 Between 1997 and 2012, the game was played 14 times in the South between historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).The Pioneer Bowl was originally one of the four regional finals in the College Division (which became Division II and Division III in 1973).It was played for this purpose in 1971 and 1972 in Wichita Falls, Texas; there were no playoffs as the national champion was determined by poll at the end of the regular season.