The History of the Cotton Bowl
The Cotton Bowl is one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football, played annually in Dallas, Texas. But why is it called the Cotton Bowl? The answer lies in the history of this iconic event. The first Cotton Bowl game was played on January 1, 1937, as part of the New Year’s Day festivities. The game was created by J. Curtis Sanford, who was the general manager of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Sanford wanted to create a new tradition for the city, and he believed that a football game would be the perfect way to do it.
The Cotton Connection
The name “Cotton Bowl” was chosen because of Dallas’ strong connection to the cotton industry. At the time, Dallas was one of the largest cotton-producing cities in the world. The city was also home to the Cotton Exchange, which was the center of cotton trading in the United States.
The First Cotton Bowl Game
The first Cotton Bowl game was played between Texas Christian University (TCU) and Marquette University. TCU won the game 16-6, and the event was a huge success. The game was played at the Cotton Bowl stadium, which had just been completed the year before.
The Cotton Bowl Stadium
The Cotton Bowl stadium is a historic venue that has hosted many important events over the years. The stadium was built in 1930 and was originally called Fair Park Stadium. It was renamed the Cotton Bowl in 1937, after the first Cotton Bowl game was played there.
The Stadium’s Renovations
Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations to keep it up to date. In 2008, a major renovation was completed that added new seats, a new video board, and other modern amenities. Despite the changes, the stadium still retains its historic charm and is a beloved landmark in the city of Dallas.
The Cotton Bowl Today
Today, the Cotton Bowl is one of the most popular bowl games in college football. It is part of the College Football Playoff system and is usually played on December 31 or January 1. The Cotton Bowl attracts top teams from across the country, and the game is always highly anticipated by fans and players alike.
The Cotton Bowl Parade
In addition to the game itself, the Cotton Bowl also features a parade that takes place the day before the game. The parade is a beloved tradition in Dallas and features floats, marching bands, and other festive displays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cotton Bowl is called the Cotton Bowl because of Dallas’ strong connection to the cotton industry. The first Cotton Bowl game was played in 1937 and was a huge success. Today, the Cotton Bowl is one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football and is a beloved tradition in the city of Dallas.