The Sun Bowl is a New Year's Eve tradition for the country that takes place in El Paso.

It's the second oldest bowl game in the nation.

But driving top-ranked teams like Notre Dame and Miami wasn't really possible, Sun Bowl officials said, until in 1997, when voters approve a 5 percent car rental sales tax.

Now, Sun Bowl officials said a bump in that tax is necessary to get even better teams to play in El Paso.

"We don't know any other way to do it," Sun Bowl football selection chairman John Folmer, said.

The Sun Bowl committee is asking for a bump in that tax to 9 percent.

One percent of that may go to stadium improvements to the Sunbowl.

Right now, the Sunbowl ranks 15 out of 36 in bowl game payouts, Folmer said.

But with more cash, he said, that can move it up.

"We're hoping we can get in the top 10 percent of bowls," he said.

However, Folmer said despite the desire for added revenue through taxes isn't an appealing idea thanks to the economy.

"I think the timing is absolutely terrible. But we based our whole decision on what the people in Austin tell us, people who are in the legislature," he said.

Some city and state leaders agree El Paso needs to generate more cash to stay competitive in college sports and that visitors are willing to pay.

"They are looking at what it costs to rent a room for the night more than what it costs to rent a car for a couple of days," Mayor John Cook said.

A bill was filed in the house by State Rep. Naomi Gonzalez, D-El Paso, Thursday that could put the question on the ballot, though it is not clear when that could happen.

She said it stands a good chance of passing despite politics.

"They (legislators) generally stay away from bills that pertain to a city. Party politics isn't going to play a role in a bill of this nature," Gonzalez said.

Currently, Folmer said he estimates along with the city the rental car sales taxes are estimated to bring in less than $3 million annually.

Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, is also expected to file a similar bill Friday.