This year, there will again be ample festivities leading up to the game itself. But for the first time, the two will meet on a softball diamond in the inaugural Red River Celebrity Softball Game on Thursday, October 12 at Frisco’s Dr Pepper Ballpark.
NOTABLE NAMES FOR A NOTABLE CAUSE
This game will feature well-known graduates of both schools squaring off alongside U.S. combat veterans who will also be participating.
Among the notable names playing for Texas are former big-league pitcher Roger Clemens, former Longhorn football standout Vince Young, 1998 Heisman Trophy-winning running back Ricky Williams, and former NBA stars Maurice Evans and TJ Ford. Former UT running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Earl Campbell will also be an honorary guest in addition to recently-elected Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney, a Texas graduate.
The OU contingent is equally impressive, led by country singer Toby Keith and includes former Sooner football standouts and NFL players, Ryan Broyles, Mark Clayton, Tommie Harris and Roy Williams.
But the big winner from this evening, which promises to be entertaining and star-studded, is the Lone Survivor Foundation, the charitable organization started by former Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell which restores, empowers and renews hope for wounded soldiers and their families by providing health, wellness and therapeutic support. All proceeds from the game will go to this organization.
Maybe the coolest thing about this inaugural event is that besides the above luminaries from both schools who headline this game is that the rosters will be filled out by combat veterans from our military.
Tickets for this event start at just $10 for general admission and top out at just $25.
PRO TIPS
Don’t just come for the game. Check out some of Frisco’s great restaurants near the stadium including Brazilian steakhouse Estilo Gaucho, (for those who can’t get enough meat) 3 Stacks BBQ and Smoke House, La Hacienda Ranch (Mexican) and Norma’s Café (home cooking).
No matter whether you favor Boomer Sooner or The Eyes of Texas as your ringtone, check out this unique event as a nice lead-in to the Red River Rivalry.