October 11, 2025

Economic Impact of the Red River Rivalry in Dallas

Dallas, October 11, 2025

News Summary

The highly anticipated Red River Rivalry game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners will take place at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. Expected to welcome over 90,000 fans and attract around 200,000 visitors to the State Fair of Texas, the event is projected to generate approximately $47 million in economic impact. Local businesses are preparing for significant customer increases, while security measures are in place to ensure safety. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to maximize their experience.

Dallas

The Red River Rivalry game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. The event is anticipated to draw over 90,000 fans to the stadium and around 200,000 attendees to the State Fair of Texas, creating one of the busiest weekends for the city.

The Dallas Sports Commission projects the economic impact of the weekend to be approximately $47 million, including more than $9 million in hotel revenue. About 90% of hotel rooms in the area are expected to be occupied during the event, and local restaurants and retailers are preparing for a significant increase in customers. The event has been recognized as the largest single-day sporting event in Dallas in terms of economic impact.

Security and Transportation

DART is enhancing security measures due to recent violent incidents, including increasing police presence at stations and trains. Transit officials and security experts emphasize the importance of visible police presence to ensure crowd safety during the event. In addition, five shuttle bus stations will provide direct transportation to Fair Park to accommodate fans and reduce overcrowding on trains.

The State Fair of Texas is implementing a new clear bag policy for attendees, similar to those found at many sports venues. Organizers advise attendees to check the policy in advance to speed entry and reduce delays at gates.

Timing, Facilities and Fan Experience

Gates for the State Fair open at 7 a.m., with the Cotton Bowl Stadium gates opening at 11:30 a.m. for attendees. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the fair and mitigate traffic and parking issues. This year marks the first opportunity for fans to experience the newly renovated Cotton Bowl, featuring wider concourses and expanded concessions.

Popular food vendors at the State Fair include Zable’s Belgian Waffles, Stiffler’s Concessions with Fried Pickle Bombs, Fernie’s Funnel Cakes, and Hans Mueller’s 2-pound smoked turkey legs. Those attending the fair and game should plan for lines at high-demand vendors and consider staggered arrival times to avoid peak congestion.

Weather and Safety Tips

Weather forecast predicts warm temperatures near 90°F at kickoff, prompting advice to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen. Event organizers recommend bringing water, wearing sun protection, and using shaded areas when possible. Emergency medical services and first aid stations will be available inside and near event spaces.

History and Economic Context

The Red River Rivalry has been played in Dallas since 1929, making it one of college football’s oldest and most storied rivalries. The game’s long history contributes to its steady ability to draw large crowds and sustained economic benefit for the city and surrounding area.

Local businesses and restaurants are expected to benefit significantly from the influx of fans during the weekend, with many planning extended hours, special menus, and additional staff to handle the surge in customers.

What to Expect at a Glance

Kickoff: Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Stadium attendance: Over 90,000 fans to the stadium
State Fair attendance: Around 200,000 attendees to the State Fair of Texas
Economic impact: Approximately $47 million
Hotel revenue: More than $9 million in hotel revenue
Hotel occupancy: About 90% of hotel rooms in the area are expected to be occupied during the event
Security: DART is enhancing security measures due to recent violent incidents, including increasing police presence at stations and trains
Shuttles: Five shuttle bus stations will provide direct transportation to Fair Park to accommodate fans and reduce overcrowding on trains
Gates: Gates for the State Fair open at 7 a.m., with the Cotton Bowl Stadium gates opening at 11:30 a.m. for attendees
Weather: Weather forecast predicts warm temperatures near 90°F at kickoff

FAQ

When and where is the Red River Rivalry game?: The Red River Rivalry game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Cotton Bowl Stadium.
How many people are expected at the stadium and the State Fair?: The event is anticipated to draw over 90,000 fans to the stadium and around 200,000 attendees to the State Fair of Texas.
What is the projected economic impact of the weekend?: The Dallas Sports Commission projects the economic impact of the weekend to be approximately $47 million, including more than $9 million in hotel revenue.
What is the expected hotel occupancy rate?: About 90% of hotel rooms in the area are expected to be occupied during the event.
What security measures are being taken?: DART is enhancing security measures due to recent violent incidents, including increasing police presence at stations and trains.
Will there be extra shuttle services?: Five shuttle bus stations will provide direct transportation to Fair Park to accommodate fans and reduce overcrowding on trains.
Has the State Fair changed bag policies?: The State Fair of Texas is implementing a new clear bag policy for attendees, similar to those found at many sports venues.
When do gates open for the fair and stadium?: Gates for the State Fair open at 7 a.m., with the Cotton Bowl Stadium gates opening at 11:30 a.m. for attendees.
What is the weather forecast for kickoff?: Weather forecast predicts warm temperatures near 90°F at kickoff, prompting advice to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen.
Is this the first year in the renovated Cotton Bowl?: This year marks the first opportunity for fans to experience the newly renovated Cotton Bowl, featuring wider concourses and expanded concessions.
How long has the Red River Rivalry been played in Dallas?: The Red River Rivalry has been played in Dallas since 1929, making it one of college football’s oldest and most storied rivalries.
Which food vendors are popular at the State Fair?: Popular food vendors at the State Fair include Zable’s Belgian Waffles, Stiffler’s Concessions with Fried Pickle Bombs, Fernie’s Funnel Cakes, and Hans Mueller’s 2-pound smoked turkey legs.
Has the event been recognized for its economic impact?: The event has been recognized as the largest single-day sporting event in Dallas in terms of economic impact.

Key Numbers and Features

Feature	Value
Stadium attendance	Over 90,000 fans to the stadium
State Fair attendance	Around 200,000 attendees to the State Fair of Texas
Economic impact	Approximately $47 million
Hotel revenue	More than $9 million in hotel revenue
Hotel occupancy	About 90% of hotel rooms in the area are expected to be occupied during the event
Shuttle stations	Five shuttle bus stations will provide direct transportation to Fair Park to accommodate fans and reduce overcrowding on trains
Gates	Gates for the State Fair open at 7 a.m., with the Cotton Bowl Stadium gates opening at 11:30 a.m. for attendees
Kickoff time	Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners Prepare for Red River Rivalry
Texas High School Football Week 6 Scores: Dominating Performances
Red River Showdown Weekend in Dallas
Texas High School Football Rankings Reach New Heights
Red River Rivalry Set for Dallas Showdown
John Mateer’s Uncertain Status Ahead of Red River Rivalry
Oklahoma Quarterback John Mateer Recovering from Surgery
University of Dallas Faces Decline in Mall Culture

Additional Resources

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.

STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

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