DALLAS — For the first-ever Red River Rivalry in SEC history, the game has an unusual kickoff time that differs from recent history.
The Texas vs. Oklahoma game, played annually in Dallas' iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium, has typically been played at 11 a.m. ever since 2008. There have been one-offs, like in 2010 and 2017 – the only two times in the past 14 years it wasn't at 11 a.m.
From 1950 to 1972, the game started anywhere from 2 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. and hopped around in the 80s and 90s from 11:50 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.
What time does the Red River Rivalry between Texas vs. OU start?
For the 120th meeting, the Longhorns and Sooners will return to a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff on WFAA (ABC).
The Saturday of the Red River Rivalry is historically the highest-attended day of the State Fair of Texas, so officials advise getting to the stadium early. A ticket to the game also grants you access to the State Fair of Texas for the day.
When does the State Fair of Texas open?
The State Fair of Texas will open early – at 7 a.m. – to allow fans to arrive and enjoy the Fair before game time, so plan your travel to the fairgrounds accordingly.
- State Fair Will Call opens at 7 a.m. The Will Call booth is located just outside of the fairgrounds at 816 S. Second Ave., across from the Music Hall at Fair Park.
- Official State Fair parking lots are located at Gates 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15. All gates will open at 7:00 a.m.
- The Fair encourages fans to take exit 48A towards Haskell Avenue off I-30 for quicker parking lot access.
- Rideshare (taxi, Uber, Lyft, Alto, etc.) drop-off and pick-up will be located at Gate 1, which is located at Gurley Ave & S. Haskell Ave. (4200 block of Gurley Avenue).
- Coupon Booths and Online Coupon Pick-up Centers will open at 7:00 a.m.
- Purchase coupons ahead of time at BigTex.com and skip the long lines.
When does the Cotton Bowl open for the Red River Rivalry?
Gates to the Cotton Bowl will open at 12:30 p.m. Beat the crowds and enter the stadium early for pre-game excitement. Concession stands inside the stadium will be open.
- Cotton Bowl Stadium is being renovated to improve the overall fan experience, so please look for special directional signage throughout the grounds to assist with guiding you to your gate into the stadium. While you won’t notice many changes to the fan experience this year, the work done so far is to prep for updates to be made over the next year ahead of the 2025 Allstate Red River Rivalry.
- Cotton Bowl Gates A, C, G, and L will have the highest capacity.
State Fair of Texas: Know Before You Go / Guide to Game Day
- For a list of items allowed and not allowed at the Fair, visit BigTex.com/FAQ
- For a list of prohibited items inside the Cotton Bowl, visit BigTex.com/Football
- For a map of the fairgrounds, visit BigTex.com/Map
- For a full schedule of events, visit BigTex.com/Schedule
- For a list of locations on the fairgrounds to watch the game, visit BigTex.com/WatchParty
- For a list of Red River Rivalry-themed foods, visit BigTex.com/RRRFood
Texas-OU tickets: How much did you say they cost?!
It's one of the most expensive, highly anticipated games every year, but this year it was taken to a new level.
It'll be significantly cheaper for those wishing to sit on the OU side, though, with the average cost coming out approximately $150 cheaper than the Texas side in the Upper Bowl, per numerous secondary market ticketing apps.
To see a breakdown, click here.
Texas-OU weather
It's going to be hot. That's the forecast. Temperatures will climb into the mid-90s by kickoff, with a forecasted high temperature around 94 degrees. Stay hydrated (and not just via wax cup beers).
More Red River Rivalry coverage:
