As we start to look ahead to college football’s future, there’s plenty to discuss. The College Football Playoff format seems to be in permanent flux, while the future of conference championship games may also be part of the discussion.
In the Big 12 Conference, the football championship game is scheduled to be in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, a.k.a. “Jerry World” through 2030. That’s where the game has been played since it returned from a six-year hiatus in 2017.
But after comments made this week by Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan, who made it clear that if the team moves to a domed stadium in Kansas, he would be interested in hosting Big 12 Championship Games, I wondered: “Where else should the Big 12 consider playing a football championship game?”
Here are seven options the Big 12 should consider.
1. AT&T Stadium: Arlington, Texas
Of course, I am leaving Jerry World on the list. It’s in the Big 12’s backyard in Arlington, the epicenter of football-crazed Texas, and it’s a good defensive play against the SEC to keep their championship game out of your own backyard. There’s plenty to like about this location, given the ease of access to other cities, surrounding entertainment, home of Jerry Jones, and much more.
2. Arrowhead Stadium/Future Chiefs Stadium: Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas City, Kansas
The Big 12 has played five championship games in Kansas City in the early 2000’s. They were willing to be outside then, why not now? Weather is unlikely to be too brutal in Kansas City in early December, so it’s worth considering. You get into the hub of Big 12 country and play in an iconic NFL Stadium or a new domed stadium on the Kansas side of the state line.
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3. Alamodome: San Antonio, Texas
Some may prefer a second Texas-based option in Houston, but I’d prefer a stadium that has college football ties and is more centrally located for fans to (potentially) drive to and get to watch the game. San Antonio is a great town for a major event and handles them well, without being in one of the sterile environments that are offered in places like Atlanta and Indianapolis.
4. Mile High Stadium: Denver, Colorado
Outdoors? Sure. But early December isn’t likely to be that bad. Plus, this appeases the western teams in the Big 12 Conference, while still being convenient for most of the rest of the conference. And it’s more convenient and a better option than Las Vegas, which is west of every team in the league, while Phoenix is really convenient for two teams.
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5. Nissan Stadium: Nashville, Tennessee
Heck, go right into the heart of SEC country. And yes, stay outdoors. Fan bases will flock to Broadway in downtown Nashville on game weekend for a good time. This would be a no-brainer, and takes the battle to the SEC by playing some offense, versus always being in a defensive position.
6. Everbank Stadium: Jacksonville, Florida
Throw Florida in the mix in what is generally SEC and ACC country. Bring the golf clubs down for the weekend as well. This gets the Big 12 some prime real estate and attention in the state of Florida, where there is a ton of high-end football talent, and some earned media in the Sunshine State. Plus, it will be the only location in the Eastern Time Zone.
7. Soldier Field: Chicago, Illinois
Given the weather, this may be a bit much, even for me. However, the Big 12 is always looking to improve its TV product, so why not do this and take the chance that some bad weather brings great drama to a football game? Plus, Chicago is still a Top 5 media market in the country that will undoubtedly bring some new publicity and it is in the heart of Big Ten country. But there are also plenty of Big 12 alumni who call Chicago home. This opens up a new door that is worth the risk.
