As temperatures rose and the sun melted the overnight snow, tens of thousands of football fans flocked to AT&T Stadium, excited to watch the University of Texas and Ohio State go head-to-head in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

Many people’s excitement grew after weather threatened their trip to North Texas.

“It’s beautiful. It’s going to be a beautiful day for a football game. It’s nice and cool and we’re ready to hear some helmets crashing,” said Steve Grubb, who traveled from Nashville.

Officials had promised all week that the game would start as scheduled. Although an emergency existed, they relied on an improving forecast and state and local officials to plan to clean and clear roads in and around Arlington.

“First we had to get out of the driveway. We had to shovel out all the snow and walk up the driveway. When we got out we decided to leave a little early just in case there were icy bridges or snow on the roads,” said Denton resident Jacob Ambriz.

Many participants who were out of town arrived early.

“I drove in on Wednesday evening. Arrived before the storm,” said Dean Johnston, who bought last-minute tickets and traveled from Houston.

Others went head-to-head with Mother Nature.

We first spoke with former Ohio State University football player Mecca Don, who was sitting at the Detroit airport. It was his second time there that day after his flight from Dallas was diverted to Memphis, where snow was also threatened.

“I was on the road for 17 hours yesterday, a trip that should have taken me three. So I was actually on a plane for eight hours and couldn’t get off, and that was only half the trip,” Don said.

He was one of many who said it would have cost much more to keep him out.

“We don’t see that often, and as fans … you know that certain fan bases almost never come to see their team and prepare to compete in a national championship. And if you have the opportunity, it’s one of those things you shouldn’t miss,” he said.

Temperatures were expected to drop as fans left the game late Friday. Arlington police urged drivers to drive slowly and to keep in mind that first responders are also dealing with slippery conditions, meaning it may take a little longer to get to those in need.