The expansion of the Mid-American Conference was completed Wednesday afternoon as the University of Massachusetts was added as a football-only member.
Massachusetts will start conference play in 2012 and will be eligible for MAC championship games and bowl games beginning in 2013.
The move expands the conference to 14 members.
In a press release, MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said the move will bring more competition to the conference.
"The University of Massachusetts will add to the academic stature of the Mid-American Conference and bring a strong tradition and depth to our conference," Steinbrecher said. "The UMass football program will add quality to our conference's football programs and balance our divisions. In addition, [this move] allows our conference to expand our footprint into New England and into the Boston and Hartford/Springfield markets."
Over the past 13 years, the Minutemen have captured five conference championships as a Football Championship Subdivision program.
"We feel the time is right for this landmark decision of UMass football elevating to the [Football Bowl Subdivision] level," University of Massachusetts Athletic Director John McCutcheon said in a press release. "We are extremely excited about the opportunity to join the Mid-American Conference and develop relationships and rivalries with its members."
Massachusetts will play its home games at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.
"Having the opportunity to play [there] is one of the key factors that makes this transition possible," McCutcheon said.
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