The game was known in 2002 and 2003 as the Paradise Bowl. It was conceived by Darry Alton, in view of the discontinuation of the Blue–Gray Football Classic and the Gridiron Classic, in order to provide players from lesser-known and lesser-televised schools, or players who were primarily backups, with a chance to impress NFL scouts. Alton would later help found the Magnolia Gridiron All-Star Classic.
