Fort Worth Star-Telegram article.

By Ashley Womble
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Odds will be stacked against the University of North Texas' Mean Green football team when it plays the University of Texas Longhorns in Austin. But for one lucky North Texas fan, it may be the road trip of a lifetime.

UNT is a raffling off chances to win a ride Sept. 4 to Austin in its $1 million "Regal Eagle" luxury bus. The prize package includes travel to the game for the winner and 10 friends, tickets to the game and a tailgating party, and up to six hotel rooms for one night.

Tickets cost $50, and officials hope to sell 500. That would mean $25,000 for the university, UNT spokeswoman Nancy Kolsti said.

The custom-built bus was donated by UNT supporters Bill and Margot Winspear of Dallas in June 2003 to help the university's fund raising. Alumni and donors have been chauffeured from Dallas to Denton for concerts, lectures and athletic games.

The luxury coach has a deluxe restroom, wet bar and a living room complete with leather sofas and a plasma TV with surround sound.

UNT President Norval Pohl said the bus has helped the university raise about $1.25 million.

"We've used it not so much to get a single gift but to provide stewardship for people who are already involved in the university," Pohl said.

UNT alumnus Paul Polk rode with friends last year in the Regal Eagle to a Mean Green basketball game. He said the bus helps the university make a great impression.

"I was able to get a first-class education at UNT and make a good living. Now I am able to enjoy the events that they put on," he said.

Polk said that in the past, UNT's image didn't always match the quality of education it provided.

"Now I feel like the money I reinvest in the university is being well-spent," he said.

Brent Davison, interim vice president for development, said that by the end of the year the bus will have taken passengers to 63 events.

Polk plans to buy two raffle tickets for a chance to "see the Mean Green beat the Longhorns."

"I think it's an outstanding way to raise money," he said.

To get ticketsL
Call the Office of Development at (940) 565-3368. Tickets cost $50.

Ashley Womble, (817) 685-3858
awomble@star-telegram.com

This great for the University, the Texas fans will be jealous once they see the nice wheels. Good luck to the winner and have fun.

GMG eat UT :laugh:

That is awesome; what a way to go see you guys beat the Horns :D