First Responder Bowl
The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is an annual NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) postseason college football bowl game held in Dallas, Texas, to honor the sacrifices and service of first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.[1][2] Established in 2011 as the TicketCity Bowl, the game initially aimed to raise funds and awareness for local charities before shifting focus in 2014 to specifically recognize first responders through events like fan festivals, on-field honors, and special performances during the national anthem.[1][3] It was renamed the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2013 and became the First Responder Bowl in 2018, when SERVPRO assumed title sponsorship in a deal extended through 2026.[1][4] Originally played at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park, the game has been hosted at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the Southern Methodist University campus in University Park since 2019, with kickoff typically in late December and broadcast on ESPN networks.[5][6] Operated by ESPN Events since 2014, the bowl features teams primarily from American Athletic Conference (AAC) and other conferences, including Group of Five conferences such as Conference USA (C-USA) and Power conferences like the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) under rotating tie-ins, contributing to the postseason opportunities for non-Power Five programs.[1][7]Background and Purpose
Founding and Mission
The First Responder Bowl traces its origins to 2011, when it was established as the TicketCity Bowl—initially planned as the Dallas Football Classic—by a consortium of Dallas-area organizations under a nonprofit framework to launch a new postseason college football game at the Cotton Bowl. This initiative aimed to fill a gap in the postseason landscape by providing competitive opportunities for teams from non-BCS conferences, fostering the growth of college football in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and offering a prominent stage for up-and-coming programs. The inaugural game, held on January 1, 2011, featured Texas Tech from the Big 12 Conference against Northwestern from the Big Ten, marking the start of an effort to elevate the city's role in national college football traditions.[8][1] In 2013, ESPN Events assumed ownership and operational control of the bowl, previously known as the Heart of Dallas Bowl, which marked a pivotal shift in its core mission toward explicitly recognizing and supporting first responders. Under this new direction, the game began dedicating events to honor firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other emergency personnel through in-game tributes—such as quarterly recognitions and honor guards performing the national anthem—as well as community-focused activities like Responder Row, where nonprofits offer free resources and services to attendees.[9][3][10] This evolved mission emphasizes tangible support for first responders via game proceeds directed to related charities, including donations tied to on-field scoring and broader fundraising efforts. The partnership with ESPN Events has been instrumental in professionalizing the bowl's organization, promotion, and expansion of its first-responder initiatives, ensuring sustained community impact alongside athletic competition.[9][11][1]Honoring First Responders
Since 2014, the bowl—initially as the Heart of Dallas Bowl and renamed the First Responder Bowl in 2018—has dedicated significant efforts to celebrating the service of firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other first responders through targeted events and programs.[1] Annual pre-game ceremonies highlight these professionals with performances by honor guards, who present the flag during the National Anthem.[12] These tributes extend into the game itself, featuring on-field salutes and acknowledgments of first responders' contributions.[1][2] Fundraising initiatives tied to the bowl direct a portion of ticket sales and sponsorship proceeds toward first responder organizations and local charities focused on their support.[1] Title sponsor SERVPRO, involved since 2018, bolsters these efforts by providing grants to families of first responders and scholarships for their children, including a $100,000 donation to the First Responders Children's Foundation in 2021.[2][13] Special recognitions form a core part of the bowl's commitment, such as the annual First Responder Award of Excellence, presented in an on-field ceremony to an outstanding individual in the field.[2] In 2024, this award honored a fallen firefighter for their sacrifice.[14] The event also maintains a virtual Everyday Heroes Wall, where community members submit photos to publicly celebrate first responders.[15] Community service projects connected to the bowl include fan-fest zones that display first responder equipment, promoting education and appreciation within the community.[1] First responders receive up to four complimentary tickets each, enabling direct participation and recognition at the game.[16] Overall, these activities have supported numerous first responder causes through ceremonies, awards, and awareness efforts.[3]History
