The Ultimate Red River Rivalry Fan Experience Guide for 2025

Cotton Bowl Stadium packed with fans during Red River Rivalry game day, showing the iconic split between burnt orange Texas fans and crimson Oklahoma fans

Attending the Red River Rivalry isn’t just about watching a football game—it’s about immersing yourself in one of college football’s most electrifying atmospheres. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of this incredible experience.

Planning Your Trip: Timeline

3-6 Months Before

Book accommodations - Hotels near Fair Park and downtown Dallas fill up fast
Purchase tickets - Early buyers get better prices and seat selection
Plan transportation - Decide on parking, rideshare, or public transit
Make restaurant reservations - Popular spots book up quickly

1 Month Before

Order fan gear - Get your Texas burnt orange or Oklahoma crimson ready
Join fan meetups - Connect with other fans for pre-game gatherings
Review State Fair schedule - Plan which attractions you want to visit
Check weather forecast - Dallas in October is usually pleasant but bring layers

Game Week

Confirm all reservations - Hotels, restaurants, parking
Download mobile tickets - Make sure everything is accessible
Pack essentials - Sunscreen, portable charger, cash for the Fair
Plan your game day timeline - Factor in traffic and Fair crowds

Maximizing Your State Fair Experience

Arrive Early (Really Early)

The State Fair gates open at 10 AM on game day. Arriving when the Fair opens gives you:

3-4 hours before kickoff to explore
Shorter lines at food vendors
Better photo opportunities without massive crowds
Time to enjoy attractions before the stadium rush

Must-Try Fair Foods

Don’t leave without sampling these iconic treats:

Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs - The original and still the best
Fried everything - From Oreos to butter to bizarre new creations
Turkey legs - A Fair tradition
Funnel cakes - Classic carnival fare
Texas sweet tea - Stay hydrated (and caffeinated)

Pro tip: Share items with your group so you can try more varieties!

Fair Attractions Worth Your Time

Big Tex - Take the obligatory photo with the 55-foot tall mascot

The Texas Star - At 212 feet, it’s one of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America. The view is spectacular, especially pre-game.

Auto Show - If you have time, it’s one of the largest auto shows in the Southwest

Live Entertainment - Multiple stages feature local bands and performers throughout the day

The Stadium Experience

Entering the Cotton Bowl

Arrive 60-90 minutes before kickoff for security and to soak in the atmosphere
Bring only clear bags - Stadium has strict bag policies
Have tickets ready - Mobile or printed, accessible before you reach the gate

Inside the Stadium

The Split Stadium Atmosphere One of the unique aspects of this rivalry is the 50/50 stadium split:

Texas fans - Sections 1-27 (east side)
Oklahoma fans - Sections 28-55 (west side)
The contrast creates an incredible visual and audio experience

Best Photo Spots

Midfield logo before kickoff
Your section’s sea of burnt orange or crimson
The scoreboard area
Golden Hat trophy (if on display)

Game Day Traditions to Experience

The Walk to the Stadium Join thousands of fans in the walk from the Fair grounds to the Cotton Bowl. The energy builds with every step.

Pre-game Festivities

Team warm-ups (arrive early to watch)
Marching band performances
Video board entertainment
The incredible crowd noise when teams take the field

The Golden Hat Presentation After the game, watch the winning team celebrate with the iconic Golden Hat trophy.

Food and Drink Strategy

Before the Game

Eat a substantial meal 2-3 hours before kickoff
Stay hydrated - October Dallas sun can be intense
Avoid overly heavy foods - You’ll be standing and cheering for 3+ hours

In the Stadium

Concessions are expensive - Budget accordingly
Lines are longest during halftime and late third quarter
Water stations are available - bring an empty bottle to refill

Post-Game Dining

Victory Celebrations

Texas fans: Head to downtown Austin (1.5 hours) or celebrate in Dallas
Oklahoma fans: Norman is 3 hours north, or enjoy Dallas nightlife
Both: Dallas has fantastic restaurants for post-game meals

What to Bring

Essential Items

✅ Mobile tickets (and backup printouts)
✅ Photo ID
✅ Credit card and cash (for Fair vendors)
✅ Portable phone charger
✅ Sunglasses and sunscreen
✅ Clear stadium-approved bag
✅ Light jacket (for evening)

Nice to Have

📱 Portable phone charger
🎧 Earplugs (for small children)
💊 Pain reliever (for the standing and walking)
🧴 Hand sanitizer
🧢 Team cap or visor

Leave at Home

❌ Large bags or backpacks
❌ Outside food or drinks
❌ Weapons of any kind
❌ Noisemakers or air horns
❌ Professional camera equipment

Making Memories

Capture the Moment

Take photos throughout the day - Not just at the game
Get shots with fans from both sides - The friendly rivalry makes great content
Video the crowd reactions - These moments are what you’ll remember
State Fair photos - Big Tex, your food, the crowds

Use official hashtags: #RedRiverRivalry #HookEm #BoomerSooner
Tag the location - Cotton Bowl Stadium, State Fair of Texas
Share your journey - From arrival to departure
Engage with other fans - The online community is vibrant

Safety and Comfort Tips

Stay Safe

Keep your group together - Designate a meeting spot if separated
Watch your belongings - Crowded areas attract pickpockets
Drink responsibly - Heat and alcohol don’t mix well
Know your exit - Locate the nearest exits when you arrive

Beat the Crowds

Leave early or stay late - Traffic after the game is intense
Use alternative exits - Explore less-crowded gates
Be patient - 90,000 people leaving at once takes time

Health Considerations

Wear comfortable shoes - You’ll walk 5+ miles easily
Bring any necessary medications - Including allergy medicine
Stay hydrated - Start the day before and continue throughout
Take breaks - Find shade at the Fair when needed

The Bottom Line

The Red River Rivalry is more than a game—it’s a full-day cultural experience that combines sports, food, tradition, and pure Texas-style entertainment.

Key Takeaways:

Start early - The Fair opens at 10 AM, use that time
Pace yourself - It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Stay flexible - Lines and crowds are part of the experience
Embrace the atmosphere - This game is unlike any other
Make memories - Take photos, try new foods, talk to other fans

Whether you’re wearing burnt orange or crimson, the Red River Rivalry will give you stories to tell for years to come. Plan well, arrive early, and soak in every moment of this incredible tradition.

Need more help planning?

Hook ‘em Horns! Boomer Sooner! Let’s have a great game!