ARLINGTON – ESPN announced today the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic will kick off at 7:30 p.m. (CT) on Friday, Dec. 29th.
The Classic last kicked off on a Friday night in 2014 when Missouri defeated Oklahoma State, 41-31. This year’s game will mark the fifth time the Cotton Bowl has played on Friday night since moving to AT&T Stadium in 2010.
It was announced in March that the Classic was moved to to December 29th, which will be the earliest date the Cotton Bowl has been played in the Classic’s 82-year history dating back to the game’s inception in 1937 and only the third time the game has been played in December. The Cotton Bowl was played on New Year’s Eve in 1966 (SMU vs. Georgia), and the Classic hosted the College Football Playoff Semifinal on December 31st in 2015 (Michigan State vs. Alabama).
“We have enjoyed great success historically playing the Classic under the lights on Friday night,” said Jay McAuley, Chairman of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. “We are excited to have an exclusive window on ESPN to showcase the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic to the entire country. It should be a great battle of Top-10 teams.”
The Classic has sold out every year since moving to AT&T Stadium in 2010. Fans interested in getting on the waiting list for tickets can contact the Goodyear Cotton Bowl ticket office at 888-792-BOWL (2695).
