elcome to Dallas and the 72nd AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. AT&T Inc., which has served the nation’s heartland for more than 120 years, is committed to education and to the traditions that enrich our communities. The AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic returns nearly three-quarters of every dollar to participating universities and conferences, or $160 million since 1937, and has an annual economic impact of more than $30 million on the city of Dallas.As one of America’s original postseason bowl games, the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic is a generational link to college football history and tradition. AT&T is working to expand the rich Cotton Bowl legacy to future generations through new alliances and events beyond the New Year’s Day game.
The Field Scovell Scholarship Foundation annually awards thousands of dollars in grants to North Texas high school graduates who have strong leadership qualities, high personal character, demonstrated financial need, a connection to sports and who continue their education in Texas or at a Big 12 or SEC university. The Foundation honors the memory of longtime Cotton Bowl Team Selection Chairman Field Scovell – “Mr. Cotton Bowl.”
The AT&T Cotton Bowl Art Contest welcomes Cotton Bowl visitors to Dallas through thousands of creative drawings by Dallas elementary school students. Winning artwork is displayed at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Children, while all entries are placed in hotel rooms across Dallas on New Year’s Eve.
The AT&T Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame honors players, coaches and others who have made a significant impact on the Classic. The first four classes read like a “who's who of college football,” Including: TCU quarterback Sammy Baugh; Syracuse halfback Jim Brown; Arkansas coach Frank Broyles; Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant; Kilgore Rangerettes founder Gussie Nell Davis; Miami defensive tackle Russell Maryland; NBC and CBS broadcaster Lindsey Nelson; Texas coach Darrell Royal; Navy quarterback Roger Staubach; and SMU halfback Doak Walker.
The AT&T Cotton Bowl Music Festival offers thousands of high school band members from across the United States an opportunity to showcase their talents in concert, jazz and field band competitions, while enjoying some of Dallas’ educational and cultural attractions, On New Year’s Eve, the students join the university bands in Downtown Dallas for the festive New Year’s Parade. On behalf of AT&T Inc.'s dedicated employees around the world, thank you for participating in a cherished holiday tradition. Best wishes throughout 2008 from AT&T. | | Randall L. Stephenson chairman and CEO AT&T Inc. www.att.com |
