TCU Athletics
ESPN Event and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment have announced that the 2020 Mercari Texas Bowl is canceled, due to "an increased number of positive COVID-19 tests and other circumstances within the TCU football program," according to a news release. The Horned Frogs were originally scheduled to play the Arkansas Razorbacks on Thursday at NRG Stadium in Houston.
“While we are disappointed in canceling this year’s game, we look forward to hosting both the Texas Kickoff and Texas Bowl next season,” executive director David Fletcher said in a statement. “We appreciate everyone’s support, including our new title sponsor, Mercari.”
Fans who purchased tickets should expect to receive a refund from the outlet they purchased from, including Lone Star Sports & Entertainment and Ticketmaster.
TCU director of intercollegiate athletics Jeremiah Donati released the following statement regarding the bowl's cancellation: "Over the last 24 hours, between a combination of COVID-19 related issues, injuries and other circumstances, we have fallen below the established Big 12 Conference threshold for student-athlete availability that we have abided by all season. As such, we very regrettably will not be able to participate in Thursday night’s Mercari Texas Bowl against Arkansas.
“Health and safety considerations for our student-athletes are always our top priority. Our entire football program, from our student-athletes to coaches and staff, is incredibly saddened, disappointed and heartbroken. We are very appreciative of the Mercari Texas Bowl for the invitation to participate in this year’s game. While we have experienced these issues all season, the past 24 hours have been too much to overcome on such short notice for Thursday’s game.
“I am very proud of our student-athletes and coaches for how they finished the season with victories in five of our last six games. We were playing our best football and are excited about the momentum we have going into the 2021 season. We appreciate the commitment, dedication and perseverance of our student-athletes, coaches and everyone in our football program this season.”
