ASU Academic Bowl 2011

The ASU Academic Bowl began in 2006 with the intent to foster school spirit through a high-level academic competition among Arizona State University's various colleges. Modeled in the style of the classic College Bowl television show and national competition, the annual fall event pits teams, comprised of four students, against each other in a fast-paced round of trivia that covers everything from political science to pop culture. ASU Academic Bowl 2011 airs October 2, 3 and 4, 2011 at 11 p.m. on Eight.

The first bowl, featuring 16 teams with students from diverse academic backgrounds, was a tremendous success. Each year the competition draws a larger audience of friends, families and fans donning signs – and even costumes – and keeping the energy high.

"It has been rewarding to watch the event grow through the years," said Virgil Renzulli, vice president of public affairs at ASU and the event's key organizer. “When we started the competition, we wanted to highlight our outstanding students and draw the same kind of attention we give our sports achievements to intellectual achievements. Judging from the level of competition and the great crowd support we have had, we have been very successful with both goals. "

The key to the ASU Academic Bowl has been the students. Since the first bowl in 2006, thousands of students have vied to be one of the 100 contestants in the bowl. While the competition can be grueling, the rewards are great: substantial scholarship money and the coveted championship title.

Early elimination rounds take place at the Memorial Union on the Tempe campus. The final rounds take place in the Eight, Arizona PBS studios on ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus, where they are broadcast in front of a live audience.