Cotton Bowl's $140 Million Renovation Makes Red River Rivalry Debut

The 121st Red River Rivalry will make history not just on the field, but in the stands. Saturday’s game between No. 6 Oklahoma (5-0) and Texas (3-2) marks the first time fans will experience the Cotton Bowl Stadium’s stunning $140 million renovation—the most significant transformation of the iconic venue since its opening in 1932.

A Historic Renovation

The $140 Million Transformation

The Cotton Bowl, home to the Red River Rivalry since 1932, has undergone a comprehensive renovation that modernizes the facility while preserving its historic character.

Key Features:

Enhanced seating comfort and sightlines
Modernized concession areas and restrooms
Upgraded technology throughout the venue
Improved accessibility features
Enhanced sound systems
Better climate control in covered areas

Why Now?

The renovation was timed strategically:

Timing Factors:

Both teams in SEC - Higher profile games demand premier facilities
State Fair of Texas partnership - Joint investment in Fair Park infrastructure
Cotton Bowl Classic importance - Maintains status as premier bowl venue
100+ year rivalry - Worthy of world-class setting

What Fans Will Notice

Seating Improvements

The most immediately noticeable changes:

Enhanced Comfort:

Wider seats with more legroom
Cup holders at every seat
Improved seatback design
Better row spacing for easier movement

Better Views:

Reconfigured sections for optimal sightlines
Larger video boards
Additional scoreboards throughout stadium
Improved lighting for evening games

Concession Revolution

Food and beverage service has been completely reimagined:

New Options:

40% more concession stands
Faster service with mobile ordering capabilities
Wider variety of food options
Local Dallas vendors represented
Shorter wait times expected

Technology Integration:

Mobile ordering through stadium app
Cashless payment systems
Real-time wait time displays
Express pickup locations

Restroom Upgrades

A major improvement that fans will appreciate:

Facility Enhancements:

30% increase in total restrooms
Family restrooms added throughout
Modern fixtures and design
Improved ventilation and cleaning systems
Shorter lines expected

The Texas-Oklahoma Experience

Split Stadium Tradition Preserved

Despite the renovation, the Cotton Bowl maintains its iconic 50-50 split:

Texas Side (South):

Burnt orange accents incorporated into new design
Updated Texas fan areas
Enhanced team store access
Improved entrance flow

Oklahoma Side (North):

Crimson design elements
Renovated Oklahoma fan zones
Better merchandise locations
Streamlined entry points

State Fair Integration

The renovation better connects the stadium to the State Fair of Texas:

New Features:

Wider concourses for Fair Day traffic
Better pedestrian flow
Enhanced Fair-to-stadium access
Improved coordination between venues

Technology Upgrades

Fan Experience Tech

The Cotton Bowl joins the modern era:

Digital Enhancements:

High-speed WiFi throughout stadium
Mobile app for venue navigation
In-seat ordering capabilities
Enhanced replay screens
Real-time stats displays

Connectivity:

Multiple cell service boosters
Charging stations throughout venue
Social media integration zones
Live streaming capabilities

Broadcasting Improvements

For the millions watching on ABC:

Production Benefits:

New camera positions
Enhanced lighting systems
Modern broadcast booth
Better audio capture
4K broadcast capabilities

Historical Preservation

Respecting the Past

The renovation carefully balanced modernization with preservation:

Preserved Elements:

Original façade maintained
Historic entrances restored
Classic Cotton Bowl signage
Traditional architecture respected
Landmark status honored

New Meets Old:

Modern amenities within historic framework
Updated while maintaining character
Technology hidden where possible
Classic feel with contemporary comfort

Game Day Impact

What This Means for Saturday

The renovation will affect the fan experience in multiple ways:

Positive Changes:

Comfort - Better seats for 3.5-hour game
Convenience - Improved facilities and services
Technology - Enhanced connectivity and features
Safety - Updated emergency systems
Accessibility - Better options for all fans

Potential Challenges

First game in new configuration may bring:

Learning Curve:

Finding new locations for familiar services
Navigating updated layout
Adjusting to new entry procedures
Mobile app adoption period

Opening Day Issues:

Potential for minor technical glitches
Staff learning new systems
Unexpected bottlenecks
Slight adjustment period

Capacity and Seating

Stadium Configuration

Total Capacity: 92,100

Slightly reduced from previous configuration
More comfortable seating trade-off
Better sightlines for all seats
Premium sections added

Seating Categories:

General Admission - Improved comfort
Club Seats - New premium options
Suites - Completely renovated
Accessible Seating - Significantly expanded

Comparison to Other Venues

SEC Standards

The renovation brings Cotton Bowl up to SEC venue quality:

