The Bluebonnet Bowl, named after the Texas state flower, was launched in 1959 in Houston.  The first game was played at Rice Stadium on December 19 between Clemson and Texas Christian.  The game continued to be played at Rice Stadium until 1967.  The following year it moved to the new Astrodome and the event was then referred to as the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl.  Games were played at Rice Stadium in 1985 and 1986, and then the bowl moved back to the Astrodome in 1987, which turned out to be the final year.  Due to a drop in ticket sales and the inability to find a major corporate sponsor, the Bluebonnet Bowl was discontinued after the 1987 game.  Retro U.’s vintage-style design commemorates the 1960 Bluebonnet Bowl, which featured Alabama against Texas.