The big question El Pasoans will be wondering is why did only 26,000 fans attend the Sun Bowl Saturday for the 4th Annual Texas vs. the Nation All Star Challenge? Here are some possible answers:
1. The game lacked star power
2. The game was played on the same night as UTEP vs. Tulsa and fans couldn't budget both
3. The game was played too early on Saturday (12noon versus 1pm or 2pm)
4. Last year's game features over 40,000 fans, but many were given free vouchers to attend. This year's game featured buy 1, get 1 free vouchers and fans didn't take advantage of the deal.
5. Fans had no idea that ticket sales were so slow, and didn't have enough time to rally and buy tickets.
All of these excuses will be used by people to justify their decision to stay home Saturday afternoon. And that's just another reason why El Paso might lose this football game to Dallas, San Antonio, or Austin. Mayor Cook and game organizer Kenny Hansmire are both upset with this city's effort to support the game. However, I still believe that El Paso will get another chance to save this game next February. Only time will tell if El Paso will rally and keep this event in the Sun City.