Harrell is expected to share the letter today with fellow House members to quell any speculation that the state is pursuing an unrealistic dream.

"We are not proceeding under the assumption that if you build it, they will come," Harrell said.

The proposed bowl game would be held at Johnson Hagood Stadium at The Citadel, pitting a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference against a Conference USA team on ESPN television, which would retain ownership. Landing the game depends on many factors, including the upcoming renovation of the stadium.

House Republicans on the budget committee have earmarked $700,000 to help pay for renovations and for hosting the game, angering some who feel the money should go to education or health care.

Harrell said the game would generate up to $48 million, with $5 million or $6 million for the state.

Some have wondered what guarantees the state has that ESPN would keep its end of the bargain.

The ESPN letter, originally sent to Tommy McQueeny, chairman of the Charleston Metro Sports Council Bowl Steering Committee, makes no guarantees. It assures McQueeny of the network's "interest in moving forward with the project" but adds that all aspects "hinge on the development of the stadium."

The letter is signed by ESPN vice president Pete Derzif.

McQueeny forwarded the letter to Harrell.

The Citadel is raising money to upgrade Johnson Hagood to 22,000 seats and has collected about $6 million in pledges toward a $10 million goal, enough to begin the first phase.

The NCAA requires 35,000 seats for a bowl game, so funding for the extra seats would have to come from outside the school.

Harrell said he plans to write a budget provision that says the money can't be spent until the deal is officially done.

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