Origins and Name Changes
The First Responder Bowl traces its origins to 2010, when ESPN Regional Television (now part of ESPN Events) announced the creation of a new postseason college football bowl game in Dallas, Texas, to fill a gap in the postseason schedule following the Cotton Bowl Classic's relocation.[17] The game launched in 2011 as the TicketCity Bowl, named after its title sponsor TicketCity.com, an Austin-based online ticket marketplace that secured naming rights to promote its brand and support college football events.[18] TicketCity's sponsorship provided essential funding for the bowl's operations and marketing, helping establish it as a platform for non-CFP eligible teams from major conferences.[19] The inaugural TicketCity Bowl occurred on January 1, 2011, at Cotton Bowl Stadium, with Texas Tech defeating Northwestern 45–38. In 2013, the bowl underwent its first major rebranding to the Heart of Dallas Bowl, reflecting a shift toward emphasizing the event's ties to the local community and replacing the expiring TicketCity sponsorship.[1] A consortium of Dallas-based organizations formed a nonprofit entity to sponsor and manage the game initially without a corporate title partner, aiming to generate funds and awareness for regional charities and nonprofits through ticket sales, corporate partnerships, and event proceeds.[3] This structure supported operational costs while directing surpluses to community initiatives, fostering goodwill in the Dallas area.[20] Beginning in 2014, Zaxby's, a Southern fast-food chain specializing in chicken, became the title sponsor as Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl, signing a four-year deal through 2017 that included promotional activations, advertising, and funding to enhance the event's visibility and financial stability.[21] Zaxby's role extended to community outreach, such as offering free admission to first responders, which aligned with the bowl's growing emphasis on public service.[22] The bowl rebranded again in 2018 as the First Responder Bowl, sponsored by SERVPRO, a national network of restoration and cleaning companies that frequently collaborates with emergency services.[23] This name change, announced on August 13, 2018, pivoted the event's identity to honor firefighters, police officers, and EMTs, building on prior nonprofit efforts while SERVPRO's title sponsorship provided multi-year funding for production, broadcasting on ESPN networks, and initiatives like pre-game tributes to first responders.[1] SERVPRO's involvement, which included on-site activations and charitable donations, reinforced the bowl's mission to recognize public safety professionals.[24] In 2023, SERVPRO extended its agreement for three additional years, securing the sponsorship through the 2026 season and ensuring continued financial support for the event's growth and promotional efforts.[25]Venue and Scheduling Changes
The First Responder Bowl's scheduling evolved significantly in its early years to better integrate with the broader college football postseason landscape. The inaugural game was held on January 1, 2011, with subsequent editions in 2012 and 2013 also taking place in early January, aligning with the traditional post-New Year's bowl calendar.[1] Starting in 2014, the game shifted to late December, a change driven by the introduction of the four-team College Football Playoff format, which restructured the national schedule and prioritized semifinal matchups around New Year's to avoid conflicts with major bowls. This adjustment allowed the First Responder Bowl to serve as an earlier postseason option while maintaining its position within the ESPN Events portfolio. Subsequent games have occasionally spilled into early January due to calendar variations, such as the 2024 edition on January 3, 2025, but the late December slot has remained the norm to facilitate timely team travel and fan attendance amid holiday logistics.[1] Venue changes have similarly reflected operational and external factors, beginning with all initial games from 2011 to 2018 at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, a historic outdoor facility with a capacity of over 91,000 that provided a grand stage for the event.[26] The 2018 edition at the Cotton Bowl was canceled due to severe thunderstorms and lightning, marking the first FBS bowl game in history forfeited to inclement weather and highlighting vulnerabilities of the large, exposed venue during winter conditions.[27] For the 2019 game, the bowl relocated to Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the Southern Methodist University campus in University Park, Texas, initially as a temporary measure to avoid conflicts with preparations for the 2020 NHL Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl, which required extensive setup in late December.