Sorry Duck fans, its not what you think. Today the College Football Playoff announced they will offer travel assistance to the families of players for both Oregon and Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Championship Game. Duck fans, you’re still on your own to get to Dallas. For families of players, up to two parents or legal guardians can be reimbursed up to $1,250 per person for lodging, travel and meal expenses.
Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff said, “We know how expensive travel can be, so we’re pleased to provide assistance to parents or guardians who want to see their sons play. It will make the game even more special for student-athletes to know that their family members are receiving this benefit.
Meyer brought this issue up in July
Reaction to the announcement has been positive so far, however is it too little too late? How many families didn’t make travel plans because of the expenses associated – not knowing they would get some reimbursement? What about families who don’t have the $3 – $5k to front the cost? This has been an issue on Coach Urban Meyer’s mind ever since the new Playoff system was announced as it created not one, but two major championship games for the players and families involved (three if you count the conference championship game). In the Columbus Dispatch articles posted July 30th, Meyer and Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio both lobbied aggressively for the NCAA to address the issue, while speaking at a preseason Big 10 kickoff luncheon.
“Those are three trips in a month that would set people back a small fortune.” Dantonio said.
Meyer added, “If you have people thinking about student-athlete first, above all that other stuff, finances and ‘Boy what a windfall for the university’ it might have already been discussed. I’m hoping it has been but if so, I”ve never been invited to those meetings.”
The Ducks on and off field families will be in Dallas
Tim May writes in the July Dispatch article, “In a dream season, Ohio Sate would win the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, Then, it would play in a College Football semifinal, probably at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on Jan. 1 (turned out to be the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans). The championships game will be at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 12.”
Well, the “dream season” has happened for both Oregon and Ohio State. Let’s hope its not too late for the families to make arrangements to watch their boys compete. Duck Fans? With hotels running $500 – $800 per night in Dallas? Keep your plastic handy.
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Living literally walking distance from Husky Stadium in the heart of Husky country, Adam is a passionate Duck fan originally from Salem, Oregon. Adam is a long-time season ticket holder and owner of no less than five Duck jerseys he proudly rotates and wears to work every Friday during the fall. Adams works as an Account Executive in the Cloud Software business and in his spare time, hangs out with his wife Rachael and daughter Addison. Go Ducks!