Fan-side verification
Confirm whether the listing identifies the Texas or Oklahoma side for the 2026 event. Also compare row height, sun exposure, aisle location, and any obstructed-view notice.
Cotton Bowl Stadium Guide
A fact-checked guide to the Fair Park venue for Texas vs Oklahoma, including the address, seating checks, transit, entry planning, and 2026 game details.
2026 Game
Saturday, October 10
2:30 p.m. CT on ABC or ESPN
Address
Cotton Bowl Stadium
3750 The Midway, Dallas, TX 75215
Setting
Fair Park
A neutral-site game during the State Fair of Texas.
Operational details last verified September 2, 2026 against State Fair of Texas information.
Why the Cotton Bowl matters
The Red River Rivalry is played away from both campuses. Cotton Bowl Stadium sits inside Fair Park in Dallas, creating a neutral-site setting where Texas and Oklahoma fans share the same venue and State Fair surroundings.
The stadium is part of the identity of the rivalry, but it also changes the practical planning. Fans move through Fair Park crowds before reaching the stadium, transit and parking demand are concentrated around the same area, and ticket buyers need to confirm which side of the venue their section belongs to.
Cotton Bowl seating chart checks for Texas vs OU
Seating maps shown by ticket sellers can use different labels or levels of detail. Start with the section and row on the listing, then verify the current event map before checkout. Do not rely on an old screenshot or an unsupported promise about the Texas or Oklahoma side.
Listing verification
Check the event date, venue, section, row, delivery method, transfer rules, and final all-in price. Similar event names can appear in marketplace search results.
Use the Cotton Bowl seating chart and best seats guide for more detailed seat-selection questions.
Getting to Fair Park
DART
DART Green Line service includes Fair Park Station at the fairgrounds entrance and MLK Jr. Station near Gate 6. Check the official trip planner and event-day notices shortly before travel.
Driving and parking
Official State Fair parking is $25 per space. The Fair identifies Gate 2 at 925 S. Haskell, Dallas, TX 75223 as the easiest route to official parking. Recheck event-day traffic instructions before leaving.
Rideshare
Check the current pickup and drop-off instructions in the app. Postgame demand and designated meeting points may change.
Entry and game-day planning
- Arrive with extra time: The stadium is inside an active Fair environment, so account for crowds, security, and the walk to the gate.
- Save the ticket before arrival: Follow the ticket issuer's current mobile-delivery instructions and keep the device charged.
- Use an approved bag: One clear bag up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, one one-gallon clear resealable bag, or one small clutch up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches is permitted per person. Clear backpacks are prohibited.
- Plan for minors after 5 p.m.: Fair guests age 17 and younger entering after 5 p.m. must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone age 21 or older.
- Prepare for weather: Review the Dallas forecast close to game day and choose clothing for the actual conditions.
Cotton Bowl Stadium FAQ
Where is Cotton Bowl Stadium?
Cotton Bowl Stadium is inside Fair Park at 3750 The Midway, Dallas, TX 75215. It is not on the Texas or Oklahoma campus.
When is Texas vs Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl in 2026?
The 2026 Red River Rivalry is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. CT.
Can fans take DART to Cotton Bowl Stadium?
Yes. DART Green Line service includes Fair Park Station and MLK Jr. Station. Fans should check the official trip planner and event-day service information before traveling.
How should I check the Cotton Bowl seating chart for Texas vs OU?
Use the section and row shown on the ticket listing, then compare them with the current event or seller-provided map. Confirm the fan side, view, row height, and ticket terms before purchasing.
What bag and entry rules apply in 2026?
Cotton Bowl Stadium permits one clear plastic bag up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, one one-gallon clear resealable bag, or one small clutch up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches per person. Clear backpacks and larger bags are prohibited.
Are there hotels near Cotton Bowl Stadium?
There are lodging options around Dallas, but fans should verify the actual route to Fair Park. The travel guide compares Fair Park and East Dallas with downtown, Deep Ellum, and Uptown.