College Gameday Look: Cotton Bowl

The Red River Rivalry, formerly known as the Red River Shootout, is the name for the annual college football game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners.  It is known as the Red River Rivalry because the of the Red River that forms a boundary between Texas and Oklahoma.  This is usually one of the biggest games in the country as one or both teams have been ranked in 60 of the 65 games and 5 of the last 9 meetings have involved someone who eventually played in the National Championship Game.  Texas leads the all-time series 58–40–5, with a 45–36–4 edge in Dallas.  In 2005, the Dallas Morning News asked the 119 Division 1A football coaches to identify the top rivalry game in college football, Texas-OU ranked third behind Ohio State-Michigan and Army-Navy.

 
Since 1932, this rivalry game has been held at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during the second weekend of October during the final weekend of the State Fair of Texas - the largest fair in the United States. The designated "home" team alternates from year to year, and ticket sales for the game are split 50–50 between the two schools, with the stadium divided along the 50 yard line. Historically, the Oklahoma fans have occupied the south end zone, which contains the tunnel where both teams enter and exit the field.

Though I'd suggest a weekend of tailgating and hitting up this famous state fair, some people want more.  If tailgating and the fair arent enough (or are too much for you) I'd suggest hitting up The Meridian Room. This Expo Park staple has the look of an old speakeasy with lots of polished wood, low lighting, a long mirror-backed bar and a row of booths against the exposed brick. Along with excellent food, the joint has a well thought out beer selection.  Located only a half mile from the stadium this could be an easy stop on your way.  If a bar is all you want, stop by the Uptown Bar and Grill.  If you're at Uptown Bar & Grill for one reason--to get a little soused--you're in luck, since it, like any decent bar, offers a great selection of spirits and beer. But if you need something solid in your tummy to soak up all the alcohol, Uptown has a wide selection of bar-food favorites plus more eclectic choices.

Other Things to do in Dallas
-Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
-Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
-Billy Bob's Honky Tonk
-Dallas Museum of Art

Other Sports Events
-Friday: Boston Bruins @ Dallas Stars - 7:30pm
-Saturday: Cleveland Cavilers @ Dallas Mavricks - 7:30pm

Thursday NIght Site: South Florida

It's a battle of Big East unbeatens when Cincinnati's high-flying offense meets South Florida's stingy defense. The Bearcats, behind QB Tony Pike, bring in the nation's third-ranked scoring offense. The Bulls boast the country's fifth-rated scoring defense. The Bearcats lead the series 4-2. This will be the first meeting in which both teams are ranked.

The South Florida Bulls play at Raymond James Stadium, also known as "The Ray Jay."  The"Ray Jay" is a $168.5 million dollar multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida opened in September, 1998.  It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team.  The stadium seats 65,857 and its expandable to 75,000 for special events.  The stadium is probably most known for its Pirate Ship in one of the endzones, which hosts pirates and blasts fake cannons for every score!

From 1998 to 2007, only the lower half of the stadium has been typically opened for USF games, allowing for a capacity of 41,441^, (although the upper deck has been opened numerous times to accommodate crowds in excess of what the lower bowl can handle). However, as of 2008, USF has opened the upper deck for every home game and is selling season tickets in the upper deck as well. The largest crowd to see the Bulls play a home game came on September 28, 2007 against then #5 ranked West Virginia, when 67,012 saw the #18 Bulls pull off their first upset of the season.  This isnt their first string of luck, since beginning play in 1998 The Bulls have continued to enjoy a winning edge in Raymond James, building a 43-11 record, including one streak of 21 straight victories at home.
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Raymond James Stadium has hosted Super Bowl XXXV on Janary 28, 2001 between the Baltimore Ravens and the NEw York Giants and this most recent Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals.  The stadium also hosts the annual Outback Bowl on New Year's Day and the Monster Jam truck event after the end of the football season.

Sorry for the short post.  Its been a busy day.

Got any ideas or advice.  Send them over to sportsbound@gmail.com

BRING YOUR RAINJACKETS!!!

