The Big 12 Conference has announced that AT&T Stadium in Arlington has been selected as the site for the 2017-21 Big 12 Football Championship games.
After a six-year hiatus, the title game returns in 2017, matching the top two finishers in the Conference standings.
"There is great anticipation with the return of the Big 12 Football Championship and we look forward to hosting the event in AT&T Stadium for the next five years," said Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. "The building is a state of the art facility and offers many amenities that will be enjoyed by our institutions and fans."
Under terms of current television agreements with FOX Sports and ESPN, FOX will carry the game in 2017 and odd-numbered years through 2023, while ESPN will handle the telecasts in even-numbered years through the 2024 game.
AT&T Stadium in The American Dream City opened in 2009 with a seating capacity of 80,000 that can be maximized to over 100,000 with standing room. Among its many features are a retractable roof, one of the world's largest high definition video screens and a collection of contemporary art. The building serves as home to the Dallas Cowboys and hosts a variety of other events.
The last two Big 12 Championship games were played at AT&T Stadium and decided by a total of four points. No. 2 Texas kicked a field goal with one second left to edge past No. 22 Nebraska, 13-12, in 2009. The following season, No. 9 Oklahoma upended No. 13 Nebraska, 23-20, behind two second-half field goals. The 2001 championship was also played in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex at Texas Stadium, the previous home of the Cowboys.
The Big 12 Championship was held annually from 1996-2010. The previous 15 games featured five contests in which the higher-ranked team was upset and five that were decided by a touchdown-or-less.
Entertainment, Headlines, News, Sports