Following Friday's scorching record-high temperatures, a cold front blew in over night and gave TCU and its football fans a 'Shangri-La" backdrop for their first game as a member of the Big XII Conference and inaugural contest in the $164 million renovated Amon Carter Stadium.
The tailgating and party scene prior to kickoff had an extra sense of celebration as many fans were getting to experience the new stadium for the first time. From Lot 13 by Lupton Stadium on the corner of Bellaire and Berry to Lot 3 right next to the stadium, the crowds appeared larger than in years past and everyone had a smile on their face that had little to do with the impending victory over Grambling State.
Frog Alley had a big crowd with booths ranging from Chick-Fil-A to Chili's with live entertainment on the lawn. The special blocked off 'Student Tailgate' area that requires a student ID for admission was completely packed. Most everyone outside was stopping to take pictures of the new stadium with their cell phones.
Inside the amazing new structure, the places to be and be seen were the Founder's Club and the Champion's Club. The Founder's Club, the lounge for the six founders, has a Ritz-Carlton-style feel complete with its own bar area and a replica Remington painting. The Champion's Club is for the holders of the premium suites and features a decor dedicated to past TCU greats.
And there was an actual football game played as the sellout crowd of 45,112 watched head coach Gary Patterson get his record 110th career win -- eclipsing Dutch Meyer's 60 year-old school record -- by the score of 56-0. TCU starting quarterback Casey Pachall was a perfect 9-of-9 for 201 yards and three touchdowns while back-up Trevone Boykin went 8-for-8. It was the first time in NCAA history that a team completed 17 passes without an incompletion. To top off the magical evening, Chancellor Victor Boschini presented Patterson with a crystal football trophy in honor of his 100th win.
TCU travels to Kansas next week and returns to Fort Worth for on Sept. 22 to take on Virginia. Both games have an 11 a.m. start time.
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