Guide

Best Seats at the Cotton Bowl: Complete Red River Rivalry Seating Guide

• Red River Rivalry Staff
#Cotton Bowl #Seating #Game Day #Tips

Choosing the right seats can make or break your Red River Rivalry experience. Here’s your complete guide to finding the perfect spot at the Cotton Bowl.

Understanding the Cotton Bowl Layout

The Cotton Bowl is uniquely divided 50-50 between the two fan bases:

Texas Side (South)

  • Sections: 1-26
  • Color: Burnt Orange everywhere
  • Atmosphere: Texas fight songs and “Hook ‘em Horns”

Oklahoma Side (North)

  • Sections: 101-126
  • Color: Crimson and Cream
  • Atmosphere: “Boomer Sooner” on repeat

Best Seats by Budget

Premium Seats ($1,500 - $3,000+)

Lower Bowl 50-Yard Line

  • Sections (Texas): 13-15
  • Sections (Oklahoma): 113-115
  • Why they’re great: Perfect viewing angle, close to the action
  • Best for: Die-hard fans who want the ultimate experience

Club Seats

  • Climate-controlled
  • Premium amenities
  • Cushioned seating
  • Access to club lounges

Mid-Range Seats ($800 - $1,500)

Lower Bowl Between 30-Yard Lines

  • Sections (Texas): 9-12, 16-19
  • Sections (Oklahoma): 109-112, 116-119
  • Why they’re great: Great views at a better price point
  • Best for: Fans who want quality without breaking the bank

Upper Deck Sidelines

  • Sections (Texas): 201-219 (sideline areas)
  • Sections (Oklahoma): 301-319 (sideline areas)
  • Why they’re great: Bird’s eye view of plays developing
  • Best for: Strategic football fans who enjoy seeing the whole field

Budget-Friendly Seats ($400 - $800)

Upper Deck Corners

  • Sections (Texas): 220-226 (southeast), 201-207 (southwest)
  • Sections (Oklahoma): 320-326 (northeast), 301-307 (northwest)
  • Why they’re great: Good atmosphere, reasonable prices
  • Best for: First-time attendees or budget-conscious fans

Lower Bowl End Zones

  • Sections (Texas): 1-8, 20-26
  • Sections (Oklahoma): 101-108, 120-126
  • Why they’re great: Close to the action, great for touchdown celebrations
  • Best for: Fans who prioritize atmosphere over viewing angle

Pro Tips for Seat Selection

Consider the Sun

  • Afternoon games (2:30 PM kickoff): West side gets direct sun
  • Recommendation: East side sections offer more shade
  • Texas side (south): Generally less sun exposure
  • Oklahoma side (north): Can get hot in afternoon

Crowd Factors

Want Maximum Atmosphere?

  • Choose seats near student sections
  • Lower bowl offers most energy
  • Corner sections are usually most spirited

Prefer a Calmer Experience?

  • Upper deck corners
  • Higher rows in lower bowl
  • Away from band sections

Accessibility Considerations

For Families with Kids

  • Aisle seats for easy bathroom access
  • Mid-level sections (not too high, not too low)
  • Avoid the very top rows if you have fear of heights

For Older Fans

  • Lower bowl for minimal stairs
  • Club seats for amenities
  • Sections 10-18 (Texas) or 110-118 (Oklahoma) for elevator access

Interactive Seat Views

Before buying, use these resources:

  1. Vivid Seats - 360° virtual views from your seat
  2. SeatGeek - Photos from actual fans
  3. Cotton Bowl Website - Official seating chart

Seating Chart Quick Reference

Lower Bowl Prime Zones

  • 50-yard line: Sections 13-15 (TX), 113-115 (OU)
  • Between 40s: Sections 11-17 (TX), 111-117 (OU)
  • Between 30s: Sections 9-19 (TX), 109-119 (OU)

Best Value Zones

  • Upper sideline: Sections 208-212 (TX), 308-312 (OU)
  • Lower corners: Sections 7-9, 19-21 (TX), 107-109, 119-121 (OU)

Budget Zones

  • Upper corners: Sections 220-226, 201-207 (TX), 320-326, 301-307 (OU)
  • Upper end zones: Sections 227-234 (TX), 327-334 (OU)

Special Seating Options

Standing Room Only

  • Available at some ticket outlets
  • Usually $150-300
  • Access to stadium but no guaranteed seat
  • Great for young fans who like to move around

Suites

  • Corporate and private suites available
  • Premium catering included
  • Perfect for business entertainment
  • Book early - they sell out fast

When to Buy

Timing Matters

  • 3-4 weeks before: Best prices typically
  • Week of game: Prices spike significantly
  • Day of game: Risky, may not find tickets

Price Tracking

  • Set alerts on StubHub and Vivid Seats
  • Compare prices across platforms
  • Check both team’s official sites

Red Flags to Avoid

Stay Away From:

  • Obstructed view seats - Check reviews carefully
  • Last row of sections - Often near walkways (noisy)
  • Behind support pillars - Some older sections have these
  • Extreme end zone corners - Very angled views

My Top Recommendations

Best Overall Value

Upper Deck Sideline (Sections 208-212 or 308-312)

  • Great view of the field
  • Good atmosphere
  • Reasonable price ($600-900)

Best Premium Experience

Lower Bowl 40-50 Yard Line (Sections 11-15 or 111-115)

  • Perfect sight lines
  • Close to action
  • Worth the splurge for special occasions

Best for First-Timers

Lower Bowl 30-40 Yard Line (Sections 9-11, 17-19 or 109-111, 117-119)

  • Good balance of view and price
  • Experience the energy up close
  • Not as expensive as 50-yard line

Best for Families

Upper Deck Lower Rows (Sections 210-214 or 310-314)

  • Easy access
  • Good restroom proximity
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
  • Better prices

Final Tips

  1. Buy early for best selection
  2. Compare platforms for best prices
  3. Check the weather forecast before buying upper deck
  4. Consider parking access from your section
  5. Bring binoculars if in upper deck
  6. Download your tickets to mobile wallet before game day

Bottom Line

The “best” seat depends on your priorities:

  • For purists: Lower bowl between the 40s
  • For value: Upper deck sidelines
  • For atmosphere: Lower bowl corners
  • For comfort: Club seats

No matter where you sit, you’re in for an incredible experience. The Red River Rivalry atmosphere makes every seat special!

Ready to find your perfect seats? Check ticket availability and use this guide to make the best choice for your budget and preferences.