Texas Tech-Baylor Series in Arlington: Good or Bad?

For six years now, the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Baylor Bears have been playing in Arlington (well, actually five of those years were in Arlington with 2010 at the Cotton Bowl). Despite what many say about the disadvantages this brings to Texas Tech, the financial aspect of this is actually a positive for the Red Raiders’ athletic department.

The Lubbock-Avalanche Journal wrote a piece explaining this series, saying that Tech makes more money out of this contract as it receives money every year (as opposed to every other year for home-away series’).

"Tech makes more than $3 million from a home sellout, Hocutt said. In the case of a conference opponent, however, that’s every-other-year revenue. Playing Baylor in Arlington, Hocutt said, Tech’s share is $2 million-plus every year."

Not that it really necessarily correlates, but it is interesting to note that the Red Raiders are 1-3 in games played at AT&T Stadium (not to be confused with Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock). This is much more likely to do with the rise of Baylor football coupled with the sinking of Texas Tech football during the past 4-5 years than it is playing at a neutral site, but it’s still something to look at.

Nov 24, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Darrin Moore (14) rushes against Baylor Bears nose guard Nick Johnson (76) in the first half at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The deal to continue the series will be for four years, pushing the Arlington games to 2018 and keeping at least one game in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex each year (twice when playing TCU in Fort Worth). Exposure in DFW is key to recruiting and is also right in the middle of the largest contingent of Texas Tech alumni in the nation.

“The Jones” is almost always a tough place to play, and the Baylor Bears haven’t had to travel there since 2008. What are your thoughts? Should they have stopped the neutral site series or did they make the right decision? Comment below.