Cowboys news

Homer Simpson joins Dallas Cowboys in Monday Night Football spoof

Austin Photo Set: News_Minh_Fox 25th anniversary_FOX 25th Anniversary_The Simpsons

Homer and Bart Simpson will square off in the Cowboys-Bengals game.

Courtesy photo

Ay, Caramba! Bart and Homer Simpson, meet Monday Night Football. The Dallas Cowboys' game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium on Monday, December 9 will also air from Atoms Stadium in Springfield as part of an alternate telecast.

The Simpsons Funday Football telecast will be streamed live on ESPN+ and Disney+ while the Cowboys-Bengals game airs on ESPN and ABC.

This is the second year ESPN has done an alternate broadcast for an NFL game. It used the characters from Toy Story for last year's Sunday morning game from London between the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars.

In this iteration, Homer will join the Cowboys while Bart teams up with the Bengals.

"For most of the game father and son will let their new Cowboys and Bengals teammates manage the action, but they will also select key opportunities to play on offense or defense," ESPN explains. "In addition, Marge and Lisa will interview players during the game and Maggie will fly the SkyCam, while popular characters, show references and aesthetics will bring a Sunday-night-with-the-Simpsons feel to Monday Night Football."

Producers for The Simpsons will also have original content for the telecast that will be utilized before, during, and after the game.

The telecast will be entirely animated, with the players’ movements in sync with what is happening in real time on the field. That’s done through player-tracking data enabled by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats system and Beyond Sports.

Ultimate Cowboy fan party
Local Cowboys fans who aren't at the game in Arlington that night can cheer them on (and commiserate?) at The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. Presented by Verizon, The Tailgate takes place from 6-9 pm Monday, December 9 at the Empire Room, and tickets are already on sale.

Attendees will enjoy sports-inspired bites from some of their favorite Dallas-area restaurants, premium cocktails, memorabilia from Texas legends, and plenty more game-day fun - including watching the Cowboys take on the Bengals.

The event will shine a spotlight on other local sports organizations, too, including the 2023 World Series champs Texas Rangers, who will be raffling off an autographed baseball to fans. The Frisco RoughRiders' mascot, Bull Moose, will be on hand for fun giveaways. And Former FC Dallas soccer star Kenny Cooper will kick it with fans in a meet-and-greet.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $35 for general admission (regularly $50) and $60 for VIP (regularly $75).

All tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets come with one-hour early entry, access to a dedicated VIP bar, a meet-and-greet with a top Dallas athlete, and more perks for an elevated experience.

Head here to buy your tickets now.

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Stephanie Allmon Merry contributed to this story.

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Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen