Dallas, October 11, 2025
News Summary
This weekend, the Red River Showdown between Texas and Oklahoma draws over 90,000 fans to Cotton Bowl Stadium with an expected 200,000 additional visitors at the State Fair. The event significantly boosts the local economy, estimated to generate $46.9 million to $50 million, while a heightened security presence ensures safety amidst recent incidents. Fans are advised to arrive early and utilize rideshare options or public transportation to avoid congestion while enjoying the thrilling atmosphere of one of college football’s oldest rivalries.
Dallas — The Red River Showdown, an annual college football rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, takes place this weekend at the Cotton Bowl, drawing major crowds, economic activity and heightened security to the area.
Top story
The event is expected to draw over 90,000 fans inside Cotton Bowl Stadium, with an additional 200,000 visitors to the State Fair of Texas, creating heavy demand on transportation, hotels and public services. The Red River Rivalry generates an estimated $46.9 million to $50 million in economic impact for the city of Dallas, with 90% of local hotels booked.
What to expect on game day
The State Fair opens at 7 a.m. on game day, and gates to Cotton Bowl Stadium open at 11:30 a.m., with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to utilize rideshare services like Uber and public transportation options, including DART, to avoid parking congestion. The DART transit authority is expanding shuttle services with buses at five Park and Ride locations to alleviate crowded trains.
Security and safety measures
Security measures are heightened for the game, with a significant police presence due to recent violence, including a shooting on a DART train. The State Fair has implemented a new clear bag policy similar to sports stadiums to enhance security. Attendees are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, especially regarding safety, during the event.
Teams, records and atmosphere
Longhorn fans are hopeful for a strong performance from unranked Texas, while Oklahoma, ranked No. 6, is confident with a 5-0 season start. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized the urgency of the showdown following the team’s 0-1 conference record. Fans express excitement and camaraderie despite team rivalries, with predictions of close scores in favor of Texas.
Historical context and venue
The last 120 meetings of the Texas vs. Oklahoma rivalry have drawn significant crowds, showcasing the historical importance of the matchup. The Cotton Bowl Stadium has a seating capacity of 91,000 and has been a key venue for college football since its opening in 1930.
Practical advice for attendees
- Arrive early: gates open at 11:30 a.m. and the State Fair opens at 7 a.m.
- Use rideshare or public transit to reduce parking delays.
- Be prepared for enhanced security checks and the new clear bag policy at the State Fair.
- Follow official guidance from transit authorities and on-site security teams.
Key facts
- The Red River Showdown, an annual college football rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, takes place this weekend at the Cotton Bowl.
- The event is expected to draw over 90,000 fans inside Cotton Bowl Stadium, with an additional 200,000 visitors to the State Fair of Texas.
- The State Fair opens at 7 a.m. on game day, and gates to Cotton Bowl Stadium open at 11:30 a.m., with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
- The Red River Rivalry generates an estimated $46.9 million to $50 million in economic impact for the city of Dallas, with 90% of local hotels booked.
- Fans are encouraged to utilize rideshare services like Uber and public transportation options, including DART, to avoid parking congestion.
- The DART transit authority is expanding shuttle services with buses at five Park and Ride locations to alleviate crowded trains.
- Security measures are heightened for the game, with a significant police presence due to recent violence, including a shooting on a DART train.
- The State Fair has implemented a new clear bag policy similar to sports stadiums to enhance security.
- Longhorn fans are hopeful for a strong performance from unranked Texas, while Oklahoma, ranked No. 6, is confident with a 5-0 season start.
- Texas coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized the urgency of the showdown following the team’s 0-1 conference record.
- Fans express excitement and camaraderie despite team rivalries, with predictions of close scores in favor of Texas.
- The last 120 meetings of the Texas vs. Oklahoma rivalry have drawn significant crowds, showcasing the historical importance of the matchup.
- The Cotton Bowl Stadium has a seating capacity of 91,000 and has been a key venue for college football since its opening in 1930.
- Attendees are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, especially regarding safety, during the event.
Background
The Red River Showdown is one of college football’s longest-running rivalries and regularly ranks among the highest-attended single games of the season. The matchup between Texas and Oklahoma brings alumni, students and neutral fans to Dallas each year and coincides with the long-standing State Fair of Texas, which adds substantial visitor traffic and festival activity to the city on game weekend. The combination of large crowds, high-profile teams and the State Fair creates both opportunity and strain on local infrastructure, prompting expanded transit services and heightened security measures.
FAQ
When and where does the Red River Showdown take place?
The Red River Showdown, an annual college football rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, takes place this weekend at the Cotton Bowl.
How many people are expected to attend?
The event is expected to draw over 90,000 fans inside Cotton Bowl Stadium, with an additional 200,000 visitors to the State Fair of Texas.
What are the opening and kickoff times?
The State Fair opens at 7 a.m. on game day, and gates to Cotton Bowl Stadium open at 11:30 a.m., with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
What is the economic impact?
The Red River Rivalry generates an estimated $46.9 million to $50 million in economic impact for the city of Dallas, with 90% of local hotels booked.
How should fans travel to the event?
Fans are encouraged to utilize rideshare services like Uber and public transportation options, including DART, to avoid parking congestion.
Is DART adjusting services for the game?
The DART transit authority is expanding shuttle services with buses at five Park and Ride locations to alleviate crowded trains.
What security measures are in place?
Security measures are heightened for the game, with a significant police presence due to recent violence, including a shooting on a DART train.
Has the State Fair changed policies for safety?
The State Fair has implemented a new clear bag policy similar to sports stadiums to enhance security.
What are the teams’ records and rankings?
Longhorn fans are hopeful for a strong performance from unranked Texas, while Oklahoma, ranked No. 6, is confident with a 5-0 season start.
What is notable about recent rivalry history?
The last 120 meetings of the Texas vs. Oklahoma rivalry have drawn significant crowds, showcasing the historical importance of the matchup.
What is the capacity and history of the venue?
The Cotton Bowl Stadium has a seating capacity of 91,000 and has been a key venue for college football since its opening in 1930.
What general advice is given to attendees?
Attendees are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, especially regarding safety, during the event.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | The Red River Showdown, an annual college football rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma, takes place this weekend at the Cotton Bowl. |
| Expected attendance | Over 90,000 fans inside Cotton Bowl Stadium; additional 200,000 visitors to the State Fair of Texas |
| Game day timing | State Fair opens at 7 a.m.; gates open at 11:30 a.m.; kickoff at 2:30 p.m. |
| Economic impact | Estimated $46.9 million to $50 million for the city of Dallas; 90% of local hotels booked |
| Transportation | Fans encouraged to use rideshare services like Uber and public transportation options, including DART; DART expanding shuttle services with buses at five Park and Ride locations |
| Security | Heightened police presence; recent violence including a shooting on a DART train; State Fair clear bag policy |
| Teams | Unranked Texas vs. Oklahoma, ranked No. 6 (Oklahoma 5-0 season start) |
| Venue capacity & history | Cotton Bowl Stadium capacity 91,000; opened in 1930 |
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Additional Resources
- FOX 4 News: Texas OU Prepare for Red River Rivalry Match
- NBC DFW: Red River Rivalry Dallas Economy Wins Big
- CBS News: Police Presence Surges for Red River Showdown
- Statesman: Red River Rivalry State Fair Texas Guide
- CW33: How to Plan for the 2025 Red River Rivalry
- Wikipedia: Red River Showdown
- Google Search: Red River Rivalry
- Google Scholar: Red River Rivalry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Red River Showdown
- Google News: Red River Rivalry
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
