As Frisco, TX gets set to tie Chattanooga, TN as the city with the most FCS championships hosted all-time, its numerous game-week traditions for participating teams are scheduled to make a comeback following the limitations of the peak of the pandemic.
This year, however, Frisco’s off-field schedule has undergone a contraction.
Based on feedback that the NCAA has received from finalists over the last few years, the organization is cutting back on ancillary events, including the BBQ Bowl, NCAA Assistant Director of Media Coordination and Statistics David Lentz told HERO Sports.
The BBQ Bowl had been staged at Main Event Frisco as an evening out for friendly competition among the student-athletes, including bowling, billiards, video games, and the obligatory Texas mechanical-bull-riding. When Illinois State won the Great Texas BBQ Bowl championship trophy over North Dakota State, the Redbirds even enjoyed a win in the speed-eating competition. Of course, NDSU had the last laugh in that all-MVFC matchup on the field.
This postseason’s Missouri Valley clash in Frisco between NDSU and South Dakota State will not include the BBQ Bowl, but a community service function will once again be conducted. Each team will participate in a Miracle League event at each of their team hotels Friday night of game weekend, according to Lentz.
The Miracle League of Frisco serves special-needs children with all levels of disabilities by providing organized sports opportunities, including football, for children residing throughout North Texas.
Before the Bison and Jackrabbits become Miracle League buddies, players and the head coaches will speak in in-person press conferences and championship media day availability on Friday.
On gameday, each squad will have a “team walk” into Toyota Stadium Sunday morning upon its arrival. This resumption of a pre-pandemic tradition is sure to draw raucous fan support from jammed tailgate lots ahead of a rivalry-enhanced national championship.
All times central:
10:25-10:35 AM – North Dakota State team walk, Toyota Stadium Gold Lot
10:45-10:55 AM – South Dakota State team walk, Toyota Stadium Gold Lot
