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UT-OU Rivalry & State Fair Guide
Texas This Weekend: Red River Rivalry and State Fair Details
Published October 12, 2024 at 6:03am by Marley Malenfant
Navigating the Texas vs. OU Game and the Texas State Fair
Where is the Texas vs. OU Game?
The Red River Rivalry game is played annually at the Dallas Cotton Bowl in Fair Park, located at 3750 The Midway, Dallas, TX 75215. This will be the 120th meeting between these rival teams.
What Time Does the Game Start?
The Texas-OU game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. CT. This is a departure from the typical 11 a.m. start time that has been in place since 2008. Historically, the game started between 2 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. from 1950 to 1972, with times varying in the 80s and 90s.
Where to Park at the Cotton Bowl Stadium?
The State Fair of Texas opens at 7 a.m., offering early admission to fans who want to enjoy the fair before the game. Your game ticket serves as your admission to both the fair and the stadium. Download and save your tickets ahead of time to avoid connectivity issues.
What is the Cotton Bowl Bag Policy 2024?
The Cotton Bowl has a clear bag policy. Approved bags include:
- Clear plastic bags no larger than 12” X 6” X 12”
- One-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bags
- Small clutch bags or purses no larger than 4.5" X 6.5"
Prohibited bags include fanny packs, backpacks, cases, large purses, diaper bags, and large tote bags.
How Many Attendees Does the Cotton Bowl Hold?
According to FairParkDallas.com, the Cotton Bowl holds 91,000 seats. Originally built in 1930, it initially seated 46,000. Fair Park, the stadium's location, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
See Interactive Map of Cotton Bowl Stadium
Check out the interactive seating chart for the Red River Showdown here.
When Does the State Fair of Texas End?
The State Fair of Texas runs from Friday, Sept. 27th, to Sunday, Oct. 20th. This year's event includes over 24 consecutive days of festivities.
Where is the Texas State Fair?
The State Fair of Texas is held at the historic Fair Park, located at 3809 Grand Ave. in South Dallas. The 277-acre complex hosts over 1,200 activities annually.
What Time Does the State Fair Open?
The State Fair opens at 7 a.m. on Saturday to accommodate football fans before the game. Gates, Will Call, Coupon Booths, Online Coupon Pick-up Centers, Hospitality Booths, and Information Booths will all open at 7 a.m.
Visitors can purchase coupons ahead of time at BigTex.com.
How Much Do Texas State Fair Tickets Cost?
| Ticket | What's Included | Price | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Digital Season Pass | 24-day admission, once daily, via digital QR code | $50 | Online only |
| 2024 Season Pass | 24-day admission, once daily, via hard-card pass | $60 | At gate only |
| Premium 1-Day Admission | 1-day admission, any day of the fair | $24 | Online only |
| Premium Admission 2-Pack Combo | 2 premium 1-day admission tickets and $50 in food and ride coupons | $98 | Online only |
| Premium Admission 4-Pack Combo | 4 premium 1-day admission tickets and $50 in food and ride coupons | $146 | Online only |
| Daily Admission Ticket | Valid only on day of purchasePrices match child tickets after 5 p.m. | $10-20* | Online or at gate |
*Price varies by age and day of the week
Other ticket prices:
- General admission: $15-$25
- Child (age 3 to 12): $10-$18
- Child (age 2 and younger): FREE
- Senior (age 60 and older): $10-$18
- Military/First Responder Discount (with ID): $10-$15
- McDonald's Voucher Discount: $10-$15
What Are the Options for Texas State Fair Parking?
Official State Fair parking lots open at 7 a.m. at Gates 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15. Rideshare services, including taxis, Uber, Lyft, and Alto, will pick up and drop off at Gate 1.
What is the Texas State Fair Bag Policy 2024?
New bag policy limits bag sizes. Approved bags include:
- Bags and soft-shell coolers no larger than 9" X 10" X 12"
- Medical bags and parenting/childcare bags can be larger but will be searched
Prohibited items include bags larger than 9" X 10" X 12", loose ice, all firearms, clubs, explosive devices, ammunition, and chemical dispensing devices.
Can You Bring a Gun to the State Fair of Texas?
No weapons are allowed regardless of License to Carry, Constitutional Carry, Concealed Carry, and Open Carry. This policy applies to all guests except current peace officers or qualified retired peace officers, who will have their credentials verified by the Dallas Police Department.
Read more: An ultimate guide to UT vs. OU's Red River Rivalry and the State Fair of Texas