WMU football Broncos are headed to the Cotton Bowl

Contact: Kristin Keirns
WMU football Broncos, 2016 MAC football champions, are Cotton Bowl bound.

Graphic courtesy of WMU Intercollegiate Athletics

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The No. 15 (CFP) Western Michigan University football Broncos will be playing in the 2017 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, Jan. 2.

The Broncos will face the No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers, who fell to Penn State in the Big Ten Championship game Dec. 3. The game starts at noon CST.

The football Broncos have an undefeated 13-0 record this season and are the Mid-American Conference champions. WMU's Cotton Bowl appearance will be its first in school history and third-straight bowl appearance under the direction of head coach P.J. Fleck. It marks just the second time in conference history that a MAC team has been selected for a New Year's Six bowl game.

Currently No. 12 in the AP Top 25, No. 14 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and No. 15 in the College Football Playoff poll, WMU is one of just two undefeated schools in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. The other is No. 1-ranked Alabama, also 13-0.

Travel packages

WMU has partnered with Anthony Travel to offer comprehensive, exclusive and custom travel packages to Broncos across the nation. Anthony Travel is the official bowl package partner of Western Michigan University and Bronco athletics. No other sites are officially authorized as bowl travel partners. Visit Anthony Travel at anthonytravel.com/wmu-bowl.

Travel package inclusions

  • Three-night hotel accommodations at the Gaylord Texan Resort, the official team hotel
  • Cotton Bowl Classic game ticket in the official WMU fan section
  • Admission to the official Bronco pregame Stampede tailgate and pep rally
  • Game day transportation
  • Commemorative souvenir
  • Commemorative credential and lanyard
  • On-site travel directors
  • All taxes and fees

The official Cotton Bowl team hotel block included in the travel package is extremely limited and will sell out.

Tickets

All fans are encouraged to purchase game tickets through the Bronco Ticket Office at (888) 4-WMU-TIX (496-8849) or wmubroncos.com/tickets, rather than third-party ticket sites. Purchases made through the Bronco Ticket Office directly aid the University, support the WMU football program and offer the best Bronco bowl experience.

Game ticket pricing

  • Club Level—$200 per seat
  • Reserve—$100 per seat
  • WMU student—$50 per seat, must be currently enrolled WMU student

Tickets and fan packages are being finalized. Check wmubroncos.com for the most up-to-date information.

Reserve advance parking

Pre-purchased parking near AT&T Stadium is also available through the WMU Bronco Ticket Office, (888) 4-WMU-TIX (496-8849) or wmubroncos.com/tickets, at a rate of $25 per vehicle. WMU has a required allotment of 1,500 parking spaces at this rate.

Cotton Bowl Classic Stampede

An official Bronco pregame Stampede tailgate and pep rally is planned for 9 a.m. CST Monday, Jan. 2, at Globe Life Park, home of the Texas Rangers. Located at 1000 Ballpark Way in Arlington, Globe Life Park is a short 10-minute walk from AT&T Stadium.

The tailgate, which will be held in the Jack Daniels Club at the east side of the ballpark, will feature an indoor Texas-style breakfast buffet and two complimentary alcoholic drink tickets. A cash bar will also be available featuring both domestic and craft beer, house wine and breakfast-themed mixed drinks. The site will feature fun activities to enjoy before the game and exclusive commemorative giveaway items. The tailgate will conclude at 11:30 a.m. CST to provide adequate time for pedestrian travel to the game. More information is available at mywmu.com/cottonbowl.

Stampede tailgate tickets

Admission to the Stampede tailgate and pep rally is $65 per person and may be procured at (888) 4-WMU-TIX (496-8849) or wmubroncos.com/tickets. Space is limited to the first 700 registrants. Registrants' names will be added to a guest list and event check-in will be required. Game tickets, parking and tailgate admission are sold separately.

WMU Bronco gear

Official 2017 Cotton Bowl Classic Bronco gear is available through the WMU Athletics Online Store or WMU Bookstore.

Watch party locations

WMU's Office of Development and Alumni Relations is organizing watch parties across the nation for fans who cannot make it to the game. Visit mywmu.com/watchparty for more information or to request to host a watch party at a public venue.

For the most up-to-date bowl information, including details on tickets, travel, events and more, visit wmubroncos.com.

For travel packages, visit anthonytravel.com/wmu-bowl.

For information on watch parties, the Stampede tailgate and other pregame fan experiences, visit mywmu.com/cottonbowl.

For WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.

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