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Jan 1, 2009 5:18 pm US/Central
Cotton Bowl Classic Prepares For Last Dallas Game
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Seventy years of history comes to an end Friday, when the Cotton Bowl Classic plays its final game at the stadium in Dallas Fair Park.
Since 1937, the game has been played in Fair Park. For generations of Texans, for the Fair Park stadium and football, Cotton was king.
After 73 years in one spot, the Cotton Bowl Classic was more than home to Dallas, it is heritage and history.
Perhaps no one has seen more of Dallas' legacy to college football than Brad Bradley. "In some ways it's sad, but I realize that things move on," he said.
The Cotton Bowl Stadium, or the house that Doak built, has seen its share of college greats. From Roger Staubach and Jim Brown, Bear Bryant, to the current era, Bradley's photographic skill has captured it all since 1948.
Now at 86-years-old, Bradley will be there Friday for the final bowl game in Dallas' centerpiece for college football. "I think the Cotton Bowl does just define the athletic culture of Dallas," the photographer explained.
The Kilgore Rangerettes have been part of the culture as well. For 59 years they have been a part of halftime highlights for the Cotton Bowl. On Thursday, the Rangerettes were back for the annual parade.
"And I can't believe that next year when we come we won't be here. It's just very surreal to think that it's gonna end," said Rangerette Dana Blair. "Just seems like the Cotton Bowl should be there always."
The game itself is moving to greener pastures in the Cowboys new stadium in Arlington and Brad Bradley will move with it.
Texas Tech and Ole Miss tangle in the final Cotton Bowl Classic, in the house that Doak built.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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