Ultimate Red River Rivalry Tailgating Guide 2025

Tailgating at the Red River Rivalry is a legendary experience that combines college football tradition with the excitement of the State Fair of Texas. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of your 2025 tailgate!

When to Arrive

Recommended Timeline

Early Birds (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM):

Best parking spot selection
Set up before crowds arrive
Enjoy State Fair attractions before game time
Beat the traffic rush

Standard Arrival (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM):

Still good parking availability
3-4 hours of tailgating before kickoff
Balance of fair time and tailgating

Late Arrival (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM):

Limited parking options
Shorter tailgate window
More crowded fair grounds

Pro Tip: Arrive by 10:00 AM for the optimal experience!

Where to Tailgate

Official Parking Lots

Lot 1 - Premium ($80-120)

Closest to Cotton Bowl entrance
Quick stadium access
Limited availability - book early

Lot 2-4 - Standard ($40-60)

5-15 minute walk to stadium
Great tailgating atmosphere
More space between vehicles

Lot 5+ - Budget Friendly ($30-50)

15-20 minute walk
Still excellent tailgate experience
More parking spots available

Tailgating Zones

Texas Side (South Lots):

Burnt orange everywhere
Texas-themed food and drinks
Hook ‘em horns tradition

Oklahoma Side (North Lots):

Sea of crimson and cream
Sooner spirit in full force
Boomer Sooner chants

What to Bring

Essential Items Checklist

Tailgate Setup:

✅ Folding table and chairs (4-6 recommended)
✅ Pop-up canopy/tent (for shade)
✅ Coolers with ice
✅ Grill (propane or charcoal)
✅ Serving utensils and plates
✅ Trash bags (leave no trace!)
✅ Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Food & Drinks:

✅ Pre-marinated meats ready to grill
✅ Chips, dips, and snacks
✅ Drinks (check alcohol policies)
✅ Water bottles (stay hydrated!)
✅ Ice (bring extra)

Game Day Gear:

✅ Team colors clothing
✅ Sunscreen and sunglasses
✅ Portable speaker (reasonable volume)
✅ Games (cornhole, ladder toss)
✅ Team flags and decorations

Don’t Forget:

✅ Parking pass/receipt
✅ Game tickets
✅ Cash for fair vendors
✅ Portable phone charger
✅ First aid kit

Tailgate Food Ideas

Main Dishes:

Brisket burnt ends
Texas-style ribs
Fajitas (beef and chicken)
Smoked sausage
BBQ chicken

Sides:

Cowboy beans
Coleslaw
Potato salad
Chips and queso
Grilled corn

Desserts:

Pecan pie bites
Churros
Fried Oreos (get at fair!)

Main Dishes:

Pulled pork sandwiches
Fried chicken tenders
Sliders (beef or buffalo)
Grilled bratwurst
Chicken wings

Sides:

Mac and cheese
Baked beans
Pasta salad
Chips and dips
Grilled vegetables

Desserts:

Brownies
Cookies
State Fair treats

Easy Pre-Made Options

If you don’t want to grill:

Sandwich platters
Chicken finger trays
Veggie and fruit platters
Charcuterie board
Pizza (arrive early, reheat on grill)

Tailgating Rules & Regulations

Fair Park Policies

Allowed:

✅ Grills (must be attended at all times)
✅ Tents and canopies (under 10x10)
✅ Games and activities (cornhole, etc.)
✅ Music (at reasonable volume)
✅ Food and non-alcoholic beverages

Not Allowed:

❌ Open flames (except in grills)
❌ Glass bottles
❌ Oversized structures
❌ Blocking vehicle traffic
❌ Disruptive behavior

Alcohol Policy

Important: Check current Fair Park alcohol policies before game day.

Some lots allow alcohol, others don’t
Must be 21+ with valid ID
No glass containers
Drink responsibly
Designated drivers encouraged

Tailgating Games & Entertainment

Classic Tailgate Games

Cornhole:

Easy to set up
Fun for all ages
Texas vs Oklahoma tournament!

