The 100th football showdown between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas is just over two weeks away and the annual debate about the series' future has begun.
For several months, Dallas city officials have wrestled with what to do with the aging Cotton Bowl where the game has been played. As any fan who has visited the stadium can attest, it's in need of some serious updating. Some added seats and restrooms have helped but much more is needed.
Dallas officials to date have been unwilling to commit to spending the money necessary to keep the game inside the Texas state fairgrounds. It adds up to a $20 million annual boost to the Dallas-area economy.
Dallas initially was negotiating with the professional football Cowboys to upgrade the stadium and adjoining Fair Park. The Cowboys moved to Irving many years ago. Those negotiations broke down and the Cowboys are now building a new stadium in Arlington.
OU President David L. Boren told The Transcript this week that Dallas may have missed the opportunity to keep the game. That, coupled with the fact that OU and the University of Texas have expanded and upgraded their stadiums, has Mr. Boren leaning toward a home-and-home series.
The contract with OU and the University of Texas extends through 2008. After that, it's a toss-up about where the teams will play. We still like the fall trip to Dallas, the pageantry of the fair and the longtime tradition. Perhaps the renewed OU and Texas pressure may force Dallas to re-think its plan. If it does become a home-and-home series it will be a boost to the local economy. We've got four seasons to get those hotel rooms ready.
