
The 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl, held on December 28, 2024, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, featured a compelling matchup between the No. 17 BYU Cougars and the No. 23 Colorado Buffaloes.
This game not only showcased top-tier college football talent but also achieved record-breaking viewership and attendance figures, marking it as the most-watched BYU game in the modern era.
Record-Breaking Viewership
The Alamo Bowl drew an average television audience of 8.0 million viewers on ABC, setting a new benchmark for non-College Football Playoff (CFP) or New Year’s Six bowl games. This achievement surpassed the previous high set by the 2020 Citrus Bowl between Alabama and Michigan. The significant viewership underscores the growing national interest in both programs, particularly under the leadership of high-profile coaches like Deion Sanders at Colorado.
Sellout Attendance
The Alamodome hosted a sellout crowd of 64,261 fans, marking the 12th sellout in the event’s 32-year history. Notably, this was only the second time in the Alamo Bowl’s history that two out-of-state programs achieved a sellout, highlighting the strong fan bases and widespread support for both teams.
BYU’s Dominant Performance
On the field, the BYU Cougars delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Colorado Buffaloes 36-14. The Cougars’ offense was led by running back LJ Martin, who earned Offensive MVP honors for his standout contributions. Defensively, linebacker Isaiah Glasker was named Defensive MVP, reflecting the team’s balanced and effective play on both sides of the ball.
Historical Context and Significance
This victory capped a successful season for BYU, bringing their record to 10-2. The Cougars’ participation in the Alamo Bowl and the subsequent record-breaking viewership highlight the program’s rising prominence on the national stage. The game’s high ratings also reflect the broader appeal of college football bowl games beyond the CFP and New Year’s Six, emphasizing the significance of matchups featuring ranked teams and charismatic coaching figures.
The ‘Prime Effect’
A contributing factor to the heightened interest in this matchup was the presence of Colorado’s head coach, Deion Sanders. Often referred to as the “Prime Effect,” Sanders’ involvement has been associated with increased media attention and fan engagement. His leadership at Colorado has revitalized the program, drawing significant attention to their games throughout the season.
Implications for Future Bowl Games
The success of the 2024 Alamo Bowl in terms of viewership and attendance may influence future bowl game selections and scheduling. Networks and sponsors are likely to take note of the factors contributing to such high engagement, including team rankings, coaching personalities, and fan base enthusiasm. This could lead to more strategic matchups aimed at maximizing audience interest and participation in subsequent seasons.
Conclusion
The 2024 Valero Alamo Bowl between BYU and Colorado not only provided an exciting conclusion to the college football season for both teams but also set new standards for viewership and attendance. The record-breaking 8.0 million television viewers and the sellout crowd of 64,261 underscore the growing appeal of both programs and the enduring popularity of college football bowl games. As the sport continues to evolve, such milestones highlight the dynamic factors that captivate audiences and contribute to the rich tapestry of college football traditions.