The 120th Red River Rivalry kicks off Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park, pitting the 3-2 Texas Longhorns against the undefeated No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners.
Hosted at the State Fair of Texas since 1929 and at the Cotton Bowl itself since 1932, the game splits the 92,100-seat stadium between burnt orange and crimson fans, with the Golden Hat trophy awaiting the winner. Texas leads the all-time series 64-51-5, but Oklahoma has claimed five of the last seven matchups and enters the weekend favored to extend its streak.
This year’s game carries high stakes. Texas, unranked after a 29-21 loss at Florida, faces pressure to rebound in SEC play and salvage its postseason hopes.
“For us, coming off last week in SEC play, stubbing our toe at Florida and starting off in conference play 0-1, this is a very significant game,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said, per ESPN. “This week in practice, it hasn’t been business as usual. You can feel that sense of urgency.”
Oklahoma, 5-0 in its second SEC season, boasts the nation’s second-ranked defense, allowing just 193 yards per game and averaging 4.2 sacks.
“I like this team, I like where we’re at right now,” said coach Brent Venables, ESPN reported.
The Cotton Bowl’s $140 million renovation — with wider concourses, new restrooms, and upgraded concessions — aims to enhance the fan experience. The State Fair and City of Dallas recently extended the rivalry’s contract through 2036. A new tradition, the Red River Rivalry Flag, will fly near the Top o’ Texas Tower, switching to the winner’s colors after the game.
Transit Safety Looms Over Game Day
Tens of thousands of fans are expected to rely on Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to reach Fair Park, despite renewed concerns over public safety following multiple violent incidents on the system in recent months. DART officials have pledged a visible police presence this weekend, though critics question whether the agency’s measures go far enough.
For years, many Dallas families have made the Red River Rivalry part of a larger tradition — meeting downtown for breakfast before catching the DART train together to Fair Park. That ritual has faded for some riders. One longtime attendee told The Dallas Express he was traveling with his wife, children, and extended family when he saw an elderly man using a walker board the train. As the man stepped through the doors, a thief snatched his wallet and bolted just as the doors closed, leaving the victim unaware.
“After seeing that, I decided I’d never ride DART again if I can help it — especially since concealed-carry permit holders aren’t allowed at the fairgrounds,” he said.
The incident illustrates the growing unease among residents about transit safety — an issue DX has chronicled amid reports of rising violent crime and inconsistent policing across the DART network.
Game-Day Logistics
The State Fair opens at 7 a.m., with Cotton Bowl gates at 11:30 a.m. Fans are urged to arrive early, download tickets in advance, and comply with the clear-bag policy for both the fair and the stadium.
Fair Park officials expect heavy congestion and limited parking; rideshare users should use designated drop-off zones. Those taking DART’s Green Line to Fair Park Station should prepare for extended wait times due to security screenings and potential service delays.
Post-game entertainment includes Matt Castillo (7:30 p.m.), Paul Wall (7:45 p.m.), and fireworks at 7:35 p.m. The nightly Starlight Parade is canceled to accommodate the large crowds.
“In my opinion, the best game in college football in the regular season,” Sarkisian said.
Venables added, “The history between the two programs, it’s special and doesn’t ever get old.”
Final Note
As Dallas welcomes one of its biggest weekends of the year, excitement runs high — but so do expectations for safety. For many families who once considered the DART ride part of the Red River tradition, confidence in the city’s transit system has become far harder to find.