Should OU-Texas game be played in Oklahoma?
I returned from Dallas this morning after covering the OU-Texas game. After I got over the loss, which was difficult, the main thought that stayed in my head was the amount of people who came to the game. More than 96,000 OU and Texas fans showed up to the Cotton Bowl. But what was even more impressive was the amount of money that had to have been spent over the weekend in the state of Texas and at the State Fair. It’s mindboggling.
Every person I talked to about the rivalry told me how much it means for it to be played at the Cotton Bowl during the Texas State Fair. They said that is what set it apart from the other rivalries.
However, a part of me recognizes how unfair it is to the state of Oklahoma and its merchants and residents that they are unable to take advantage of the yearly pay day that the Red River Rivalry brings about. Can you imagine how much money the state would make if the OU-Texas game was played during the Oklahoma State Fair. The taxes, the hotels, restaurants, food, gas, etc… I can’t imagine the amount of money the state is missing out on.
In a few years, the contract to hold the game at Cottonbowl runs out. Jerry Jones has made it known he wants to play the game at his new billion dollar Cowboy Stadium. But no one seems to be talking about making it a home-and-home series or just moving it to Oklahoma for a few years, just to be fair. Why not?
Should we bypass tradition in order to bring some much needed funds into the state? Should that even be a concern for OU or should they just do what is best for their program and school?
It’s a hard question that will only get harder the closer we get to the current contract being up. What do you think should be done?
Michael Kinney
Michael Kinney
Michael Kinney
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MIKE S
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S. B.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Michael..You are correct that this issue will move to the fore when moving the game to Jerry’s new stadium becomes a real possibility.
Most of us have grown up with this great game being played at the Cotton Bowl. Many, if not most of us, grew up watching our folks take that yearly trip to an away game, if to no other. With a move to that new stadium, much of the remembered and rich tradition will be diluted.
I’ve had occasion to talk with a few folks who made the trip to the BYU game. I would judge their ratings of the experience at about a 4. Expensive parking, disorganization (which should of course improve), poor visibility, distractions, sound problems (no one could understand the on field announcements), etc. Right now a lot of folks go to Dallas without any intention of going to the game. The State Fair and its surrounding atmosphere is a good draw in itself. Won’t be present at Jerry’s Palace.
I would, at that future time, vote for a home and home schedule. There are shortcomings for Oklahoma and OU fans. I ‘m concerned about our ability to handle the crowds, but, expect the crowds, without the Dallas/State Fair draw, would be reduced. Then, of course, the trip to Austin would be daunting for some every other year. The cost would be beyond the means of many, but, Oklahoma football has become a form of entertainment that is beyond the reach of a lot of fans anyway. I was able to attend all home games as a kid of 9 or 10. That’s now a dream, or a matter of luck.
This controversy will go on until resolved, and I expect that to be when our Cotton Bowl contract is about to run its course. I think we need to treat Jerry’s hype about as we would that of a successful used car salesman.