[28] The smaller venue, with a seating capacity of 32,000, offered a more intimate atmosphere that improved crowd energy and game-day experience compared to the often sparsely filled Cotton Bowl.[29][30] The move to Gerald J. Ford Stadium proved advantageous for long-term logistics, including easier access for local teams, reduced operational costs, and better weather mitigation through its campus location, leading to its adoption as the permanent home starting in 2019.[6] This transition enhanced the bowl's focus on community engagement in the Dallas area while addressing past challenges like the 2018 weather disruption, ensuring more reliable event execution amid the late-year timing.[31]Notable Events and Cancellations
The 2012 TicketCity Bowl, a predecessor to the modern First Responder Bowl, featured a high-profile matchup between Penn State and Houston amid the unfolding Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal, which had led to the firing of legendary coach Joe Paterno and significantly impacted the program's public image and bowl selection.[32] The game, played on January 2, 2012, drew controversy due to low ticket sales influenced by the scandal and economic factors, with Penn State ultimately losing 30-14 and donating its bowl revenue—estimated at over $1 million—to organizations combating child sexual abuse.[33][34] This event highlighted the bowl's early role in hosting nationally significant games under challenging circumstances, setting a precedent for resilience in its evolving history. The most notable disruption in the First Responder Bowl's direct history occurred on December 26, 2018, when the inaugural SERVPRO First Responder Bowl between No. 25 Boise State and Boston College was canceled after just under 10 minutes of play due to severe weather, including lightning strikes and heavy rain that rendered the Cotton Bowl field unplayable.[27] Officials halted the game approximately 90 minutes into a delay, and the NCAA ruled it a no-contest—the first bowl game in history to be fully canceled due to inclement weather, with no win or loss recorded for either team.[35][36] Despite the cancellation, organizers emphasized safety protocols, noting that alternative venues like domed stadiums were not feasible due to logistical constraints.[37] Weather-related challenges have occasionally tested the bowl's scheduling, though the 2018 incident remains the sole full cancellation; in other years, such as potential storms in the Dallas area, games have proceeded with enhanced monitoring and minor delays to ensure participant safety.[38] The First Responder Bowl has consistently incorporated community impact events to honor its namesake, including post-game fundraisers and partnerships that support first responders, such as collaborations with Guns & Hoses for annual charity competitions between police and fire departments, which raise funds for equipment and wellness programs.[39] In specific years, like 2019 onward, the bowl has expanded these efforts through on-site ceremonies, complimentary tickets for first responders and families, and ties to organizations like the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) for targeted support initiatives.[9] These events underscore the bowl's mission, generating awareness and resources for police, firefighters, and EMS personnel beyond the field.[2]Game Details
Stadium
The Gerald J. Ford Stadium is situated on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, serving as the primary home venue for the First Responder Bowl since 2019.[40][9] Opened in 2000, the stadium replaced the older Ownby Stadium and has since undergone significant upgrades, including the addition of the Garry Weber End Zone Complex in 2023, which enhanced team facilities, concourses, and fan amenities.[29] With a seating capacity of 32,000, it features premium club-level seating for approximately 2,100 patrons, 41 luxury suites accommodating up to 48 guests each, and large high-definition video boards at both end zones to ensure visibility for all attendees.[29][41][30] As a neutral-site venue for the bowl game, the stadium operates with dedicated parking options including the Moody Coliseum Garage, Garage U, and Hillcrest Lot, available for $20 per vehicle on game day, along with first-come, first-served ADA spaces.[42] Tailgating is permitted in designated areas, such as the free public zone in the Meadows Museum parking lot adjacent to the west side, fostering a lively pre-game atmosphere without disrupting campus flow.[30] To optimize attendance, the stadium's full capacity is not always utilized; recent First Responder Bowl games have drawn averages of around 27,000 spectators, such as 26,542 in 2023 and 28,725 in the January 2025 edition, allowing for comfortable spacing while maintaining an energetic crowd density.[43][44] Compared to the previous venue at the Cotton Bowl, Gerald J. Ford Stadium offers advantages like improved weather protection through its enclosed concourses and premium seating options, as well as seamless integration with the university campus for easier access and event logistics.[45] This setup creates a more intimate game environment, bringing fans closer to the action in a 32,000-seat configuration versus the Cotton Bowl's larger 92,000 capacity, which often resulted in sparser crowds for the bowl.[30]Conference Tie-ins
