Travel & Game Day Guide
Your complete guide to attending the Red River Rivalry 2025 in Dallas, Texas
Getting to Dallas
✈️ By Air
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Main airport, 20 miles from Cotton Bowl
- Largest airport in the region
- 30-40 minute drive to Fair Park
- DART rail connection available
Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Closer option, 10 miles from Cotton Bowl
- 15-20 minute drive to Fair Park
- Southwest Airlines hub
- More convenient for downtown Dallas
🚗 By Car
From Austin/Texas
3 hours via I-35 North (195 miles)
From Oklahoma City
3.5 hours via I-35 South (206 miles)
From Houston
4 hours via I-45 North (240 miles)
Cotton Bowl Address
3750 Midway Plaza, Dallas, TX 75210
🚇 Public Transportation
DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) Green Line stops at Fair Park Station, just a short walk to Cotton Bowl Stadium.
This is often the easiest way to avoid parking hassles on game day!
Where to Stay
📅 Book Early!
Hotels fill up quickly during rivalry weekend. Book 3-6 months in advance for best rates and availability.
Near Fair Park / Cotton Bowl
Budget-Friendly Options
- • Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas East - 3 miles, $150-200/night
- • Holiday Inn Express East - 4 miles, $140-180/night
- • La Quinta Inn East - 5 miles, $120-160/night
Within Walking Distance
Limited options very close to Fair Park. Most fans stay downtown or in East Dallas and drive/take DART to the game.
Downtown Dallas
10-15 minute drive or DART ride to Fair Park. Best for nightlife and restaurants.
Luxury Hotels
- • The Joule - Boutique luxury, $350-500/night
- • Omni Dallas Hotel - Connected to convention center, $250-400/night
- • The Adolphus - Historic hotel, $300-450/night
Mid-Range Options
- • Hyatt Regency Dallas - $180-280/night
- • Courtyard by Marriott Downtown - $160-240/night
- • Residence Inn Downtown - $170-250/night
Deep Ellum / East Dallas
Trendy neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and live music. 5-10 minutes from Fair Park.
- • Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown - Near Deep Ellum, $180-260/night
- • Aloft Dallas Downtown - Modern style, $150-220/night
- • Various Airbnb options available in the area
Uptown / Knox-Henderson
Upscale area with shopping and dining. 15-20 minutes from Fair Park.
- • Hotel ZaZa Dallas - Boutique luxury, $280-450/night
- • Warwick Melrose Hotel - Historic elegance, $200-320/night
- • SpringHill Suites Uptown - $160-240/night
Parking Information
⚠️ Parking Warning
Fair Park parking lots fill up 2-3 hours before kickoff. Arrive early or use DART public transit.
Official parking passes can be purchased in advance or at the gate (cash and card accepted).
Official Fair Park Lots
General Parking
Price: $40-60 per vehicle
Location: Various lots around Fair Park
Walk to stadium: 5-15 minutes depending on lot
Premium Parking
Price: $80-120 per vehicle
Location: Closer lots near Cotton Bowl
Walk to stadium: 2-5 minutes
RV/Oversized Vehicle
Price: $100-150
Designated areas for large vehicles and RVs
Alternative Options
DART Public Transit
Recommended! Green Line to Fair Park Station
Price: $3 per person ($6 day pass)
No parking hassle, drops you right at the stadium
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Convenient but expect surge pricing
Drop-off zones near Fair Park gates
Tip: Walk a few blocks away from stadium for easier pickup after game
Private Lots
Nearby businesses and residents offer parking
Price: $30-80
Use apps like SpotHero to book in advance
Parking Tips
- ✓ Arrive Early: Get to Fair Park 3-4 hours before kickoff for best parking and tailgating
- ✓ Pre-Purchase: Some lots offer discounted advance parking passes online
- ✓ Remember Your Location: Take a photo of your parking lot number/sign
- ✓ Plan Your Exit: Expect 30-60 minute wait to exit parking lots after the game
- ✓ Tailgating: Allowed in parking lots - bring your grill and enjoy the atmosphere!
State Fair of Texas
The Game is During the Fair!
The Red River Rivalry takes place during the State Fair of Texas, one of the largest state fairs in the United States. Your game ticket includes admission to the fair!
2025 Fair Dates: September 26 - October 19, 2025
Fair Admission
- 🎟️ With Game Ticket: FREE admission to State Fair
- 💵 Without Game Ticket: ~$20-25 general admission
- 🎢 Rides: Purchase coupons or wristband separately
- 🍔 Food: Pay-as-you-go at various vendors
Fair Highlights
- 🌽 Famous Fair Food: Fletcher's Corny Dogs, fried everything
- 🎡 Texas Star Ferris Wheel: 212 feet tall, iconic ride
- 🏛️ Big Tex: 55-foot tall cowboy statue, fair mascot
- 🎪 Exhibits & Shows: Agriculture, crafts, auto show
Must-Try Fair Foods
Classic Favorites
- • Fletcher's Original Corny Dog
- • Turkey Leg
- • Funnel Cake
- • Cotton Candy
Texas BBQ
- • Brisket Sandwich
- • Smoked Turkey
- • BBQ Nachos
- • Loaded Baked Potato
Unique Fried Foods
- • Fried Oreos
- • Fried Butter
- • Fried PB&J
- • Deep-Fried Everything!
