Watch parties will bring the Cotton Bowl home

COLUMBIA — As the MU Tigers prepare to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Cotton Bowl on Tuesday in Dallas, several watch parties are taking place in Columbia for fans unable to make the trek to Texas. The game starts in the morning — kickoff is at 10:30 — so many bars and restaurants will open early for those who want to watch.

The following is a sampling of parties:

The Blue Note

When: Doors open at 10 a.m.

Where: 17 N. 9th St.

What: A free watch party with the game broadcast on a big screen on the venue’s stage. Food will also be available from Jamaican Jerk Hut.

Blue Note employee Kelly Frazier said the MU/Kansas watch party on Nov. 24 brought in nearly 600 fans, and the staff hopes to see an even bigger crowd for Tuesday’s game. For more information, call (573) 874-1944.

Reynolds Alumni Center

When: 9:30 a.m.

Where: 704 Conley Ave.

What: The MU Alumni Association is hosting a watch party in the Columns Ballroom at the Reynolds Alumni Center. The game will be displayed on three big screens. An admission fee of $20 for the public and $15 for alumni grants guests access to the Ballroom and food such as biscuits and gravy, BBQ pork and ice cream. Reservations are required and are available by calling (573) 882-2586.