Inaugural Xbox Bowl in Frisco brings bowl game to Collin County

Officials announced on December 4 that Missouri State accepted an invitation to play Arkansas State in the inaugural Xbox Bowl at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco on December 18, 2025. Missouri State will represent Conference USA in its first ever FBS bowl appearance. Arkansas State will arrive having extended a multi year run of postseason appearances. Ticket information and broadcast details will be released by the participating schools and by ESPN Events.

The matchup puts a nationally visible event in the heart of Collin County at a busy time of year. The Ford Center at The Star sits inside a mixed use sports complex that typically draws regional visitors. For local businesses including hotels, restaurants and retail, the bowl game is likely to boost sales and foot traffic for a concentrated period. For residents near the venue, the event will also bring increased vehicle and pedestrian congestion, shifts in parking availability and amplified demand on public safety resources.

Public health implications are particularly relevant for a winter event with large crowds. Large gatherings can elevate the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses and other communicable conditions. Local health authorities and hospital systems will need to monitor capacity for emergency care and coordinate ambulance and emergency medical services. Organizers and county agencies should consider clear health messaging, visible first aid stations, accessible hand hygiene stations and protocols for managing heat or cold exposure given outdoor arrival and departure patterns.

The distribution of benefits and burdens will matter for social equity across Collin County. Economic gains may concentrate with businesses in the immediate vicinity while residents in lower income neighborhoods could face parking displacement and limited access to tickets. Accessibility for people with disabilities, public transit options and affordable viewing opportunities are central to ensuring the event serves the whole community rather than a few.

As ticket and broadcast information become available, residents will want details on transportation plans, parking rules, public safety measures and health resources. Coordination between event organizers, Collin County officials and health providers can reduce strain on local services and increase the likelihood that the bowl game is both a successful sporting event and a responsible community event.