By Sarah Elizabeth Tooker

Contributing Writer

The University of Alabama will open its football season in Arlington, Texas, against Michigan at the Dallas Cowboys stadium and while it may seem like an odd location to some students, it’s home sweet home to others.

Dari Mahoubi, a freshman from Dallas majoring in general business, will head back home with friends for the opening game.

“I think the student body at UA will be impressed with the town and the new stadium, which is a spectacle that can only be witnessed in person,” Mahoubi said. “I can’t wait to show all my new friends a good time.”

In the last school year, the state of Texas had the third largest out-of-state influence at the University with a total of 1,129 students, following closely behind Georgia and Florida with 2,227 and 1,213 students, respectively.

Cathy Andreen, UA spokeswomen, said the University started recruiting students from Dallas in 2004. In 2010, 136 of the 267 incoming freshmen from Texas were from the Dallas area. In 2011, that trend continued with 326 Texas natives joining the freshman class and 170 of those coming from Dallas specifically.

While students have always traveled well for away football games, this game day means a lot more to the growing number of Dallas, Texas, natives. For many Dallas students, it’s about living up to the phrase “Everything’s Bigger in Texas” by showing off the Cowboy’s new stadium.

Nick Wackel, a junior from the Dallas area majoring in aerospace engineering, agreed the Dallas Cowboys stadium is an experience, whether students plan to attend the game or not.

“I plan on tailgating outside the stadium and watching the game on that big-boy TV; I’m sure Jerry Jones has the stadium and everything looking pretty for the Alabama fans,” Wackel said, referencing the 26,000 square foot television in the stadium.

Another student from Dallas, Morgan Nieworth, a junior pre-dental major, said Texans wouldn’t be expecting the amount of students willing to commit to the 10-hour drive.

“Our school travels well, so the city is about to see a different type of fan base,” Nieworth said. “It’s very different than what Texas schools in the Big 12 have, as far as traditions go.”

While all three Dallas natives agreed it would be fun traveling back to their hometown with friends from school, Wackel said.

“It’s just another step to 15,” he said.