The State Fair of Texas officially announced on Tuesday that it would not open for the 2020 season.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many large gatherings are being put on hold for the foreseeable future. The situation remains fluid, but the cancellation still casts a wave of doubt surrounding the Red River Rivalry game.
The fair is a staple among traditions surrounding the heated rivalry game each year. Although the Longhorns are scheduled to face the Sooners on Oct. 10, the entire college football season is currently sitting in a puddle of uncertainty.
It appears that both athletic directors have hope that the game will still take place at the Cotton Bowl as scheduled, although it will require constant monitoring moving forward.
Statement from Chris Del Conte on the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair of Texas pic.twitter.com/jw2pJprfp8
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) July 7, 2020
OU AD Joe Castiglione: “We understand & respect decision made by State Fair of Texas & acknowledge it was an extremely difficult one. Our hope remains we can play OU-Texas game at the Cotton Bowl, but obviously every aspect of our season requires constant monitoring & planning."
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 7, 2020
Everyone’s health, safety, and well-being should remain the top priority over football. It’s still too early to determine how this could impact the Red River Rivalry as there has yet to be a decision on the college football season as a whole. Will it be pushed back to the spring? Will games take place as scheduled? Will fans be allowed to attend?
If the decision is made to continue the season as scheduled, this obviously wouldn’t impact this particular game any more than it would the others. However, the cancellation of the state fair is certainly discouraging for those hoping to attend one of the most exciting games of the season.