Traditions & Culture
The Golden Hat, State Fair, and the unique atmosphere of the Red River Rivalry.
The Red River Rivalry isn't just a football game—it's a cultural phenomenon that combines college football tradition with the unique atmosphere of the State Fair of Texas, creating an experience unlike any other in sports.
Iconic Traditions
The Golden Hat Trophy
Since 1941, the winner takes home a 10-gallon bronze hat painted gold. It's one of college football's most unique trophies.
Learn More →State Fair of Texas
The game is played during the State Fair, creating a carnival atmosphere that makes this rivalry truly one-of-a-kind.
Explore Tradition →The Cotton Bowl Experience
🟧 North Side (Texas)
The north end of the Cotton Bowl is a sea of burnt orange. Texas fans create an electric atmosphere with the "Hook 'em Horns" hand sign visible everywhere.
- • Confirm the Texas-designated sections on the current official seating map
- • Texas Fight Song echoes throughout
- • Bevo mascot on sideline
- • Burnt-orange crowd on the north side
⚖️ The 50-Yard Line
The exact center of the stadium marks the division between the two fanbases. It's a powerful visual reminder of the rivalry's balance.
- • Neutral territory
- • Media and photographers
- • Color clash is dramatic
- • Post-game celebration spot
🟥 South Side (Oklahoma)
The south end explodes in crimson. Oklahoma fans sing "Boomer Sooner" relentlessly, creating one of college football's loudest atmospheres.
- • Confirm the Oklahoma-designated sections on the current official seating map
- • "Boomer Sooner" on repeat
- • Sooner Schooner near a stadium entryway, not running on the field
- • Crimson crowd on the south side
Game Day Traditions
🎪 Fair Park Arrival
Fans arrive early to experience the State Fair, creating a unique pre-game atmosphere. The smell of corny dogs and funnel cakes mixes with football excitement.
- ✓ October 10, 2026: Cotton Bowl gates open at 11:30 a.m.
- ✓ Fair admission included with ticket
- ✓ Review current parking-lot rules before planning a tailgate
- ✓ Fair attractions and food
🏈 Pre-Game Ceremonies
Both teams enter to thunderous cheers from their respective sides. The national anthem creates a brief moment of unity before battle.
- ✓ Team entrances from tunnels
- ✓ Bevo and both schools' spirit squads
- ✓ National anthem
- ✓ Coin toss at midfield
🎵 Fight Songs
"Texas Fight" vs "Boomer Sooner" creates a constant battle of sound throughout the game.
- ✓ "Boomer Sooner" plays after every OU first down
- ✓ "Texas Fight" after every Longhorns score
- ✓ Dueling chants throughout game
- ✓ Victory celebration songs
🏆 Post-Game Celebration
The winning team celebrates at midfield while the Golden Hat is presented on the field.
- ✓ Golden Hat presentation
- ✓ Team photos at midfield
- ✓ Players celebrate with fans
- ✓ "Eyes of Texas" or "Boomer Sooner"
Fan Culture & Rituals
Texas Traditions
- • "Hook 'em Horns": The iconic hand gesture is displayed by tens of thousands of fans
- • Burnt Orange Everything: Fans dress head-to-toe in orange
- • "Texas Fight" Song: Sung with arms swaying in unison
Oklahoma Traditions
- • "Boomer Sooner": Played so often it becomes an earworm for both fanbases
- • Sooner Schooner: Oklahoma's covered wagon travels to Dallas, but its on-field runs are a home-game tradition, not part of the Cotton Bowl game
- • Crimson and Cream: Color coordination creates a sea of red
- • "OK-LA-HO-MA": Spelling chant that rocks the stadium
The Sooner Schooner's history describes its annual Dallas trip and restriction on away-game playing surfaces. A more recent account of its Cotton Bowl visits places the wagon near an entryway during the game.
What Makes This Rivalry Unique
Neutral Site
One of the few major rivalries played at a neutral location for over 90 years
State Fair Setting
The State Fair setting is one of the rivalry's defining features
50-50 Split
Stadium divided exactly in half by fanbase, creating dramatic visual
Golden Hat
One of the most unique trophies in college football since 1941
Official tradition and seating sources Last verified: September 18, 2026
Experience the Tradition
Be part of college football's most unique rivalry atmosphere