Finley Stadium executive director Merrill Eckstein is very optimistic about Chattanooga’s chances of keeping the NCAA Division I Football Championship game. Greater Chattanooga Sports & Events Committee president Scott Smith feels the same way.
“I have felt optimistic all along,” Eckstein said.
Eckstein and Smith are among the local officials traveling to Indianapolis today for Thursday morning’s presentation to the nine-person NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee. Chattanooga, which has hosted the game for the past 13 years, is scheduled to make its pitch at 10:30, after challenger Frisco, Texas, makes a presentation.
“Even though I feel very confident and feel like we’re the obvious choice, you just don’t know,” Smith said. “This is not one where I feel it’s 50-50. I definitely feel that we’re the clear-cut favorite and best place for the game, so I would be very disappointed if we lose. But I will say there’s a chance we will.”
Each group will have an hour to make its presentation and answer any questions the NCAA has. A maximum of six representatives can speak, and Chattanooga and Frisco each will have six speakers.