The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl maintains conference tie-ins with the American Athletic Conference (AAC), Conference USA (C-USA), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and Big 12 Conference through the 2025 postseason. These affiliations ensure participation from a mix of Group of Five and Power Five programs, with the AAC and C-USA serving as primary partners and the ACC and Big 12 providing rotational opportunities.[46][3][47] The selection process prioritizes one team from the AAC or C-USA, particularly those with winning records eligible for postseason play, while allowing flexibility to select from the ACC or Big 12 if those conferences have available teams not advancing to higher-priority bowls like the College Football Playoff. This structure accommodates conference priorities, such as filling slots in a pool of bowls for the AAC and C-USA, and partial commitments from the ACC and Big 12.[48][49][3] Since the bowl's rebranding in 2018, these tie-ins have provided stability, consistently delivering Group of Five versus occasional Power Five matchups that align with the event's goal of showcasing competitive college football in Dallas. The agreements, renewed or established between 2019 and 2020, have supported reliable team placements amid evolving conference alignments.[3] By facilitating balanced pairings between emerging programs from the AAC and C-USA against established teams from the ACC or Big 12, the tie-ins have boosted game competitiveness, often resulting in tight contests that engage national audiences. This diversity in conference representation has also contributed to sustained attendance, drawing regional fans and boosting local economic impact through high-profile matchups.[3][48]Sponsorship and Naming Rights
The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl derives its name from its current title sponsor, SERVPRO, a national leader in fire, water, and mold restoration and cleaning services. SERVPRO assumed the title sponsorship on August 13, 2018, rebranding the event to emphasize support for first responders including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and others. The company, headquartered in Gallatin, Tennessee, aligns its sponsorship with its core mission of aiding communities during crises, having provided disaster recovery services to first responders in events like hurricanes and wildfires. In September 2023, SERVPRO agreed to a three-year extension of its title sponsorship, securing the partnership through the 2026 college football season. This extension underscores the company's ongoing commitment to the bowl's operations and its charitable initiatives. Prior to SERVPRO, the game operated under different sponsorships: TicketCity served as the inaugural title sponsor from 2011 to 2012, followed by a nonprofit-backed Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2013 organized by local Dallas entities to benefit charities, and Zaxby's, a Southern fried chicken chain, as title sponsor from 2014 to 2017 under a four-year agreement. Title sponsorships like SERVPRO's are essential for funding the bowl's annual production, which includes stadium operations at the Cotton Bowl, player participation gifts such as watches, apparel, and experiential perks, and community outreach programs. These sponsorships also enable direct support for first responders, such as free game tickets for honorees and their families, on-field recognition ceremonies, and contributions to related nonprofits. For instance, SERVPRO's involvement channels resources to the First Responders Children's Foundation, funding scholarships and financial grants for the children and families of first responders affected by line-of-duty incidents or disasters. As the agreement approaches its 2026 conclusion, the bowl's management, in partnership with ESPN Events, continues to evaluate options for sustained commercial backing to ensure long-term viability.Results and Records
Game Results
The First Responder Bowl, originally known as the TicketCity Bowl and later the Heart of Dallas Bowl, has hosted 14 completed postseason college football games from the 2010 through 2024 seasons, along with one no-contest in 2018 due to severe weather. All games have been played in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, initially at Cotton Bowl Stadium before moving to Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the Southern Methodist University campus starting in 2019. The following table summarizes the results, including dates, locations, scores, and brief notes on notable matchups or contexts. Years refer to seasons.| Year | Date | Location | Matchup (Winner–Loser) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | January 1, 2011 | Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX | Texas Tech 45–38 Northwestern | Inaugural TicketCity Bowl; high-scoring affair with 83 total points, marking Texas Tech's first bowl win since 1995. |
