Mizzou to play Illinois annually in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS -- The annual "Braggin' Rights" basketball game between Missouri and Illinois has been so successful that the schools are going to do it in football, too.

The universities have reached a four-year agreement to play at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis starting in 2007, officials with the St. Louis Sports Commission and the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission said Thursday. The universities have an option for a two-year extension.

"It's absolutely wonderful to have a long-term commitment from the schools, which gives us the chance to build this series into something very special," said Frank Viverito, president of the sports commission.

All four games will serve as season-openers for both teams. Dates are Sept. 1, 2007; Aug. 30, 2008; Sept. 5, 2009; and Sept. 4, 2010. All four are during Labor Day weekends.

The two teams also played at the dome in 2002 and 2003, also on Labor Day weekends.

Illinois Athletic Director Ron Guenther, said he expects the event to enjoy popularity similar to the annual December basketball game. His counterpart at Missouri, Mike Alden, agreed.

"Mizzou and Illinois enjoy such a passionate and competitive rivalry that I believe represents the best in college athletics," Alden said.

Officials said the NCAA's decision earlier this year to allow Division I-A teams to play 12 regular season games opened the way for renewing the series.

The Tigers won both previous games at St. Louis, 33-20 in 2002 and 22-15 in 2003. Both games were televised by ABC and both drew more than 60,000 fans.

"This is a great series for our program and just as important for our fans," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "I was very impressed with the atmosphere in St. Louis when we played this game previously. It was a big-time atmosphere that was an unforgettable experience for everyone in our program."

Ticket information will be announced later.