COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — If you’re planning a last-minute road trip to be at or around the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, on New Year’s Eve, here’s what you should know.
The trip from Columbus to the Dallas–Fort Worth area is just over 1,000 miles. GPS apps estimate about 16 hours of driving time from Columbus to AT&T Stadium: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011.
However, real-world travel is closer to 18 to 19 hours once you factor in stops for gas, meals, bathroom breaks, and potential traffic slowdowns through Tennessee and Arkansas.
The route goes through several major cities, including Louisville, Nashville, Memphis, and Little Rock, which is fun for sightseeing, but keep in mind, traffic can be heavier near those metro areas. This is especially true during evening and morning commute hours.
For those who don’t want to drive straight through, popular overnight stop options include Nashville, Memphis, and Little Rock, where hotel prices average around $125 per night.
Dallas is in the Central Time Zone, so it is one hour behind us, so that can provide a small buffer when planning arrival time.
Fans attending the 7:30 p.m. kickoff are encouraged to arrive in the Dallas area by mid-afternoon to allow time for hotel check-in, food, and travel to the stadium or watch party.
Fans also are being encouraged to monitor weather and traffic conditions and to prioritize rest to arrive safely.