Pioneer Bowl (1971–1982)

The Pioneer Bowl was a postseason college football game played annually from 1971 to 1982. It pitted the champion of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) against a team from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The game was created to provide a postseason opportunity for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that were not selected for the NCAA Division II playoffs. It was played at various locations, including Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida; Seagram Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and other sites in Florida and Texas. The Pioneer Bowl offered national exposure for HBCU football programs and showcased the talent of their players. Due to financial difficulties and waning interest, the game was discontinued after the 1982 season.