With the holiday season wrapping up brings a renewed excitement to downtown Dallas – the start of championship football and a showdown of classic rivalries. As patrons fill the Cotton Bowl and Apogee Stadium, the historic West End gears up to host visitors and natives who pack the bars and restaurants to watch. A brief history of teams and their rivalries is enough to get even the newest Mean Green fan excited – check out where to catch the classic showdowns in the West End!
Who’s Who?
UNT vs. Army at Cotton Bowl – The University of North Texas Mean Green take on the Army Black Knights in the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl on December 27th. The last time UNT won a bowl game was three years ago, so the Mean Green are looking to break that streak with a win over long-rival Army. Army has had an incredible comeback year after going 2-10 last season, and are looking to win their first bowl game in six years at the Cotton Bowl. Watch parties can be found in downtown Dallas and the West End district – it’s all going down on December 27th!
Wisconsin vs. Michigan at Cotton Bowl – The Western Michigan Broncos are undefeated this season as they take on the Wisconsin Badgers in the first game at the Cotton Bowl in 2017. Wisconsin has reached a bowl game for 15 consecutive seasons, while Michigan is headed to their third bowl game consecutively. This classic showdown, right at the beginning of the new year, is a great time to get out in downtown Dallas and the historic West End to watch the game and cheer on your Broncos or Badgers to victory!
Where To Watch In The West End?
Gators Dallas – The lively sports bar with a rooftop deck is proud to welcome all football fans to their downtown Dallas West End location for the games! Featuring a menu of Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes, Gators is the perfect place to get great food and drink specials in a unique and family-friendly atmosphere as you cheer on your team! Now is the perfect time to try one of the West End’s unique dining experiences!
RJ Mexican Cuisine – Known for authentic and delectable Mexican cuisine, RJ is the perfect spot to catch the bowl games and dine in the West End in style. Their daily specials and hand-crafted drinks are sure to please anyone seeking a different twist on their game day food traditions!
1001 Wine and Spirits – 1001 Wine and Spirits is the premiere small-business beverage destination in the historic West End district. If you are hosting a football watch party, 1001 Wine and Spirits has a wide and eclectic range of champagne, local craft beer, small batch bourbons, and wines to satisfy any palette.
Who Will You Cheer On To Victory?
These two iconic bowl games are what Texans and Dallasites look forward to each year – from UNT Mean Green to Wisconsin Badgers, classic bowl matches bring a sense of excitement to downtown Dallas as the holidays wrap up and the New Year begins! Where will you go? How will you cheer on your team? It all starts here in the historic West End!