FORECASTED WEATHER
Forecast for Thursday, October 15, 2009
Raymond James Stadium TAMPA, FL Updated: 10/14/09 5:45 AM ET	Lo: 71°F Hi: 88°F Precip: 40%

Trip of the Week: Los Angeles

Thursday – Philadelphia Phillies @ Los Angeles Dodgers 5:07pm
Friday – Philadelphia Phillies @ Los Angeles Dodgers 1:07pm
Saturday – UC Berkeley @ UCLA 12:30pm
Sunday – Utah Jazz or LA Clippers @ LA Lakers 7:30pm
Monday – New York Yankees @ Los Angeles Angels - TBD

Thursday – Philadelphia Phillies @ Los Angeles Dodgers 5:07pm

Let the playoffs begin! Head over to Chavez Ravine for Game 1 of the NLCS in what should be an exciting rematch of last years series. In Game 1 Clayton Kershaw faces off against Cole Hamels, a pitching match up that should lead to a low scoring, quick game. Dodger stadium is one of the most beautiful in the major leagues. Even for an older stadium I still believe this. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else to do there but baseball. Get out to the stadium (and I the stadium) early and enjoy the beautiful scenery that is Dodger stadium. Enjoy the Think Blue mountains behind as you watch batting practice and the pre-game festivities. Make sure your seats are in the outfield or Field
Level, or else BP is kind of useless as Dodger stadium does not let you move around. If your not, don’t plan on getting there earlier and tailgating because unfortunately that is not allowed either. If you want to grab a quick bite, head over to Chinatown and stop by at Yang Chow. It’s a big go to spot on gamedays and is usually packed before a game. Some of the best Chinese food in town!

Friday – Philadelphia Phillies @ Los Angeles Dodgers 1:07pm

While you are already in town, why not hit up the 2nd game of the NLCS. This game will be a pivotal one for one of the teams, as they will be down 1-0 looking for a much needed victory. Beautiful day baseball at Dodger Stadium is a classic and the playoffs will make it even better.

After the game, head over to Westwood and experience some fun. If you want to check out the ALCS game, head to Q’s and play some pool, have some great brews and food, and enjoy the Yankees take on the Angels.

Saturday – UC Berkeley @ UCLA 12:30pm

A Pac-10 Battle in Pasadena! Don’t miss one of the most famous sports venues maybe in the world, the Rose Bowl. UCLA, off to a very promising start, takes on the University of California Bears who, after moving up to #6 in the country, have been struggling as of late and need this victory badly.

Get to Pasadena early (I mean like 9am) and get a good spot for a tailgate. The UCLA tailgates fill up quickly and, if your late, getting parking could be an absolute disaster and involve long walks or shuttles. The tailgate is set up on a golf course all around the stadium, and it an amazing site to get set up. All around you are beautiful greens, sand traps and lakes, surrounded by many other rowdy tailgaters hoping to get buzzed and full before heading into the Rose Bowl. Don’t just stay in your spot, however. Walk around, check out the UCLA pep-band pumping up the crowd, or all the amazing food and games being played and set up around the stadium. After you enjoy the game, don’t rush! The lot is a disaster to get out of, instead, open up a cold one and hang out in the back, or find someone else that has a TV set up in their cars, relax for an hour, you are in LA!

Sunday – Utah Jazz or LA Clippers @ LA Lakers 7:30pm

While its still the pre-season you want to be able to see the Los Angeles Lakers and The Staples Center. Especially with the new LA Live built right down the street ,this is the prefect place for your Sunday stop. Depending on your day of sightseeing or watching football, head over at about 5:00 for the Sunday Night Football Game (that’s right, on the west coast Sunday Night Football is at 5:00). Get a good seat at ESPN Zone and watch that game (as well as tons of other TV’s) while you enjoy some good food and a wild sports atmosphere. Head upstairs and take on a buddy in airhockey or pop-a-shot. Or take on an opponent in the multiple racing games as well. ESPNZone is just one of the staples (get it?) in the new and exciting LA Live scene. If you have more time, check out Lucky Strike, the all new bowling and bar combination that’s sure to fit your fancy.

Monday – New York Yankees @ Los Angeles Angels – 4:37pm

Another long weekend for the sports traveler. Would you have it any other way? Finish off the trip in beautiful Anaheim, known more for Disneyland than anything else but take the time to experience the beautiful area. Before the game, head over to Danny K’s. Located in an industrial park right near Anaheim Pond and Angels Stadium, the interior of Danny K's is a sight better than its exterior. The near-cavernous space is divided by a large bar boasting at least 33 beers on tap and an extensive food menu. Big-screen TVs dominate just about every wall and, if that's not enough, there's also a 13-foot projection screen. If you have more time, head over to Disneyland Dr. where restaurants and bars are plenty (including another ESPNZone) and enjoy the more adult feeling Disneyland experience without going to Disneyland.

