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In the latest episode of our Inside the Boca Raton Bowl with Paige Kornblue podcast, we welcome Nick Carparelli, Executive Director of Bowl Season, for an all-access conversation about what makes the postseason of college football so iconic and valuable. 

With 30+ years of leadership in athletics across organizations like Notre Dame, Syracuse, Under Armour and the New England Patriots, Carparelli brings a deep perspective on the evolution of the sport and the role bowl games continue to play in its success.

“Bowl Season is more than an organization. It’s a time of year on the American sports calendar. December into early January is when we celebrate the sport of college football,” explained Carparelli. 

Episode 11 of Inside the Boca Raton Bowl with Paige Kornblue explores why bowl games continue to draw millions of viewers, despite a shifting landscape that includes the expanded College Football Playoff, NIL legislation and the transfer portal. In fact, ESPN’s 2024-2025 bowl viewership averaged 2.7 million viewers per game, the highest since 2019-2020.

Carparelli highlights how bowl games provide meaningful moments not just for fans, but for student-athletes and host communities alike.

“For a lot of programs, winning six or seven games is a big accomplishment. These players get one last meaningful game with their teammates in a unique destination. That’s powerful” said Carparelli.

Of course, the conversation also zeroes in on the Boca Raton Bowl itself. 

“Your game continues to grow year after year. The destination is fantastic, and there are alumni from all over the country in the area, so no matter who’s playing, there’s excitement,” said Carparelli.

He also touches on the business side, offering insights into why sponsoring a bowl game is such a smart investment. 

“It’s a three-hour commercial during a prime sports window. And many organizers are getting creative from Pop-Tarts to Duke’s Mayo… the engagement is real and fun,” said Carparelli.

For those looking to break into the sports industry, Carparelli shares lessons from his own journey, including time spent with coaching legend Bill Belichick. 

“Belichick’s famous line, ‘Do your job,’ stuck with me. It’s about doing your job, doing it well, and not stepping on someone else’s. If everyone does that, the team wins,” added Carparelli.

To hear more from Nick Carparelli about the traditions, impact, and future of Bowl Season, tune in to Episode 11 of Inside the Boca Raton Bowl or watch on YouTube. 

See you at the game!