Potential For Cookeville To Compete For Next TSSAA Contract

The end of Cookeville’s BlueCross Bowl streak, but what about the future?

Cookeville-Putnam County Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Molly Brown said there is a real possibility the city competes for the next TSSAA contract.

“I definitely see that as an opportunity for our community,” Brown said. ” That is something that obviously we will approach together just like we have for the past 12 years, but as positive it has been for us over the past 12 years, I think that is something that is definitely potential in the future.”

Chattanooga was selected to host the next two seasons by the TSSAA Board of Controls Tuesday. Brown said the economic impact and tradition will be missed, but the Bureau plans to bring in other events to supplement.

“We really appreciate the 12 years that TSSAA has allowed us to host,” Brown said. “We appreciate the partnership with Tennessee Tech, the city of Cookeville, Putnam County. This is definitely something that affects us as a community. (…) We plan to continue build relationships with TSSAA and looking at other sports and other opportunities with them.”

Brown said multiple factors played a role in TSSAA’s decision, but sponsorship revenue and facilities were the main ones. Brown said the city has not received specific feedback on their bid presentation, yet.

“That is something that we talked to them that we would partner with them more on,” Brown said. “There is so much potential for that video board for sponsorship opportunities. And then, the turf was something also that was questioned. Just in terms of stadium improvements and their process of comparing with the other opportunity.”

The State Championships have been played at Tennessee Tech since 2009. Cookeville offered TSSAA $253,000 for the right to host over the next two years.