The Cotton Bowl is set to take place this Friday, but ticket prices have taken a surprising turn. With the impending winter storm hitting Texas, prices for the highly anticipated matchup between the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes have plummeted. Just a day before the game, standing-room-only tickets at AT&T Stadium are available for just over $100 each, a stark contrast to the expected demand due to the teams’ large fan bases.
AT&T Stadium, located in Arlington, Texas, is preparing for severe winter weather that could impact traveling fans. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning, predicting two to four inches of snow and up to one-tenth of an inch of ice. This weather could pose significant challenges for the tens of thousands of fans expected to attend the game.
The Cotton Bowl was initially anticipated to be a hot ticket, especially given Ohio State’s extensive fan base and the proximity to Austin, where many Longhorns fans reside. However, the situation has shifted dramatically. In fact, the Orange Bowl matchup between Notre Dame and Penn State is now commanding a higher get-in price on major secondary ticketing websites, with the cheapest seats at Hard Rock Stadium starting at $200—more than double the price of Cotton Bowl tickets.
The state of Texas received severe winter conditions a day before the Cotton Bowl game between the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes at the NFL stadium.
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The weather forecast has raised serious concerns about fan safety. On Tuesday, Cotton Bowl officials and AT&T Stadium released a joint statement confirming that the game will proceed as scheduled. They assured fans that they are closely monitoring the weather and are in regular contact with city officials and transportation authorities.
"We continue to monitor weather reports, and over the last 24 hours, the forecast for later this week has improved according to the National Weather Service,” the statement read. They emphasized that plans are in place to ensure a safe environment for everyone on game day, including brining North Texas highways in preparation for the storm.
The current forecast calls for two to four inches of snow, and close to one-tenth of an inch of ice, per the National Weather Service.
The weather could be dangerous for the tens of thousands of fans who will attend the game.
While the Cotton Bowl is expected to draw a larger crowd than the Orange Bowl, with AT&T Stadium’s capacity exceeding 100,000, the weather conditions could still deter some fans. In comparison, Hard Rock Stadium can accommodate around 65,000 spectators.
The Cotton Bowl’s ticket prices have dropped significantly, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the weather and travel conditions. As fans weigh their options, many are wondering if the excitement of the game is worth braving the elements.
The Cotton Bowl could still see a robust turnout, but with the winter storm looming, the situation remains fluid. Fans are encouraged to stay updated on the weather and ticket availability as game day approaches.
As we gear up for this thrilling matchup, one can’t help but ask: will the weather dampen the spirits of college football fans, or will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the Cotton Bowl is shaping up to be a memorable event, regardless of the conditions.
With the game still scheduled for a 7:30 PM Eastern kickoff, fans are advised to prepare for a unique experience as they navigate the challenges posed by the winter weather. The excitement of college football is palpable, and despite the circumstances, the passion for the game remains unwavering.
So grab your gear, bundle up, and get ready for an unforgettable Cotton Bowl experience!
