Big East conference has no plans to change its name
Temple college sports - basketball, football and more - covered by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.
Big East conference has no plans to change its name
Keith Pompey, Inquirer Staff Writer
Big East commissioner Mike Aresco said Saturday morning that the conference has no plans to change its name.
“There is tremendous brand equity built up in the Big East name,” he said before the Temple vs. Maryland game at Lincoln Financial Field. “And as you know, … nowadays the Big 10 has 12 teams. The Big 12 has 10 teams. The fact that it is the Big East is not of concern in terms of geography. The name, though, has enormous brand equity.
“We’ve had a proud history. Thirty years of unbelievable success. So, consequently, no plans to change the name.”
Former interim Big East commissioner Joe Bailey said earlier this week that the conference was considering changing its name due to expansion.
Syracuse and Pittsburgh will leave the conference after this year.
The Big East will add Boise State and San Diego State for football only in 2013. Memphis, Houston, Southern Methodist, and Central Florida then will join as all-sports members. Navy will join the conference for football only in 2015.
Pompey is a native Philadelphian and a University of Pittsburgh graduate. Follow him on Twitter @pompeysgridlock. Reach Keith at kpompey@phillynews.com.
