2026 Red River Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT Fair Day Guide
Texas and Oklahoma meet on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Cotton Bowl Stadium, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC. On game day, State Fair parking and admission gates open at 7 a.m., and Cotton Bowl gates open at 11:30 a.m.
The SEC’s September 28 television update and Texas Athletics game center now list ABC as the single network. Earlier schedule windows had left the specific channel unresolved; that uncertainty is over. Fans can plan the State Fair portion of the day, travel, and stadium entry around the confirmed kickoff.
2026 Game Details
- Matchup: Texas vs. Oklahoma
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT
- TV: ABC
- Venue: Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas
- Fair setting: During the 2026 State Fair of Texas, which runs September 25 through October 18
The afternoon window is especially important because Red River is not a normal neutral-site game. Most fans are also navigating State Fair crowds, DART arrival timing, Cotton Bowl entry lines, food stops, and postgame movement through Fair Park.
October 10 game-day timeline
The State Fair’s October 6 game-day notice and Texas Athletics’ October 6 fan guidance agree on the early opening times. These are special October 10 hours, earlier than the Fair’s ordinary Saturday schedule.
- 7 a.m.: State Fair parking lots and admission gates open. A game ticket includes Fair admission.
- 8 a.m.: Midway and outdoor concessions open. SEC Nation begins at the Hall of State and on SEC Network.
- 9 a.m.: Exhibit buildings open.
- 11:30 a.m.: Cotton Bowl stadium gates open, three hours before kickoff.
- 2:30 p.m.: Texas vs. Oklahoma kicks off on ABC.
The SEC also lists SEC Nation at the Hall of State, from 8–11 a.m. CT. Fans who want to watch in person should check the State Fair’s sign rules before bringing one.
For a practical day plan, fans should consider:
- Arriving at Fair Park early enough for two separate security checks: one at the Fair entrance and one at the stadium
- Eating before the heaviest stadium-entry push
- Building in extra time for DART platforms, rideshare drop zones, and security screening
- Saving the mobile game ticket before reaching Fair Park; Texas Athletics says screenshots are not accepted for its tickets
Use the stadium entrance shown on your ticket and allow time to walk there from your Fair entrance. Texas Athletics says ticket-help desks between Gates A and B and outside Gate J open at 11:30 a.m.
Sun and Seat Planning Matter Again
The 2:30 p.m. CT window also matters inside the stadium. Afternoon games can make sun exposure a real comfort issue, especially for fans sitting in uncovered sections. The exact experience depends on section, row, weather, and cloud cover, but the basic planning point is simple: bring the same heat and sun strategy you would bring for a major afternoon State Fair event.
That means checking the forecast, hydrating before entry, and considering hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen where stadium policy allows.
Official TV Listing
The official listing is ABC. Fans watching from home should check whether their local ABC station is available through their TV provider or live-TV plan.
The confirmed game listing is 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.
What Still Needs Monitoring
Several details remain worth tracking during game week:
- Ticket delivery instructions from the buyer’s actual ticket source
- Last-minute changes to entry or security instructions
- State Fair transportation updates
- Weather and heat conditions for an afternoon kickoff
- Team availability and depth-chart announcements during game week
The Fair’s early opening gives visitors a longer morning, but the two security checks and walk to the stadium still need their own time buffers. For rail and shuttle details, use the transportation guide.
October 5 Matchup Checkpoint
Texas is 4-0 and AP No. 1 after a 30-6 win over UTSA and a 20-17 road win at Tennessee. Oklahoma is 2-2 and outside the AP Top 25 after a 14-6 win over New Mexico and a 41-13 loss at Georgia. Both teams were off October 3 before they meet in Dallas. For every score and the next game, use the 2026 weekly tracker; for a closer look at both teams, read the September pregame analysis.
