Cotton Bowl weather worry prompts Texas-Ohio State CFP contingencies

There is some uncertainty surrounding the Cotton Bowl entering Friday’s College Football Playoff semifinal between Texas and Ohio State at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, with bowl organizers preparing “contingencies” due to the weather forecast.Arlington, Texas is under a winter storm warning from Thursday morning to Friday afternoon, with the possibility of several inches of snow.While the stadium has a roof, the weather could create dangerous road conditions for fans traveling to the game.A joint statement from AT&T Stadium and the Cotton Bowl Tuesday night said the game will be played as scheduled at 7:30 p.m.ET, with the two teams arriving to town Wednesday.“We continue to monitor weather reports, and over the last 24 hours, the forecast for later this week has improved according to the National Weather Service,” the statement said.

“We have been meeting routinely with city officials, the Director of Transportation for North Texas and the College Football Playoff.Should the forecast shift, we are prepared for contingencies.“North Texas highways are already being brined and plans are in place to ensure a safe environment for everyone in and around AT&T Stadium on game day.”More than 70,000 people are expected to attend Friday’s game, the winner of which will face the victor of the Penn State-Notre Dame Orange Bowl semifinal in the national championship game on Jan.

20.Kevin Oden, the Dallas director of emergency management and crisis response, said staffing will be increased Wednesday in anticipation of the storm.“We’re closely monitoring travel conditions into the city, especially as we prepare to host fans and teams for the Cotton Bowl,” Oden said.“Our priority is ensuring safe travel for the teams and their fans visiting Dallas and the metroplex.”...