Dyersburg High School head football coach James Counce told a group of city aldermen and advocates for a renovated stadium on Thursday the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics notified him last week of the successful bid.

"We want to celebrate this announcement with you," said Counce. "This will benefit the community, the merchants, the people. We'll be able to show the success we can make happen."

The title of the contest is the "Big River Bowl."

The teams, to be named, are from the NAIA top 20 ranking.

"They're going to bring between 75 and 80 players, their fan base, and football fans," said Counce. "They will stay in Dyersburg hotels, eat in our restaurants and spend money in our community. This will help Dyersburg and its youth."

Unmentioned in the public address was the status of the proposed $2.6 million stadium renovation, backed by the group "Team Dyersburg."

Counce in March detailed the group's plans to seek a 20-year municipal bond issued by the city to help with the stadium renovation.

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Counce said after the Thursday meeting the upgraded field "depends on the city fathers."

Otherwise, he said, the stadium will remain "in the same way it is today" for the 2009 bowl game.