Oklahoma and Texas may be changing conferences next season, but the annual Red River Rivalry between the two schools is staying put.
The schools have announced a contract extension to keep the game at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas through 2036.
“We’re thrilled we’ve been able to extend the contract and continue our partnership with Oklahoma, the State Fair of Texas and the City of Dallas on our great game,” a statement from Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte read. “There is absolutely nothing like the Allstate Red River Rivalry game, and with all of its history, tradition, and pageantry, it needs to stay in the Cotton Bowl. So many memories have been made by generations of fans at the iconic stadium surrounded by the spectacle that is the State Fair of Texas, and we’re excited to be continuing that long into the future.”
The long-standing rivalry game has been played at the Cotton Bowl since 1930 and has become a staple of the State Fair of Texas.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Cotton Bowl will undergo a two-year renovation project designed to modernize the stadium and upgrade the amenities and surrounding areas. The renovations are not expected to interrupt the ability to play the game as the work will be halted during the State Fair.
“The relationship between the storied Allstate Red River Rivalry and the venerable Cotton Bowl is one-of-kind regardless of sport,” Oklahoma Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione added. “Our new agreement guarantees this historic legacy of the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas at the State Fair of Texas will stretch into a second century. Millions of fans throughout the years have cheered, in-person, for the Sooners or Longhorns on what’s become almost sacred ground. It only makes sense for us to do all we can with our partners to keep that tradition alive but also continue to improve upon the experience and access for our fans. The stadium renovations will be extensive, and we can’t wait for our fans to experience the enhancements.”