Bowled Over with Excitement- The Cotton Bowl & Rose Bowl come to Arlington

The eyes of the sports nation were on Arlington yet again as AT&T stadium found itself the host of two major post season collegiate bowl games.  The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic which took place yesterday, saw #6 University of Oklahoma taking on #7 University of Florida.  The Oklahoma Sooners essentially played to a hometown crowd and it showed.  Feeling comfortable just 12 days after their Big 12 Championship win inside this same stadium, the Sooners had the first score of the game. That was quickly followed by a pick 6, and 2 other interceptions all in the first quarter, playing to a crowd of 18,000. The Gators rallied with 13 unanswered points in the second quarter but Rhamondre Stevenson, Marcus Majors, and Seth McGowan delivered a Cotton Bowl Classic record running game of 435 yards.  This all but dominated the second half as the Sooners 55 to 20 victory broke another school record with most points scored in a bowl game. This game provided just the tip of the iceberg for the excitement and energy happening right here at home. 

The Rose Bowl Comes to Arlington

The iconic College Football Playoff Semifinal Rose Bowl Game ® between #1 Alabama and #4 Notre Dame will kick off tomorrow live at 3 p.m. Friday, January 1st, in our American Dream City. The fighting Irish are the 19 ½ point underdog, the biggest spread in the playoff era, which could potentially fire up the chip on Notre Dame’s shoulder or prove that the University of Alabama’s reign will continue on towards their pursuit of the college national championship.   

Alabama’s high-power offense has kept the league leader a force to be reckoned, but will Dylan Moses and the Alabama defense leadership remain consistent or will Notre Dame be able to find weakness in the one on one matchups like the University of Florida did during the SEC Championship last week?  Another 18,000 guests will witness the chase to the championship New Year’s Day.  

We have a special affinity for, and sympathize with our friends and colleagues in Pasadena, who are in unknown territory for the first time in 130 years. Although they are unable to host their iconic Rose Bowl Game ®, we're grateful we can support keeping their traditions alive. This long held tradition typically starts with the 5 and a half mile Tournament of Roses Parade ®, which will instead be televised tomorrow morning, Friday, January 1st from 8:00-10:00 AM PST ( Or,10:00AM-12:00PM our time.)  Each year more than 80,000 hours of combined service are supplied by 935 volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses Association.   

The internationally known Pasadena Tournament of Roses ® announced that it has partnered with six broadcasters including ABC and NBC to air a two-hour TV entertainment special on New Year’s Day. The show will air during the time slot traditionally reserved for live coverage of the Rose Parade ® presented by Honda. The TV special – “The Rose Parade’s New Year Celebration presented by Honda,” will feature a reimagined New Year celebration, including live-to-tape musical and marching band performances, heartwarming segments related to the Rose Parade, celebrity guest appearances, special Rose Bowl Game® football highlights, equestrians, spectacular floats from years past, a behind-the-scenes look into the making of a float and you will have a chance to be part of the show.  There will be plenty to see, including special performances by Sheryl Crow, Mickey Guyton, Tori Kelly, Lady A, Rascal Flatts, and more.  

Downtown Delivers  

Not going to the game? Visit Downtown Delivers for the latest way to get your favorite foods from Downtown Arlington restaurants and bars. Find everything you need to see who offers to-go ordering, curbside pick-up, delivery, patio dining, and quickly access business information, directions, and social media platforms. 

-Elena Thaxton