Game Day Strategy
Arrive 3-4 hours early to enjoy the fair before kickoff. Many fans make a full day of it:
- • 10:00 AM: Enter Fair Park, explore exhibits
- • 11:00 AM: Grab famous fair food for lunch
- • 12:00 PM: Tailgate in parking lot
- • 1:30 PM: Head to stadium for 2:30 PM kickoff
- • After Game: Enjoy more fair rides and food!
Things to Do in Dallas
Make a weekend of it! Dallas offers plenty of attractions for when you're not at the game.
🏛️ Museums & Culture
-
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
JFK assassination history, downtown location
-
Dallas Museum of Art
World-class art collection, free general admission
-
Perot Museum of Nature & Science
Interactive exhibits, great for families
-
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
66 acres of beautiful gardens, fall colors
🍴 Food & Dining
-
Deep Ellum
Trendy bars, restaurants, live music venues
-
Bishop Arts District
Eclectic dining, boutique shopping, art galleries
-
Uptown Dallas
Upscale dining, nightlife, McKinney Avenue
-
Texas BBQ
Try Pecan Lodge, Lockhart Smokehouse, or Cattleack BBQ
🏙️ Landmarks & Activities
-
Reunion Tower
Observation deck with 360° views of Dallas
-
Dallas World Aquarium
Rainforest exhibit, marine life, downtown
-
Klyde Warren Park
Urban park over freeway, food trucks, activities
-
AT&T Stadium Tour
Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington (30 min away)
🛍️ Shopping
-
NorthPark Center
Upscale mall with luxury brands
-
Galleria Dallas
Large mall with ice skating rink
-
Highland Park Village
Luxury outdoor shopping center
-
West Village
Uptown shops, restaurants, walkable area
🌙 Friday Night Ideas
Arrive Friday evening to beat game day traffic and enjoy Dallas nightlife:
- • Visit Deep Ellum for live music and bar hopping
- • Enjoy dinner in Bishop Arts or Uptown
- • Take a sunset trip to Reunion Tower observation deck
- • Catch a show at Dallas Theater District
- • Experience Dallas nightlife in downtown or Knox-Henderson
Game Day Tips & Essentials
What to Bring
- ✓ Game Ticket (digital or print) + ID
- ✓ Cash: Many fair vendors cash-only
- ✓ Comfortable Shoes: Lots of walking at fair
- ✓ Sunscreen & Hat: October sun can be strong
- ✓ Light Jacket: Weather can change, cooler evening
- ✓ Portable Charger: Long day, keep phone charged
- ✓ Clear Bag: Stadium bag policy (12"x6"x12" or smaller)
What NOT to Bring
- ✗ Large Bags: Must be clear and under size limit
- ✗ Outside Food/Drinks: Buy at fair/stadium
- ✗ Weapons: Any knives, tools, prohibited items
- ✗ Umbrellas: Not allowed in stadium
- ✗ Noisemakers: Air horns, cowbells prohibited
- ✗ Professional Cameras: Detachable lens cameras not allowed
Note: All bags subject to search at entry
Weather & Dress Code
October Weather in Dallas
- • Average High: 78°F (26°C)
- • Average Low: 58°F (14°C)
- • Typical Conditions: Sunny to partly cloudy
- • Chance of Rain: 20-25%
What to Wear
- • Layers: Warm afternoon, cooler evening
- • Team Colors: Wear burnt orange or crimson!
- • Comfortable Clothes: You'll be standing/walking
- • Walking Shoes: Skip the fancy boots for game day
Stadium Entry & Security
Gates Open
Stadium gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff (1:00 PM for 2:30 PM game)
Security Screening
All fans go through metal detectors. Lines can be long, arrive early.
- • Have ticket ready (digital or print)
- • Remove metal objects from pockets
- • Open bags for inspection
- • Be patient - high-security event
Stadium Seating
Cotton Bowl is split 50-50. Texas fans on south side (burnt orange), Oklahoma fans on north side (crimson). Check your ticket for correct entrance.
💡 Pro Tips
- • Buy fair food coupons in advance online for discount
- • Download DART GoPass app for easy transit payment
- • Bring sunscreen even in October - Texas sun is strong
- • Take photos of where you parked
- • Stay hydrated - bring empty water bottle to refill
- • Check weather forecast week before for packing
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Arriving too close to kickoff - traffic is HEAVY
- • Not bringing cash for fair vendors
- • Wearing new/uncomfortable shoes
- • Forgetting to set stadium entry gate meeting point
- • Not checking clear bag policy before leaving hotel
- • Parking at far edge - walk can be 20+ minutes
Useful Resources
Cotton Bowl Stadium
3750 Midway Plaza
Dallas, TX 75210
State Fair of Texas
bigtex.com
Fair info, hours, tickets
DART Public Transit
dart.org
Routes, schedules, trip planner
Need More Help?
Check out our other guides for a complete Red River Rivalry experience: