The Dallas City Council unanimously approved an extension to host the annual Red River Showdown at Fair Park for an additional ten years.
Each October, the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park hosts the highly anticipated matchup between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma during the State Fair of Texas. Fair Park also accommodates the annual State Fair Classic, featuring Grambling and Prairie View A&M.
Under the new agreement, UT and OU will receive $500,000 each year, ensuring that the game remains in Dallas until 2036.
Dallas City Councilman Adam Bazaldua emphasized the significant economic impact of the Texas-OU game on the city. He highlighted its historic significance, role in driving revenue for the hospitality and tourism industries, and contribution to the city’s HOT tax revenue.
Additionally, the agreement includes $140 million earmarked for enhancements to the 93-year-old Art Deco stadium. Proposed improvements encompass widening concourses, installing escalators, renovating concessions and restrooms, and expanding hospitality and premium areas. The first phase, focusing on the west side of the stadium, is scheduled for completion by September 2026, while the second phase, targeting the east side, is slated to finish by September 2034.
The extension comes as both Texas and Oklahoma prepare to depart from the Big 12 conference and join the SEC starting from the 2024-25 season. This year’s Red River Showdown is set for Oct. 12, marking the final showdown between the two teams under the current conference affiliation.
The extended agreement underscores Dallas’s commitment to hosting one of college football’s most iconic rivalries while investing in the ongoing improvement of the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium.