MNF Guide: Miami

The Miami Dolphins might have become the Los Angeles Lakers of the NFL. With celebrity owners, primetime games and much fanfare, its no doubt ESPN is showing the Dolphins for the 2nd time in 5 weeks. This week they invite Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets into town for an AFC East Rivalry. Make sure to follow The Sports Bound guide to enjoying all Miami and the Stadium has to offer.

The Landshark Stadium (formerly known as Joe Robbie, Pro Player and Dolphins Stadium) was the first ever built on private funding. When it opened in 1987, it revolutionized the economics of professional sports with club level seating and executive suites.

The stadium was designed to be wider than the normal NFL stadium in order to hold Soccer and eventually baseball. Because of this, the first row of seats is 90 feet away from the playing field, making it one of the less intimate stadiums in the NFL. While criticized for its lack if intimacy, this decision did leave to an eventual baseball team in Miami, the Florida Marlins.

Though it has received multiple renovations in the past 20 years, the biggest is the creation of one of the largest hi-definition video boards and LED ribbon boards in the world, adding a dynamic entertainment dimension to the stadium experience.

For Miami Dolphins games, the parking lot opens up 4 hours prior to kickoff with prices at $25 for cars, $80 for RVs, busses and limos. There is space for about 24,000 cars, so make sure to get there a little early to enjoy the experience and prevent a stressful parking situation. Tailgating is the thing to do pre and post game. is in the middle of a vast sea of parking lots, expressways, undeveloped future building sites, low-end condo & apartment developments & strip shopping centers. The food at the stadium itself is actually pretty good in variety & quality. But if you want real local choice & quality head over to nearby Aventura & North Miami Beach.

Landshark Stadium has been the site of many sporting events. The stadium has hosted four Superbowls (1989, 1995, 1999 & 2007) and will host this years Super Bowl as well. It has also been the site of the Orange Bowl game since 1996 with exception to the 1999 game which had to be moved because of a Miami Dolphins playoff game. Other events held at Land Shark Stadium have included international soccer games, monster truck shows, Hoop-It-Up Basketball, RV and boat shows, the UniverSoul Circus, Australian rules football exhibition matches, and numerous trade shows.

Movies have also been shot in Land Shark Stadium, most notably Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, which stars Jim Carrey and even features Dolphins great Dan Marino as himself; Marley and Me starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston; and the Oliver Stone-directed Any Given Sunday where it was the home of the Miami Sharks.

You're sure to score some points if you brought your girlfriend along for the ride this week...from October 14th through 17th Fashion hits Miami. We're sure you've heard of Fashion week taking New York and Paris, but this week, it finds home in sunny Florida. There are plenty of free events too! Check it out at http://www.fashionweekmiami.com/

Fashion not your thing, you can still find something upscale and trendy at Sentai Hotel. Stop by for a drink and score some celebrity sightings along the way. Thursday, head down to Rumbar where the top rum mixologists will go head to head to create the best rum induced cocktail! Located in the Ritz Carlton hotel, this upscale hotel is offering a great event for non- guests.

Can't find tickets but still want to watch the game? Try the Sports Grill located at10005 Sunset Dr. They have over two dozen TV's as well as diverse food samplings.

Video You May Not Have Seen

I pray this guy isn't serious.  Not sure if the end gives it away but wow, how does he keep his composure during that?  Whatever he took, please keep that away from me and anyone I know.  I usually like to enjoy games not break blood vessels watching one.  Guess people in the South take their sports pretty seriously, huh?

I Love LA!

What a weekend for the city of Los Angeles! Though they both won their respective divisions, the "experts" didnt pick the Dodgers or Angels to advance past their favored opponents.  Well, they proved those experts wrong, sweeping St. Louis and Boston to advance to the NLCS & ALCS.  While their oppnoents are undecided, I have to pick these two as my favorites to play in the first ever "Freeway Series" (called that because they are just one short freeway drive apart).  While the Yankees may still be favored in the AL, the Angels seem to be their achilles heel, and the inspirational way the Halos are playing, you cant ignore that.  I also believe that the Dodgers are playing too well to be beat.  St. Louis was picked by over 75% of the experts to advance to the World Series from the NL.  The Dodgers made them look bad, eliminating the powerful Albert Pujols.  I like them over either Philadelphia or Colorado as this freezing cold 5 game series is going to take a toll on both staffs.

If you ask me, I'd book my flight to Los Angeles on the 28th and find a nice place to stay for a week.  Look for the "Trip of the Week" in a few to actually take the time alotted.

Have ideas for a trip to Los Angeles?  Email me at SportsBound@gmail.com