Ladder Toss:

Portable and engaging
Create friendly competition

Can Jam/Frisbee:

Active and entertaining
Great for groups

Football Toss:

Practice your spiral
Rivalry-themed challenges

Music & Atmosphere

Playlist Essentials:

School fight songs
Classic rock anthems
Country favorites
Current hits

Volume Guidelines:

Be respectful of neighbors
Keep it reasonable (not too loud)
Turn down during pre-game traditions

Safety & Comfort Tips

Heat & Sun Protection

October Weather Prep:

Temperature: 70-80°F typical
Bring sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Wear hats and sunglasses
Stay hydrated (drink water!)
Have shade available

Food Safety

Keep it Safe:

Use coolers with plenty of ice
Keep raw and cooked foods separate
Cook meats to proper temperature
Refrigerate leftovers quickly
Don’t leave food in heat

Security

Protect Your Belongings:

Lock vehicle when leaving
Don’t leave valuables visible
Keep important items with you
Watch for children in crowded areas

Combining Fair & Tailgate

Split Your Time

Sample Schedule:

10:00 AM: Arrive, set up tailgate
11:00 AM: Start grilling, socializing
12:00 PM: Explore State Fair
12:30 PM: Fair food and attractions
1:00 PM: Return to tailgate
1:30 PM: Clean up, pack up
2:00 PM: Head to stadium

Best Fair Foods to Try

Must-Haves:

Fletcher’s Original Corny Dog
Turkey leg
Fried cookie dough
Deep-fried anything!
Fresh-squeezed lemonade

Tailgating Etiquette

Be a Good Neighbor

Do’s:

✅ Introduce yourself to nearby tailgaters
✅ Share food with friendly rivals
✅ Keep your area clean
✅ Offer help when needed
✅ Respect opposing fans

Don’ts:

❌ Block other vehicles
❌ Take up multiple spots
❌ Leave trash behind
❌ Be obnoxiously loud
❌ Start confrontations

Friendly Rivalry

Keep it Fun:

Trash talk is expected (keep it clean!)
Good-natured competition
Photo ops with rival fans
Respect the tradition
Win or lose, shake hands

Post-Game Considerations

Exit Strategy

Plan Ahead:

Parking lot exit can take 30-60 minutes
Consider staying at fair after game
Enjoy attractions while traffic clears
Designated driver assigned
Know your exit route

Clean Up

Leave No Trace:

Pack all trash and recyclables
Extinguish grill completely
Load everything in vehicle
Check surrounding area
Respect Fair Park facilities

Budget-Friendly Tailgating

Save Money Tips

Cost-Cutting Strategies:

Potluck style (everyone brings dish)
Buy in bulk at warehouse stores
Pre-cook at home
Share parking costs
BYOB setup

Estimated Costs:

Parking: $40-120 (split with group)
Food/drinks: $20-50 per person
Supplies: $30-100 (reusable for future)
Total: $90-270 per person (varies by group size)

First-Timer Tips

Tailgating Newbies

Make it Easy:

Join an experienced tailgate group
Start simple (don’t over-plan)
Bring more ice than you think
Arrive earlier than you think
Pack essentials day before
Have backup plans (weather, etc.)
Take photos and enjoy!

Making Friends

Social Tailgating:

Walk around and meet other fans
Share food and stories
Exchange contact info for future games
Join tailgate groups on social media
Embrace the community spirit

Weather Contingency Plans

Rain Backup

If Weather Turns:

Bring tarps and extra canopy
Waterproof important items
Adjust food plans (more covered cooking)
Pack ponchos and umbrellas
Have indoor fair option ready

Extreme Heat

Hot Day Prep:

Extra water and sports drinks
Misting fans or portable AC
More shade structures
Lighter food options
Know where to cool down (fair buildings)

Final Tailgating Checklist

The Night Before:

Game Day Morning:

Conclusion

Tailgating at the Red River Rivalry is an unforgettable experience that combines great food, fierce rivalry, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re team burnt orange or crimson, the tailgate party is where lifelong memories are made.

Remember: It’s about the journey as much as the destination. Enjoy the tailgate, embrace the tradition, and savor every moment of this incredible college football rivalry!

🤘 Hook ‘em Horns! 🌾 Boomer Sooner!

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