SEC-Big 12 champs to meet in Sugar Bowl

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NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The Southeastern Conference champion will meet the Big 12 winner annually in the Sugar Bowl starting after the 2014 season, the leagues said Tuesday.

The Sugar Bowl in New Orleans emerged as the host of the yearly SEC-Big 12 contest after a bidding process that had been ongoing since May, when plans for the game were announced by the two conferences.

New Orleans will host the New Year's Day event for 12 years under the deal, Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said.

"There were great cities, attractive destinations, and impressive venues to consider," he said. "Now Big 12 fans can look forward to a New Year's tradition and coming to New Orleans to support their team."

The Superdome will host the first Sugar Bowl featuring the new set-up Jan. 1, 2015.

Some postseason scenarios could affect the game, such as if one or both conference champions are selected to play in the new BCS structure, the commissioners said.