| 2011 | January 2, 2012 | Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX | Houston 30–14 Penn State | TicketCity Bowl; Houston's first bowl victory since 1981, led by Case Keenum's performance. |
| 2012 | January 1, 2013 | Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX | Oklahoma State 58–14 Purdue | Heart of Dallas Bowl debut; Oklahoma State's dominant win featured 58 points, their highest in a bowl game at the time. |
| 2013 | January 1, 2014 | Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX | North Texas 36–14 UNLV | North Texas ended a 13-game losing streak; first bowl win for the program since 1946. |
| 2014 | December 26, 2014 | Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX | Louisiana Tech 35–18 Illinois | Louisiana Tech's defense forced four turnovers; marked the program's fourth consecutive bowl appearance. |
| 2015 | December 26, 2015 | Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX | Washington 44–31 Southern Miss | Washington's offensive outburst included 517 yards. |
| 2016 | December 27, 2016 | Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX | Army 38–31 North Texas (OT) | Army's first bowl win since 1985 and first postseason victory in 31 years; triple-option offense prevailed in overtime. |
| 2017 | December 26, 2017 | Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX | Utah 30–14 West Virginia | Final Heart of Dallas Bowl; Utah's defense held West Virginia to 14 points in a low-scoring defensive battle. |
| 2018 | December 26, 2018 | Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, TX | Boise State vs. Boston College (no score) | First Responder Bowl debut; game halted after 9:52 elapsed (Boston College leading 7–0) due to lightning and severe weather, ruled a no-contest—the first bowl cancellation for inclement weather in NCAA history. |
| 2019 | December 30, 2019 | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Western Kentucky 23–20 Western Michigan | Move to Ford Stadium; Western Kentucky's late field goal secured the win in a defensive struggle. |
| 2020 | December 26, 2020 | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Louisiana 31–24 UTSA | Louisiana's first bowl win since 2010; featured a back-and-forth fourth quarter. |
| 2021 | December 28, 2021 | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Air Force 31–28 Louisville | Air Force overcame a 21–7 deficit; their wishbone offense rushed for 310 yards. |
| 2022 | December 27, 2022 | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Memphis 38–10 Utah State | Memphis' high-powered offense exploded for 38 points; Seth Henigan threw for 414 yards. |
| 2023 | December 26, 2023 | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Texas State 45–21 Rice | Texas State's first-ever bowl win; explosive offense with 45 points in program bowl history. |
| 2024 | January 3, 2025 | Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Texas State 30–28 North Texas | Texas State's second consecutive bowl appearance; narrow victory sealed by a late defensive stand, marking coach G.J. Kinne's debut bowl win. |
Most Valuable Players
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the First Responder Bowl recognizes the player delivering the most outstanding individual performance in the game, often highlighted by significant statistical contributions such as passing yards, rushing touchdowns, or defensive interceptions that influence the final outcome. The selection is made by a panel including media representatives and coaches, emphasizing impact on the winning effort. The following table lists all MVPs since the bowl's inception in 2010 season, including position and team affiliation. Years refer to seasons.| Year | MVP | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Taylor Potts | QB | Texas Tech |
| 2011 | Case Keenum | QB | Houston |
| 2012 | Clint Chelf | QB | Oklahoma State |
| 2013 | Derek Thompson | QB | North Texas |
| 2014 | Houston Bates | DE | Louisiana Tech |
| 2015 | Myles Gaskin | RB | Washington |
| 2016 | Ahmad Bradshaw | QB | Army |
| 2017 | Julian Blackmon | CB | Utah |
| 2019 | Lucky Jackson | WR | Western Kentucky |
| 2020 | Elijah Mitchell | RB | Louisiana |
| 2021 | Haaziq Daniels | QB | Air Force |
| 2022 | Seth Henigan | QB | Memphis |
| 2023 | Brian Holloway | LB | Texas State |
| 2024 | Lincoln Pare | RB | Texas State |
Team Appearances
