Texas Football Fans Take the 'Game Train,' Amtrak Goes Burnt Orange in October

For the second year in a row, University of Texas fans heading to the Red River Rivalry can ride the rails from San Antonio or Austin to Dallas, avoiding high gas prices and the usual I-35 traffic delays.

(PRWEB) September 26, 2005 -- The "Texas Victory Game Train" will be part of Amtrak's Texas Eagle service between Austin and Dallas on the weekend of the big game. Texas fans heading to Dallas for the annual Texas-OU Red River Rivalry will be able to watch the scenery while enjoying a drink, plotting football strategy with other UT fans, or a snack, or a full meal in the dining car. Amtrak is offering a special fare of $54.00 round trip; football fans should request fare code YRTX when making reservations. Advance reservations are required, and space is limited. Reservations can be made online at amtrak.com, by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL or through the Amtrak station ticket office in Austin Monday through Friday.

On Friday October 7th, the Texas Victory Game Train will leave San Antonio at 8:00am, San Marcos at 9:30am, and Austin at 10:30am, en route to Dallas Union Station. The return trip departs from Dallas at 1:20pm Sunday afternoon. Amtrak's two-level Superliner coaches offer spacious seats, and a limited number of private rooms are available for an extra charge. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will again offer shuttle service from downtown to the Cotton Bowl and to the State Fair of Texas, eliminating the need for an automobile while in Dallas.

University of Oklahoma supporters will also be traveling by train to Dallas, utilizing the Heartland Flyer route from Oklahoma City. Last year, the Texas Eagle carried more football fans than the Oklahoma train, and Texans can expect to repeat that feat again this year.

Amtrak's popular Texas Eagle (www.texaseagle.com) provides daily service between San Antonio, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago. Seats on the second annual "Texas Victory Game Train" are limited, and are expected to sell out quickly. All-aboard, and Hook 'em Horns!

The Texas Eagle Marketing & Performance Organization was formed in 1997 to promote service and enhance marketing efforts for the Texas Eagle. TEMPO is an all volunteer group made up of elected officials from cities along the route, rail advocacy groups in Texas, Arkansas and Missouri, as well as Amtrak employees.

CONTACT Bill Pollard (TEMPO) (501) 329-9060                                                                                                                                                     arkrail@sbcglobal.net

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