TCU fans stormed the field after the Frogs’ 28-21 win against Baylor, celebrating on the playing surface without incident.
One week later, University of Houston fans stormed the field after the Cougars won the American Athletic Conference title, but the celebration wasn’t as painless.
When fans stormed the field in Houston, Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC) employees confronted students who were trying to get on the field. Several students were tackled by the CSC employees. In turn, the University of Houston has terminated its contract with the company.
Like Houston previously did, the Frogs use CSC at their athletic events. However, officials at TCU however don’t see an incident like the one at the University of Houston happening on campus, said Ross Bailey, TCU’s associate director of athletics for operations.
The Big 12 conference, unlike others such as the SEC, does not have any policies against fans storming the field. Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said at Big 12 Football Media Days in July that the conference is working to “manage it rather than prohibit it.”
Fans have stormed the field at Amon G. Carter Stadium without incident three times over the last two seasons.
Bailey said the TCU Athletics staff is confident and comfortable in the CSC staff and what they are doing.
“To the best of my ability, it won’t happen here,” Bailey said.
He said he reviewed the policies and procedures with CSC after the incident occurred.
“We talked about an hour or two after it hit the Internet,” Bailey said.
Although he would not disclose the nature of their conversation, Bailey said there was never a point where TCU thought of canceling the contract.
“TCU has an extensive multi-year contract that provides help with game day operations,” said Bailey.
A copy of the contract was unable to be provided.
“The university doesn’t do that stuff typically,” Bailey said.
CSC corporate and CSC Dallas/Fort Worth were unwilling to discuss the situation or their relationship with TCU.