Competitive Features:

Matches other premier SEC stadiums
Modern amenities competitive with newest venues
Technology on par with recent constructions
Fan experience comparable to top facilities

Standing Among Rivals:

Better than many college stadiums
Competitive with pro venue standards
Sets bar for future renovations
Worthy of rivalry’s prestige

Economic Impact

Investment Justification

The $140 million investment reflects multiple factors:

Revenue Drivers:

Higher ticket prices - Premium seating commands more
Increased concessions - Better facilities drive sales
Sponsorship opportunities - Modern venue attracts partners
Event flexibility - Can host more types of events

Long-term Value:

Ensures Cotton Bowl Classic viability
Maintains Red River Rivalry prestige
Attracts other major events
Improves Fair Park overall

Environmental Considerations

Sustainability Features

Modern stadiums require environmental consciousness:

Green Initiatives:

Energy-efficient lighting throughout
Water conservation systems
Recycling programs expanded
Sustainable materials used
Reduced environmental footprint

What Coaches Are Saying

Brent Venables (Oklahoma)

“It’s a fitting venue for the greatest rivalry in college football. The Cotton Bowl has always been special, and now it matches the magnitude of this game.”

Steve Sarkisian (Texas)

“Our players and fans deserve the best, and this renovation delivers that. It’s still the Cotton Bowl, but better in every way.”

Fan Reactions

Early previews of the renovation have generated excitement:

Positive Feedback:

“This is going to be incredible”
“Can’t wait to see it in person”
“Worth the investment”
“Still looks like the Cotton Bowl”

Common Questions:

“Where’s my old seat?”
“How early should I arrive?”
“Is the food really better?”
“Will WiFi actually work?”

Practical Advice for Saturday

Getting the Most from the New Cotton Bowl

Arrival Recommendations:

Arrive earlier than usual - Allow time to explore
Download stadium app - Navigate new layout
Check new entry points - Some gates have changed
Try new concessions - Experience enhanced options
Explore before kickoff - See what’s new

What to Bring

Updated policies for renovated stadium:

Allowed Items:

Clear bags (required)
Mobile devices
Seat cushions (specific size limits)
Empty water bottles

New Restrictions:

Updated bag policy strictly enforced
Some previous items no longer permitted
Check website before arriving

The Bigger Picture

Fair Park Renaissance

The Cotton Bowl renovation is part of larger Fair Park improvements:

Comprehensive Upgrades:

Multiple Fair Park venues renovated
Infrastructure improvements
Year-round attraction enhancements
Community investment

Future Plans:

Additional phases planned
Continued modernization
Enhanced cultural facilities
Economic development focus

Historical Context

Cotton Bowl Through the Years

Saturday’s game adds another chapter:

Stadium Timeline:

1932: Cotton Bowl opens
1932-1936: Early Texas-Oklahoma games
1994: Major renovation for World Cup
2008-2009: Previous updates
2025: $140 million transformation

Memorable Games at Cotton Bowl

The venue has hosted countless classics:

Red River Rivalry Highlights:

1963: Texas wins in close game
2008: Texas’s 45-35 comeback victory
2018: Texas upsets Oklahoma in thriller
2025: First game in renovated stadium

Looking Ahead

Future Events

The renovated Cotton Bowl will host:

Upcoming Games:

Annual Red River Rivalry games
Cotton Bowl Classic (December/January)
Other college football games
Potential playoff games

Other Events:

Concerts and festivals
Soccer matches
Cultural events
Community programs

The Bottom Line

A Fitting Venue

The $140 million renovation ensures the Red River Rivalry continues in a world-class facility worthy of its status as one of college football’s premier games.

What It Means:

Enhanced experience for 92,100 fans
Preserved tradition in modernized setting
Competitive facility with SEC standards
Long-term viability for the rivalry
Historic moment in Cotton Bowl history

Final Thoughts

Saturday isn’t just about Oklahoma vs. Texas on the field—it’s about experiencing the new Cotton Bowl for the first time. The $140 million renovation represents an investment in the rivalry’s future while honoring its past.

For fans lucky enough to attend: You’re witnessing history twice—once on the field in the 121st meeting between these programs, and once in the stands as the first to experience the Cotton Bowl’s transformation.

The verdict? We’ll know Saturday at 2:30 PM CT when 92,100 fans fill the renovated Cotton Bowl for one of the greatest games in college football.

Game Information: Complete Red River Rivalry 2025 Guide

Getting There: Parking and Transportation Guide

What to Wear: Game Day Fashion Guide

Cotton Bowl History: Stadium Guide

Experience the new Cotton Bowl first-hand on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2:30 PM CT on ABC.