Red River Rivalry 101: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Never been to the Red River Rivalry? First time hearing about it? This guide covers everything you need to know about one of college football’s greatest traditions.
What is the Red River Rivalry?
The Basics
Who: University of Texas Longhorns vs. University of Oklahoma Sooners
What: Annual college football game
When: Second Saturday in October (usually)
Where: Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, Texas
Why It Matters: One of the most intense rivalries in all of sports
Quick Facts
- First played in 1900
- 125+ meetings
- Played during the State Fair of Texas
- Known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” (unofficial)
- Split 50-50: Half stadium burnt orange, half crimson
Why Is It Called the “Red River Rivalry”?
The Geography
The Red River forms the border between Texas and Oklahoma. This game represents a literal battle for state supremacy.
Historical Context:
- Texas and Oklahoma were once part of the same territory
- Deep cultural and political differences
- Decades of competition for resources, pride, and bragging rights
Other Names
- Red River Shootout (original name, 1900s-2004)
- Red River Rivalry (current, 2005-present)
- Red River Showdown (briefly used)
- Locals still call it “Texas-OU” or “The Game”
Understanding the Teams
Texas Longhorns
Colors: Burnt Orange and White
Mascot: Bevo (live longhorn steer)
Hand Sign: “Hook ‘em Horns” 🤘
Fight Song: “Texas Fight”
Home: Austin, Texas
Conference: SEC (2024+)
Notable: Largest athletic department revenue in nation
Oklahoma Sooners
Colors: Crimson and Cream
Mascot: Sooner Schooner (covered wagon)
Hand Sign: “Boomer Sooner” (raising arm)
Fight Song: “Boomer Sooner” (you’ll hear it 1,000 times)
Home: Norman, Oklahoma
Conference: SEC (2024+)
Notable: Second most wins in FBS history
The All-Time Record
Current Series
Texas leads 63-51-5
Recent History:
- 2024: Oklahoma 34, Texas 30
- 2023: Texas 34, Oklahoma 30
- 2022: Texas 49, Oklahoma 0
- 2021: Oklahoma 55, Texas 48
- 2020: Oklahoma 53, Texas 45
Winning Streaks
- Longest Oklahoma streak: 8 games (2000-2007)
- Longest Texas streak: 5 games (multiple times)
- Current streak: Alternating victories
What Makes It Special?
Unique Factors
1. Neutral Site
Unlike most rivalries, it’s played at a neutral site (Dallas), not on campus.
Why Dallas?
- Halfway between Austin and Norman
- State Fair of Texas tradition
- Iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium
- “Neutral” ground (though Texas fans say it’s basically home)
2. The 50-50 Split
The Cotton Bowl is divided exactly in half:
- South side: Texas (burnt orange)
- North side: Oklahoma (crimson)
- Visual spectacle: Perfect color split
3. State Fair Setting
The game is during the State Fair of Texas:
- Carnival atmosphere
- Fair food everywhere
- Rides and attractions
- Unique college football experience
4. National Implications
Often decides:
- Conference championships (historically)
- Playoff positioning
- Heisman Trophy races
- National championship hopes
Key Traditions
The Golden Hat Trophy
What: 10-gallon bronze hat painted gold
History: Created in 1941
Current Holder: Texas (63 wins to 51)
Significance: Winner keeps it for a year
Pre-Game Pageantry
The Walk:
- Teams arrive 2 hours early
- Walk through Fair Park
- Fan interaction
- Media coverage
Boomer Sooner vs. Texas Fight:
- Both bands play continuously
- Volume competition
- Iconic soundscape
Game Day Attire
Texas Fans Wear:
- Burnt orange everything
- “Hook ‘em Horns” shirts
- Cowboy hats and boots
- Bevo merchandise
Oklahoma Fans Wear:
- Crimson and cream
- “Boomer Sooner” gear
- Sooner Schooner apparel
- Plenty of confidence (usually)
Trash Talk
It’s not just encouraged—it’s expected!
Common Chants:
- Texas: “OU Sucks!”
- Oklahoma: “Texas Fight, Texas Fight, Texas Fight… and lose!”
- Both: Creative, sometimes inappropriate, always loud
What to Expect at the Game
Atmosphere
Intensity Level: 11/10
What You’ll Experience:
- Deafening crowd noise
- Constant standing
- Non-stop trash talk
- Emotional roller coaster
- Incredible energy
Timeline
3 Hours Before:
- Fans arrive, explore fair
- Tailgating begins
- Lines form for stadium
2 Hours Before:
- Teams arrive
- Energy builds
- Fans find seats
Kickoff:
- Explosion of noise
- Both fight songs
- National anthem
- LET’S PLAY FOOTBALL!
