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Pentagon Will Broadcast Iron Bowl Live To U.S. Troops

By Sen. Jeff Sessions Office

Published: Wed, November 19, 2008 - 7:55 pm

Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/21092/

WASHINGTON – U.S. troops deployed around the world will be able to watch this year’s matchup between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide live on the Armed Forces Network, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) announced today.

Responding to requests from Alabama military personnel stationed overseas, including members of Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing deployed in Kyrgyzstan, Sessions’ office contacted the Pentagon to request a live broadcast of this year’s game. An official from the Office of the Secretary of Defense confirmed this week that the network now plans to show the Iron Bowl live.

“Our men and women in uniform are deployed all over the world, working every day to protect our country. They perform their missions with incredible skill and bravery,” Sessions, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said. “I’ve had the opportunity to visit with our troops in the Middle East on numerous occasions, and I frequently see an Alabama or Auburn flag flying below the Stars and Stripes. This is a huge game and it has huge national interest. I’m sure that all our military personnel who can will be glued to the television. The interest is at a fever pitch.”

The Iron Bowl is the annual football matchup between Auburn University and the University of Alabama. Although Alabama leads the series 38-33-1, Auburn has won the last six meetings. This year’s clash has taken on national title implications as the Tide enters the game ranked number one in the country.

“The Alabama-Auburn game is one of the great spectacles of sport,” Sessions said. “I am very grateful that Sec. Gates has made the decision to carry the game worldwide.”

Kick-off at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa is set for 2:30 p.m. CST on November 29.