TCU beats Michigan 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl. | Photo by TCU Athletics
It’s a storybook ending only TCU fans could predict — the Horned Frogs are headed to the College Football National Championship.
TCU’s win over Michigan on New Year’s Eve earned them a spot in the championship game against Georgia on Monday, Jan. 9. The two teams will face off at SoFi Stadium in L.A. — with TCU eyeing their first trophy in 85 years.
One for the history books 🏆
The Horned Frogs won their only previous national title in 1938 under head coach Dutch Meyer. The team went 11-0 that year, winning the Southwest Conference and earning a No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll.
That same season, TCU quarterback Davey O’Brien won the Heisman Trophy and became the namesake of the Davey O’Brien Award — an annual trophy given to the nation’s best college quarterback.
The rules for earning a championship title have changed quite a bit over the last 150+ years. Until 2014, there was no formal championship setting, but that changed when the College Football Playoff (CFP) introduced a four-team format and replaced a system of polls and computer systems.
Regardless of the game’s outcome on Monday night, TCU is emerging as a winner in our eyes.
In Sonny Dyke’s first year as head coach, the team made history by being the first Texas football team to earn an invite to the College Football Playoff and play in a National Championship game.
Texas Christian University vs. Baylor University football game, 1938 | FW Star-Telegram Collection/ UTA Special Collections
Watch more history be made 🎟️
If you’re hoping to watch the Horned Frogs in California, game tickets are pretty pricey ranging from $400 to upwards of $7,000.
TCU’s Alumni Association has sold out of their travel packages, but official tailgate tickets are still available. You can also catch the game from home on ESPN at 6:30 p.m.
First Fri-YAY | Friday, Jan. 6 | All day | Location varies | Free | Head to the nearest Fort Worth Bike Sharing station and explore the city on wheels with a free bike rental courtesy of the Blue Zones Project.
Experience Glass Blowing | Friday, Jan. 6 | 5-7 p.m. | SiNaCa Studios, 1013 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth | Learn how to make your own glass ornaments during a hands-on class with instructors.
Saturday, Jan. 7
TCU Women’s Basketball | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 5-7 p.m. | Schollmaier Arena, 3000 Stadium Dr., Fort Worth | $19-$32 | The Horned Frogs will play the Texas Tech Raiders on their home court.
Sunday, Jan. 8
Lightscape | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 5:45-9 p.m. | Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth | $18-$28 | It’s the last day to check out the spectacular one-mile holiday light trail.
Canoe Tour | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fort Worth Nature Center, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth | $5 | See what wildlife will greet you as you paddle along the river.
Tuesday, Jan. 10
Sewing Machine Basics | Tuesday, Jan. 10 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Maker Spot, 9015 Grand Ave., North Richland Hills | Free | Kids and parents can learn the basics of sewing including how to thread, different types of stitches, and how to wind and load the bobbin.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Fort Worth Housing Solutions will receive 50 vouchers (totaling more than $460,000) from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to house non-elderly people with disabilities. The vouchers will help people transitioning out of institutional settings, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness. 💸 (Fort Worth Report)
Eat
Smokestack 1948 at 2836 Stanley Ave. is temporarily closing as it gears up for a full rebrand. In an online post, the barbecue joint said it’s rebranding with a new name, menu, cocktails, and atmosphere. It’s expected to reopen in March. 🍖
Coming Soon
Fort Worth’s beloved Little Lilly Sushi (6100 Camp Bowie Blvd.) is expanding. The family-owned restaurant is opening its second location in Keller Town Square at 1004 Keller Pkwy. The space and menu are expected to be a lot bigger. Stay tuned for more details. 🍣 (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Transportation
Trinity Metro’s TEXRail is celebrating its 4th anniversary with free rides Tuesday, Jan. 10-Monday, Jan. 16. Head to the Central Station for live music and goody bags on Tuesday morning from 7:30-9:30 a.m. 🎉
Real Estate
According to a report from the Inspection Support Network, DFW is expected to grow at the seventh-fastest rate in the nation in 2023. The metro’s population grew at a rate of 7.9% from 2016 to 2021. Wondering how this could impact the area’s housing market? Read our 2023 predictions for Fort Worth real estate.
Drink
Wildcraft Coffee is hitting the road. The coffee shop, which operates out of an airstream, said its last day in South Main Village will be Saturday, Jan. 28. In an online post, the shop said it will host free pop-ups around Fort Worth and will soon be available for private bookings. ☕
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Sports
Horned Frogs on the big screen 🖥️
TCU watch parties for the CFP National Championship
Watch the Horned Frogs wrap up their historic season. | Photo by TCU Football
If you plan to cheer on TCU with fellow alumni there are plenty of watch parties around town. Here are the locations deemed a watch spot for Monday’s big game.
🐸 Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena, 2900 Stadium Dr. | Cheer on the Horned Frogs from the TCU basketball arena for free.
🍹 The Fitzgerald, 6115 Camp Bowie Blvd. | Catch the game in the back bar or on the heated patio with plenty of seating and bites from the new Patio Menu.
💜 Panther Island Brewing, 501 N. Main St. | Wear purple and get your first Tailgater (a housemade Blonde ale) for free, plus Smokin’ Cactus is serving up delicious game day eats.
🏈 Texas Republic, 945 Foch St. | Enjoy themed drinks and free shots every time TCU scores.
Editor’s pick: Despite not attending TCU myself, I grew up a Horned Frogs fan and could probably recite “Riff Ram Bah Zoo” from the ripe age of three.
My mom was a TCU Showgirl in the 70s, passing down her love for the school two generations. We’ll all be cheering loud and proud on Monday as TCU continues to make history. Go Frogs!
Editorial:Rebecca McRobbie, Kate Mazade, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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