Traditions & Culture
What Makes the Red River Rivalry Special
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
🟧 South Side (Texas)
The south 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.
- • Sections 1-26
- • Texas Fight Song echoes throughout
- • Bevo mascot on sideline
- • Orange smoke and celebration
⚖️ 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
🟥 North Side (Oklahoma)
The north end explodes in crimson. Oklahoma fans sing "Boomer Sooner" relentlessly, creating one of college football's loudest atmospheres.
- • Sections 101-126
- • "Boomer Sooner" on repeat
- • Sooner Schooner wagon
- • Crimson confetti celebrations
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.
- ✓ Gates open 3-4 hours before kickoff
- ✓ Fair admission included with ticket
- ✓ Tailgating in parking lots
- ✓ 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
- ✓ Mascots on sidelines (Bevo & Sooner Schooner)
- ✓ 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
- • "Saw 'em Off": Gesture mocking OU's horns, mimicking sawing them off
- • 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: Covered wagon races onto field after scores
- • Crimson and Cream: Color coordination creates a sea of red
- • "OK-LA-HO-MA": Spelling chant that rocks the stadium
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
Only major rivalry game played during a state fair, adding carnival atmosphere
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
What They Say About the Rivalry
"There's nothing like running out of that tunnel and seeing one half burnt orange and one half crimson. The hair stands up on your arms."
- Mack Brown, Former Texas Head Coach
"This is the one game you circle on your calendar every year. It doesn't matter what your record is—this game matters."
- Bob Stoops, Former Oklahoma Head Coach
Experience the Tradition
Be part of college football's most unique rivalry atmosphere