Texas State has made the most appearances in the First Responder Bowl with two, compiling a perfect 2–0 record. The Bobcats secured back-to-back victories, defeating Rice 45–21 in the 2023 edition and North Texas 30–28 in the 2024 game played on January 3, 2025, establishing them as the only team to win consecutive bowls. North Texas is the only other team with multiple appearances, participating three times for a 1–2 record. The Mean Green earned their sole win with a 36–14 triumph over UNLV in 2013 but fell to Army 38–31 in overtime in 2016 and to Texas State in 2024, highlighting a pattern of repeat invitations for the program despite inconsistent results. All remaining teams have appeared once, with seven winners and seven losers across the 14 completed games since the bowl's inception in 2010 (the 2018 matchup between Boise State and Boston College was canceled due to severe weather and does not count toward records).| Team | Appearances | Record (W–L) | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas State | 2 | 2–0 | 2023 (W), 2024 (W) |
| North Texas | 3 | 1–2 | 2013 (W), 2016 (L), 2024 (L) |
| Air Force | 1 | 1–0 | 2021 (W) |
| Army | 1 | 1–0 | 2016 (W) |
| Houston | 1 | 1–0 | 2011 (W) |
| Louisiana | 1 | 1–0 | 2020 (W) |
| Louisiana Tech | 1 | 1–0 | 2014 (W) |
| Memphis | 1 | 1–0 | 2022 (W) |
| Oklahoma State | 1 | 1–0 | 2012 (W) |
| Texas Tech | 1 | 1–0 | 2010 (W) |
| Utah | 1 | 1–0 | 2017 (W) |
| Washington | 1 | 1–0 | 2015 (W) |
| Western Kentucky | 1 | 1–0 | 2019 (W) |
| Boston College | 0 | 0–0 | 2018 (canceled) |
| Boise State | 0 | 0–0 | 2018 (canceled) |
| Illinois | 1 | 0–1 | 2014 (L) |
| Louisville | 1 | 0–1 | 2021 (L) |
| Northwestern | 1 | 0–1 | 2010 (L) |
| Penn State | 1 | 0–1 | 2011 (L) |
| Purdue | 1 | 0–1 | 2012 (L) |
| Rice | 1 | 0–1 | 2023 (L) |
| Southern Miss | 1 | 0–1 | 2015 (L) |
| UNLV | 1 | 0–1 | 2013 (L) |
| UTSA | 1 | 0–1 | 2020 (L) |
| Utah State | 1 | 0–1 | 2022 (L) |
| West Virginia | 1 | 0–1 | 2017 (L) |
| Western Michigan | 1 | 0–1 | 2019 (L) |
Conference Appearances
The First Responder Bowl, in its various naming iterations since 2010, has primarily featured teams from the Group of Five conferences, with occasional inclusions from Power Five leagues through tie-in agreements. Conference participation has been influenced by postseason selection criteria and contractual affiliations, resulting in a total of 14 completed games through the 2024 edition (excluding the 2018 cancellation). The Conference USA holds the most appearances with seven, underscoring its historical tie-ins with the bowl. Years refer to seasons.| Conference | Appearances | Record (W-L) | Winning Pct. | Years of Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conference USA | 7 | 4-3 | .571 | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020 |
| Big Ten | 4 | 0-4 | .000 | 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 |
| Big 12 | 3 | 2-1 | .667 | 2010, 2012, 2017 |
| Sun Belt | 3 | 3-0 | 1.000 | 2020, 2023, 2024 |
| American Athletic | 3 | 1-2 | .333 | 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Mountain West | 4 | 1-2 | .333 | 2013, 2018, 2021, 2022 |
| ACC | 2 | 0-1 | .000 | 2018, 2021 |
| Pac-12 | 2 | 2-0 | 1.000 | 2015, 2017 |
| MAC | 1 | 0-1 | .000 | 2019 |
| Independent | 1 | 1-0 | 1.000 | 2016 |
Statistical Records
The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl has produced several notable statistical achievements since its inception in 2010 as the TicketCity Bowl, with records tracked across its various naming iterations. These include standout performances in scoring, yardage, and defensive efforts, reflecting the bowl's history of high-output games dominated by passing attacks and occasional run-heavy contests. All records are updated through the 2024 edition.Team Single-Game Records
| Category | Record | Team and Opponent | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most points scored (one team) | 58 | Oklahoma State vs. Purdue | 2012 | [50] |
| Most points scored (both teams combined) | 83 | Texas Tech vs. Northwestern | 2010 | [51] |
| Largest margin of victory | 44 | Oklahoma State over Purdue | 2012 | [52] |
| Fewest points allowed (one team) | 10 | Memphis vs. Utah State | 2022 | [51] |
| Most total yards | 600 | Houston vs. Penn State | 2011 | [53] |
| Most rushing yards | 480 | Army vs. North Texas | 2016 | [53] |
| Most passing yards | 532 | Houston vs. Penn State | 2011 | [53] |
| Most interceptions | 4 | [Previous record, e.g., Louisiana Tech vs. Illinois] | 2014 | [54] |
Individual Single-Game Records
| Category | Record | Player and Team | Opponent | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most rushing yards | 181 | Myles Gaskin (Washington) | Southern Miss | 2015 | [53] |
| Most rushing touchdowns | 4 | Myles Gaskin (Washington) | Southern Miss | 2015 | [53] |
| Most passing yards | 532 | Case Keenum (Houston) | Penn State | 2011 | [53] |
| Most passing touchdowns | 4 | Taylor Potts (Texas Tech) | Northwestern | 2010 | [53] |
| Most receiving yards | 228 | Patrick Edwards (Houston) | Penn State | 2011 | [53] |
| Most receptions | 17 | Lucky Jackson (Western Kentucky) | Western Michigan | 2019 | [53] |