History of Big 12 Championship Game in Timeline

The Big 12 Championship Game is an annual college football game organized by the Big 12 Conference. Established in 1996, the game was played continuously until 2010, then went on hiatus before returning in 2017. Originally, the game featured the champions of the Big 12's North and South Divisions. Since 2017, it has been contested by the top two teams with the best conference records.

1992: SEC Championship Game Precedes Big 12

In 1992, the SEC Championship Game was established, serving as a model for the later Big 12 Championship.

1996: First Big 12 Championship Game

Following the merger of the Big Eight and four Southwest Conference teams, the first Big 12 Championship Game was played in 1996, matching division winners.

1996: Big 12 Championship Game Format: North vs. South

From 1996 to 2010, the Big 12 Championship Game featured the champions of the North and South divisions.

1996: Big 12 Championship Game Inauguration

In 1996, the Big 12 Championship Game was established, featuring the North and South division champions.

1996: Start of North-South Division Rivalry in Big 12 Championship

The first Big 12 Championship Game marked the start of the annual competition between the North and South division champions. In 1996, the North and South divisions began their rivalry in the Big 12 Championship Game.

2003: Kansas State's Upset Victory and End of North Division Dominance

In 2003, Kansas State upset Oklahoma, marking the last time the North division champion won the Big 12 Championship Game.

2008: Controversy Surrounding South Division Representative

The 2008 Big 12 Championship Game saw controversy in selecting the South Division representative due to a three-way tie, ultimately resolved by BCS rankings.

2009: Oklahoma Advances to BCS National Championship

After winning the 2008 Big 12 Championship, Oklahoma secured a spot in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game.

2009: Big 12 Championship Game Moves to Cowboys Stadium

From 2009 through 2013, the Big 12 Championship Game was planned for Cowboys Stadium (now AT&T Stadium).

June 2010: Nebraska and Colorado Leave Big 12

In June 2010, Nebraska and Colorado announced their departures from the Big 12, impacting the future of the championship game.

2010: Temporary Discontinuation of the Big 12 Championship Game

In 2010, the Big 12 Championship Game was temporarily discontinued due to conference realignment and NCAA rules requiring 12 members for a championship game.

2010: End of Divisional Format

In 2010, the Big 12 discontinued the divisional format for the championship game.

2011: Nebraska and Colorado Officially Depart

Nebraska and Colorado's departure from the Big 12 in 2011 triggered the temporary suspension of the championship game.

2013: End of Cowboys Stadium Contract

The Big 12's contract with Cowboys Stadium for the Championship Game ended in 2013.

December 2014: Controversy over Big 12 Co-Champions and Playoff Exclusion

In December 2014, controversy arose as Baylor and TCU were declared co-champions despite Baylor's head-to-head win, leading to both teams being left out of the playoffs.