Texas Bragging Rights?

This morning I found out what was going on at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium yesterday. I learned in this morning's Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Sunday was the Open House Day that had been announced weeks ago. With the stadium being open to residents of Arlington who helped pay for it, but likely will never be able to afford to attend an event there.

The Star-Telegram article had a dose of that peculiar verbiage that I have made note of previously in that paper. Only this peculiar verbiage was in quotes from Arlington people, not peculiar verbiage coined by the Star-Telegram writer.

A pair of friends from southwest Arlington, Brad Rodgers and Mike Jones (no relation to Jerry) said they voted for the stadium because they wanted to bring prosperity and recognition to the city.

Rodgers said, "People from all over the world will come here. There doesn't even have to be a game. People are going to make Arlington a destination just to see the stadium."

I wonder upon what in depth research Rodgers based his statement?

Jones added, "Just getting the Super Bowl will bring a huge economic boost to the whole Metroplex."

Again, I wonder upon what in depth research the above statement is based? Irving sure did not fight too hard to keep the Dallas Cowboys playing in their town. Irving must have somehow missed out on the economic boost brought by the old stadium.

Around 30,000 Arlingtonians visited the stadium during the free open house. They got to check out the seats, the pro shop, the concession stands and the giant video board. They were barred from checking out the luxury suites and the locker rooms.

Another Arlingtonian, Michael Douglas, said the Cowboys Stadium "has definitely brought residents some bragging rights. It's put Arlington on the map."

Bragging rights? I've been in Texas for almost 10 years and I still don't quite get the Texas concept of bragging rights. What is the circumstance where one has the right to brag about that stadium being in your town? How does one verbalize the brag? Do you say something like, "I am from Arlington where the Dallas Cowboy Stadium is?"

I also don't quite see how the new stadium has put Arlington on the map. Maybe if they insisted it be named Arlington Cowboy Stadium. Or changed the name of the team to the Arlington Cowboys.

I also think that some Arlington residents are likely going to be a bit disappointed when the national press starts looking at the new stadium. I've already read some descriptions in publications outside the local propaganda zone. One described the rundown nature of the area where the stadium sits, mentioning all the pawn shops and other blight. Another described the massive structure as looking like a futuristic spaceship, totally out of place.

I really don't think people all over the world are going to be making Arlington a destination just to look at that football stadium. That's just goofy.