Cotton Bowl

The Cotton Bowl was established by J. Curtis Sanford, a Dallas oilman, to promote college football and the city of Dallas. The first game, held on January 1, 1937, featured TCU defeating Marquette 16-6 at the original Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park.

Over the decades, the Cotton Bowl grew in stature, becoming a New Year’s Day tradition and a key part of the college football landscape. It played a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s history, often featuring champions from the Southwest Conference (SWC) during its early years.

In 1996, the SWC dissolved, and the Cotton Bowl became an at-large bowl game. Its prestige was further elevated in 2014 when it joined the College Football Playoff (CFP) rotation as one of the six New Year’s Six bowls.

Venue: AT&T Stadium

Since 2010, the Cotton Bowl Classic has been held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, often referred to as “Jerry World” after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. This state-of-the-art venue, which opened in 2009, offers a luxurious fan experience with a seating capacity of over 80,000 (expandable to 100,000) and one of the largest video boards in the world.

The move to AT&T Stadium marked a new era for the Cotton Bowl, providing a grander stage for one of college football’s most significant games.

Conference Tie-Ins and Playoff Role

As part of the CFP, the Cotton Bowl Classic hosts a semifinal matchup every three years. In non-playoff years, it features highly ranked teams, often including representatives from the SEC, Big 12, Group of Five conferences, or at-large selections.

This structure ensures competitive and nationally significant matchups, drawing attention from fans across the country.

Notable Games and Moments

The Cotton Bowl Classic has delivered some of the most memorable games in college football history:

  • 1969: Texas vs. Notre Dame: This historic game marked Notre Dame’s return to bowl competition after a 45-year absence. Texas won 21-17, securing the national championship.
  • 1979: Joe Montana’s “Chicken Soup Game”: Montana led Notre Dame to a dramatic comeback win over Houston in freezing temperatures, cementing his legend.
  • 2015 CFP Semifinal: Alabama defeated Michigan State 38-0 in a dominant performance en route to a national championship, showcasing the Cotton Bowl’s role in the CFP era.
  • 2021 CFP Semifinal: Alabama outclassed Cincinnati 27-6, highlighting the first Group of Five team to compete in the CFP and solidifying the Cotton Bowl as a stage for groundbreaking moments.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The Cotton Bowl Classic is more than a game—it’s a cultural event that generates significant economic activity for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The influx of fans, media, and teams boosts local businesses and underscores the city’s reputation as a hub for major sporting events.

Additionally, the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Foundation contributes to community development, supporting education and youth programs in North Texas.

Fan Experience and Festivities

Attending the Cotton Bowl Classic is an unforgettable experience. Fans are treated to a festival-like atmosphere, complete with pre-game tailgates, live entertainment, and appearances by school marching bands and mascots. The grandeur of AT&T Stadium, combined with the high stakes of the game, makes the Cotton Bowl a bucket-list event for college football enthusiasts.

The Cotton Bowl in the Modern Era

The Cotton Bowl has thrived in the CFP era, regularly hosting games that influence the national championship race. Its inclusion in the New Year’s Six ensures it remains one of the sport’s most prestigious and high-profile events.

The game’s ability to attract top-tier teams and its role as a CFP semifinal site every three years solidify its standing as a cornerstone of college football’s postseason.

Looking Ahead

As the college football landscape evolves, the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is poised to remain a key player. Its rich history, modern venue, and association with the CFP ensure that it will continue to be a showcase for the sport’s best teams and brightest stars.

Whether hosting a CFP semifinal or a thrilling New Year’s Six showdown, the Cotton Bowl embodies the excitement and tradition that make college football special. For fans, players, and coaches alike, the Cotton Bowl Classic is more than a game—it’s an enduring celebration of college football at its finest.