During Game:
- Constant standing
- Every play feels crucial
- Crowd never sits
- Bands battle
After Game:
- Either celebration or heartbreak
- No in-between emotions
- Fair becomes victory/defeat therapy
Important Things to Know
Ticket Information
Prices: $400 - $3,000+
Where to Buy:
- Official team sites
- Vivid Seats
- StubHub
- SeatGeek
When to Buy: 3-4 weeks before for best prices
Getting There
Best Option: DART Rail (Green Line to Fair Park)
Driving: Expect traffic, arrive 3+ hours early
Parking: $20-100, fill up fast
What to Bring
Allowed:
- Clear bags only (12”x6”x12”)
- Mobile tickets
- ID
- Sunscreen
- Cash for fair
Not Allowed:
- Large bags/backpacks
- Outside food/drink
- Weapons (obviously)
- Professional cameras
Weather
Early October in Dallas:
- Typically 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Sunny
- Bring sunglasses
- Stay hydrated!
First-Timer Tips
Do’s
- ✅ Arrive early - Explore the State Fair
- ✅ Wear your colors - Pick a side!
- ✅ Try Fletcher’s Corny Dog - Fair tradition
- ✅ Download mobile tickets - Phone dies? You’re stuck
- ✅ Bring sunscreen - Texas sun is no joke
- ✅ Stay hydrated - Water, not just beer
- ✅ Embrace the rivalry - Talk trash respectfully
- ✅ Take photos - Memories last forever
Don’ts
- ❌ Don’t wear opposing colors to wrong side
- ❌ Don’t arrive late - You’ll miss the atmosphere
- ❌ Don’t leave early - Even in a blowout
- ❌ Don’t forget to eat - Fair food is half the fun
- ❌ Don’t be rude - Trash talk ≠ being mean
- ❌ Don’t ignore bag policy - Clear bags only!
- ❌ Don’t drive drunk - Seriously, don’t
How to Pick a Side
Reasons to Root for Texas
✅ If You:
- Like burnt orange
- Appreciate “Hook ‘em Horns” 🤘
- Prefer Austin’s vibe
- Want to root for the series leader
- Believe “everything is bigger in Texas”
Reasons to Root for Oklahoma
✅ If You:
- Love crimson red
- Can’t get “Boomer Sooner” out of your head
- Appreciate underdog mentality (recently)
- Like the Sooner Schooner tradition
- Want to root for recent success (2000s-2010s)
Or Just Enjoy the Game!
Honestly, you don’t need to pick a side. The atmosphere and tradition make it special regardless!
Common Questions
Q: Can I wear both teams’ colors?
A: Technically yes, but expect confusion and jokes from both sides!
Q: Is it safe for kids?
A: Yes! Family-friendly atmosphere, just explain the rivalry tradition.
Q: Do I need to understand football?
A: No! The energy and pageantry are worth it alone.
Q: How long does the game last?
A: 3-4 hours typically (longer if close or overtime).
Q: Can I tailgate if I don’t have tickets?
A: Some lots allow it, but respect private areas.
Q: Best place to watch if I can’t attend?
A: Any sports bar in Texas or Oklahoma will be PACKED.
After the Game
If Your Team Wins
- Celebrate on the fair grounds
- Take victory photos with The Golden Hat
- Enjoy the fair rides
- Rub it in (respectfully) to opponent fans
If Your Team Loses
- Fair food heals all wounds
- Remember: there’s next year
- Avoid social media for 24 hours
- Plan revenge for 365 days from now
Why You Should Experience It
It’s More Than Football
The Red River Rivalry is:
- History: 125+ years of tradition
- Culture: Texas vs. Oklahoma state pride
- Pageantry: State Fair, bands, crowds
- Competition: Elite college football
- Atmosphere: Unlike anything else
It’s a Bucket List Event
If you love:
- College football
- American traditions
- Intense competition
- Great food (fair food!)
- Unforgettable experiences
You MUST experience this game at least once.
Getting More Information
Learn More:
Follow the Rivalry:
- Texas Athletics website
- Oklahoma Athletics website
- Social media: #RedRiverRivalry
- ESPN coverage
Ready to experience the Red River Rivalry?
Whether you’re a first-timer or die-hard fan, this game delivers an unforgettable experience. The tradition, atmosphere, and pure emotion make it one of college football’s crown jewels.
See you in Dallas! 🤘 BOOMER! (Pick a side already!)