl

There is one big reason this bowl will be fun to go to, and I'll give you a hint: It won't be the football. This lower-seeded MWC vs. the Pac-12 game should be a fun matchup, but this game is in Vegas.

Now, everyone should hit up Vegas once in their lifetime. The city is amazing, like a sunspot on the desert. You'll never be more fit to re-enact The Hangover, because either way after the game, you and your buddies are grabbing a drink. In Vegas, that can lead to some crazy stuff. Have a blast.

No. 6: Gator Bowl

The Gator Bowl, so creatively giving away what state it takes place in, is played in sunny Jacksonville. The warm temps and cool breezes should keep you satisfied, but if not, the football will.

This SEC vs. Big Ten battle is the classic North vs. South matchup everyone loves to see. The real Gators will be coming up from Gainesville to play in this year's edition, so it should be a lot of fun.

No. 5: Holiday Bowl and Poinsettia Bowl

The Holiday Bowl and the Poinsettia Bowl both take place in the wonderful southern city of San Diego. This California hot spot features probably the best zoo in the world, some great attractions and some very pretty beaches.

The Holiday Bowl will show off the Big 12 against the Pac-12, while the Poinsettia Bowl will feature the MWC vs. Louisiana Tech. Some lower-class teams should be playing here, but the city is one of the warmest around, so don't miss traveling down to Southern California.

No. 4: Capital One Bowl and Champs Sports Bowl

This Big Ten vs. SEC matchup is once again based out of Florida. I'm guessing those Midwest cities really hate being up there when it starts to get really cold, and Florida is the perfect getaway.

Orlando, though, is a prime choice. The city is beautiful and contains some great relaxation locations. Don't forget to maybe hit up Disney World while you're down there.

No. 3: Outback Bowl

The Outback Bowl is once again the Big Ten taking on the SEC. It may seem to get a little repetitive, but classic matchups between two extremely storied conferences will never get old.

This big game is held down in Tampa Bay. Besides the fantastic football you will have the opportunity to see, this part of Florida owns some sandy beaches and the warm sun. I suggest staying as long as possible.

No. 2: Valero Alamo Bowl

San Antonio may not be on some coastline or some historical marker, but this city is one of the best bowl destinations the Pac-12 can draw. It is barely ever below 50 degrees in south Texas, and even if it is in late December, the game is played in the Alamodome.

Additionally, this is San Antonio. Go around and visit the Alamo, the Riverwalk, some of the old missions and possibly the new PGA hotel for a round of golf. It is one of the biggest cities in the country with that small-town kind of feel.

No. 1: Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl

This one is pretty obvious. Your team is selected to play in Hawai'i, probably the most well-known relaxation destination in the country and possibly the world. These small islands are the place to be this bowl season.

The football won't be that wonderful. This WAC vs. C-USA matchup won't be eye-popping, but the location really makes up for any letdowns on the gridiron. Spend as much time as you can on this island paradise.