 

Historic Cotton Bowl teams & scores:

  • 2013 Cotton Bowl – Missouri 41 – Oklahoma State 31 – Jan. 4, 2014
  • 2012 Cotton Bowl – Texas A&M 41 – Oklahoma 13 – Jan. 4, 2013
  • 2011 Cotton Bowl – Arkansas 29 – Kansas State 16 – Jan. 6, 2012
  • 2010 Cotton Bowl – LSU 41 – Texas A&M 24 – Jan. 7, 2011
  • 2009 Cotton Bowl – Ole Miss 21 – Oklahoma State 7 – Jan. 2, 2010
  • 2008 Cotton Bowl – Ole Miss 47 – Texas Tech 34 – Jan. 2, 2009
  • 2007 Cotton Bowl – Missouri 38 – Arkansas 7 – Jan. 1, 2008
  • 2006 Cotton Bowl – Auburn 17 – Nebraska 14 – Jan. 1, 2007
  • 2005 Cotton Bowl – Alabama 13 – Texas Tech 10 – Jan. 2, 2006
  • 2004 Cotton Bowl – Tennessee 38 – Texas A&M 7 – Jan. 1, 2005
  • 2003 Cotton Bowl – Mississippi 31 – Oklahoma State 28 – Jan. 2, 2004
  • 2002 Cotton Bowl – Texas 35 – LSU 20 – Jan. 1, 2003
  • 2001 Cotton Bowl – Oklahoma 10 – Arkansas 3 – Jan. 1, 2002
  • 2000 Cotton Bowl – Kansas State 35 – Tennessee 21 – Jan. 1, 2001
  • 1999 Cotton Bowl – Arkansas 27 – Texas 6 – Jan. 1, 2000
  • 1998 Cotton Bowl – Texas 38 – Mississippi St. 11 – Jan. 1, 1999
  • 1997 Cotton Bowl – UCLA 29 – Texas A&M 23 – Jan. 1, 1998
  • 1996 Cotton Bowl – BYU 19 – Kansas St. 15 – Jan. 1, 1997
  • 1995 Cotton Bowl – Colorado 38 – Oregon 6 – Jan. 1, 1996
  • 1994 Cotton Bowl – USC 55 – Texas Tech 14 – Jan. 2, 1995
  • 1993 Cotton Bowl – Notre Dame 24 – Texas A&M 21 – Jan. 1, 1994
  • 1992 Cotton Bowl – Notre Dame 28 – Texas A&M 3 – Jan. 1, 1993
  • 1991 Cotton Bowl – Florida St. 10 – Texas A&M 2 – Jan. 1, 1992
  • 1990 Cotton Bowl – Miami, Fla 46 – Texas 3 – Jan. 1, 1991
  • 1989 Cotton Bowl – Tennessee 31 – Arkansas 27 – Jan. 1, 1990
  • 1988 Cotton Bowl UCLA 17 – Arkansas 3 Jan. 2, 1989
  • 1987 Cotton Bowl Texas A&M 35 – Notre Dame 10 Jan. 1, 1988
  • 1986 Cotton Bowl Ohio St. 28 – Texas A&M 12 Jan. 1, 1987
  • 1985 Cotton Bowl Texas A&M 36 – Auburn 16 Jan. 1, 1986
  • 1984 Cotton Bowl Boston College 45 – Houston 28 Jan. 1, 1985
  • 1983 Cotton Bowl Georgia 10 – Texas 9 Jan. 2, 1984
  • 1982 Cotton Bowl SMU 7 – Pittsburgh 3 Jan. 1, 1983
  • 1981 Cotton Bowl Texas 14 – Alabama 12 Jan. 1, 1982
  • 1980 Cotton Bowl Alabama 30 – Baylor 2 Jan. 1, 1981
  • 1979 Cotton Bowl Houston 17 – Nebraska 14 Jan. 1, 1980
  • 1978 Cotton Bowl Notre Dame 35 – Houston 34 Jan. 1, 1979
  • 1977 Cotton Bowl Notre Dame 38 – Texas 10 Jan. 2, 1978
