State Fair of Texas
Where College Football Meets Carnival
The Red River Rivalry is the only major college football game played during a state fair, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that blends sports tradition with carnival excitement.
About the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas is one of the largest and longest-running state fairs in the United States. Held annually at Fair Park in Dallas since 1886, the fair runs for 24 days in September and October.
Since 1932, the Red River Rivalry football game has been the centerpiece of the fair's annual schedule, with the game traditionally held on the second Saturday in October.
Fair Facts
- • Founded: 1886
- • Duration: 24 days (Sept-Oct)
- • Attendance: 2+ million visitors
- • Size: 277 acres
- • Location: Fair Park, Dallas, TX
Game Day Special
- • Fair admission included with ticket
- • 200+ food vendors
- • 70+ rides and attractions
- • Live entertainment all day
- • Big Tex welcomes fans
Game Day Experience at the Fair
Morning: Arrive Early (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
The fair gates open hours before kickoff. Smart fans arrive early to experience everything the fair has to offer before heading to the game.
- • Fair gates open at 9:00 AM on game day
- • Try famous Fletcher's Corny Dogs for breakfast
- • Visit the auto show and other exhibits
- • Take photos with Big Tex (52-foot-tall cowboy statue)
- • Ride the Texas Star Ferris wheel for aerial views
Midday: Pre-Game Activities (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
As kickoff approaches, the atmosphere intensifies. Fans in orange and crimson fill the fairgrounds.
- • Fan zones for both teams with games and activities
- • Live bands and entertainment
- • Face painting and team gear vendors
- • Tailgating in Cotton Bowl parking lots
- • Last chance for fried fair food
Afternoon: The Game (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
The Cotton Bowl erupts for kickoff. The smell of corny dogs still lingers as 92,000 fans create an electric atmosphere.
- • Cotton Bowl is walking distance from fair midway
- • Stadium split 50-50: orange vs crimson
- • Fair sounds provide unique backdrop
- • Ferris wheel visible from upper deck
Evening: Post-Game Celebration (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
After the game, winning fans flood back into the fair for victory celebrations while losers drown their sorrows in funnel cakes.
- • Fair stays open until 10:00 PM
- • Victory celebrations at fan zones
- • Evening rides and attractions
- • More fried food (obviously)
- • Fireworks on select nights
🍔 Must-Try Fair Foods
The State Fair of Texas is legendary for its fried foods. If it exists, someone at the fair has probably tried to fry it.
🌽 Classic Must-Haves
- Fletcher's Corny Dogs
The original corn dog since 1942. A fair tradition. - Funnel Cake
Fried dough covered in powdered sugar. Simple perfection. - Turkey Leg
Giant smoked turkey legs. Feel like a medieval king. - Cotton Candy
Classic carnival treat in burnt orange or crimson.
🍗 Fried Everything
- Fried Oreos
Deep-fried cookies. Don't knock it till you try it. - Fried Butter
Yes, fried butter. This is Texas. - Chicken Fried Bacon
Bacon, battered and fried. Need we say more? - Big Tex Choice Award Winners
Annual contest for most creative fair food.
Pro Tip: Pace yourself! The fair is open before and after the game. Don't fill up on corny dogs and miss the second half.
🎢 Popular Attractions
Big Tex
The 52-foot-tall talking cowboy statue is the symbol of the State Fair. Everyone takes a photo with Big Tex saying "Howdy, folks!"
Texas Star Ferris Wheel
At 212 feet tall, it's the tallest Ferris wheel in North America. Ride it for panoramic views of Dallas and Fair Park.
Texas Auto Show
Browse the latest vehicles from major manufacturers. A tradition within a tradition.
Fair Park Museums
Six museums on-site including African American Museum, Perot Museum, and more.
Why the Fair?
The 1932 Decision
In 1932, the game was moved from alternating between Austin and Norman to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during the State Fair. The reasons were simple:
- • Neutral Site: Dallas sits roughly halfway between the two campuses (195 miles from Austin, 190 miles from Norman)
- • Larger Venue: Cotton Bowl held more fans than either campus stadium at the time
- • Economic Boost: The fair needed a marquee attraction to draw crowds
- • Unique Atmosphere: The carnival setting created an experience unlike any other game
The decision proved genius. The combination of college football's best rivalry with America's largest state fair created a cultural phenomenon that has lasted over 90 years.
"You can smell the corny dogs from the field. It's the perfect mix of football and fun."
- Every player who's ever competed at the Cotton Bowl
Experience Game Day at the Fair
Football, funnel cakes, and Ferris wheels—only at the Red River Rivalry