Armed Forces Bowl enjoys 2012 jump in TV ratings, reaches most households in its 10-year history

The 2012 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl drew the largest television audience in the game’s 10-year history, based on figures released today. The ESPN telecast from Fort Worth drew a 2.6 rating and reached an average of 2,584,000 households, most in the history of the game.

The numbers marked a 59 percent ratings increase over the 2011 contest, which drew a 1.6 rating. The 2012 rating has been surpassed only once in the bowl’s history, when the inaugural game between No. 18 Boise State and No. 19 TCU drew a 2.8 rating in 2003.

In this year’s contest, Rice defeated Air Force, 33-14, in front of 40,754 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

“We are thrilled with the success of our 10^th anniversary game,” said Brant Ringler, the bowl’s executive director. “Not only did we have a great crowd … but we saw success with our TV numbers as well.”

_ Jimmy Burch