  • 1976 Cotton Bowl Houston 30 – Maryland 21 Jan. 1, 1977
  • 1975 Cotton Bowl Arkansas 31 – Georgia 10 Jan. 1, 1976
  • 1974 Cotton Bowl Penn St. 41 – Baylor 20 Jan. 1, 1975
  • 1973 Cotton Bowl Nebraska 19 – Texas 3 Jan. 1, 1974
  • 1972 Cotton Bowl Texas 17 – Alabama 13 Jan. 1, 1973
  • 1971 Cotton Bowl Penn St. 30 – Texas 6 Jan. 1, 1972
  • 1970 Cotton Bowl Notre Dame 24 – Texas 11 Jan. 1, 1971
  • 1969 Cotton Bowl Texas 21 – Notre Dame 17 Jan. 1, 1970
  • 1968 Cotton Bowl Texas 36 – Tennessee 13 Jan. 1, 1969
  • 1967 Cotton Bowl Texas A&M 20 – Alabama 16 Jan. 1, 1968
  • 1966 Cotton Bowl Georgia 24 – SMU 9 Dec. 31, 1966
  • 1965 Cotton Bowl LSU 14 – Arkansas 7 Jan. 1, 1966
  • 1964 Cotton Bowl Arkansas 10 – Nebraska 7 Jan. 1, 1965
  • 1963 Cotton Bowl Texas 28 – Navy 6 Jan. 1, 1964
  • 1962 Cotton Bowl LSU 13 – Texas 0 Jan. 1, 1963
  • 1961 Cotton Bowl Texas 12 – Mississippi 7 Jan. 1, 1962
  • 1960 Cotton Bowl Duke 7 – Arkansas 6 Jan. 2, 1961
  • 1959 Cotton Bowl Syracuse 23 – Texas 14 Jan. 1, 1960
  • 1958 Cotton Bowl Air Force 0 – TCU 0 Jan. 1, 1959
  • 1957 Cotton Bowl Navy 20 – Rice 7 Jan. 1, 1958
  • 1956 Cotton Bowl TCU 28 – Syracuse 27 Jan. 1, 1957
  • 1955 Cotton Bowl Mississippi 14 – TCU 13 Jan. 2, 1956
  • 1954 Cotton Bowl Georgia Tech 14 – Arkansas 6 Jan. 1, 1955
  • 1953 Cotton Bowl Rice 28 – Alabama 6 Jan. 1, 1954
  • 1952 Cotton Bowl Texas 16 – Tennessee 0 Jan. 1, 1953
  • 1951 Cotton Bowl Kentucky 20 – TCU 7 Jan. 1, 1952
  • 1950 Cotton Bowl Tennessee 20 – Texas 14 Jan. 1, 1951
  • 1949 Cotton Bowl Rice 27 – North Carolina 13 Jan. 2, 1950
  • 1948 Cotton Bowl SMU 21 – Oregon 13 Jan. 1, 1949
  • 1947 Cotton Bowl Penn St. 13 – SMU 13 Jan. 1, 1948
  • 1946 Cotton Bowl Arkansas 0 – LSU 0 Jan. 1, 1947
  • 1945 Cotton Bowl Texas 40 – Missouri 27 Jan. 1, 1946
  • 1944 Cotton Bowl Oklahoma St. 34 – TCU 0 Jan. 1, 1945
  • 1943 Cotton Bowl Randolph Field 7 – Texas 7 Jan. 1, 1944
  • 1942 Cotton Bowl Texas 14 – Georgia Tech 7 Jan. 1, 1943
  • 1941 Cotton Bowl Alabama 29 – Texas A&M 21 Jan. 1, 1942
  • 1940 Cotton Bowl Texas A&M 13 – Fordham 12 Jan. 1, 1941
  • 1939 Cotton Bowl Clemson 6 – Boston College 3 Jan. 1, 1940
  • 1938 Cotton Bowl St. Marys, Cal. 20 – Texas Tech 13 Jan. 2, 1939
  • 1937 Cotton Bowl Rice 28 – Colorado 14 Jan. 1, 1938
  • 1936 Cotton Bowl TCU 16 – Marquette 6 Jan 1, 1937