The University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas reached an agreement to keep the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl through 2036.
The greatest rivalry game in North American sports will remain in one of the most iconic venues in the history of college football. The University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas have reached a contract extension that will keep the Red River Rivalry in the Cotton Bowl through 2036.
The historic rivalry game has been played in the Cotton Bowl at the State Fair of Texas since 1932 and this contract extension will allow the two sides to reach a 100-year anniversary in 2032.
Though some have posited the idea of home site contests or a move to AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, the natural site affair inside the Cotton Bowl is synonymous with college football.
Oklahoma and Texas have played some all-time classics at the Cotton Bowl, including this year’s win by the Sooners. Oklahoma needed a score in the final 1:17 of the game to either tie or win the game and Dillon Gabriel led the Sooners on a legacy-defining game-winning drive to hand the Longhorns what has been their lone loss in the 2023 season.
This agreement assures that the Cotton Bowl will receive necessary upgrades, while also increasing the revenue the teams earn from playing the game at the Cotton Bowl.
Enhancements include the addition of escalators, widening the concourses, adding more hospitality and premium environments, restrooms, and concessions as part of a $140 million improvement plan.
Next year, the Sooners and Longhorns first in the SEC, Oklahoma will serve as the home team for the annual event that draws the attention of national broadcasts and college football fans everywhere.
Official Release from the University of Oklahoma Athletics Department
The University of Oklahoma and University of Texas have agreed to a contract extension that will keep the historic Allstate Red River Rivalry football game at the Cotton Bowl through 2036, the schools announced Wednesday.
In addition to the Dallas Sports Commission and Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District increasing the game fees paid to each school, as part of the agreement, the City of Dallas has agreed to make the single largest investment in the Cotton Bowl Stadium’s history; an estimated $140-million, two-year renovation project that honors the Cotton Bowl Stadium’s celebrated legacy and distinctive architecture with sweeping enhancements, elevating the fan experience.
Improvements to Cotton Bowl Stadium include widening concourses and adding escalators, increasing fans’ comfort level while entering and exiting the stadium. This will also include renovations to concessions and restrooms, plus increasing the number of hospitality areas and premium environments, which will enhance the speed of service for fans during events. The first phase of renovations to the west side of the stadium is to be completed by September 2026. The city is also scheduled to finish a second phase of significant renovations to the east side of the stadium by September 2034.
“The relationship between the storied Allstate Red River Rivalry and the venerable Cotton Bowl is one-of-kind regardless of sport,” said OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. “Our new agreement guarantees this historic legacy of the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas at the State Fair of Texas will stretch into a second century. Millions of fans throughout the years have cheered, in-person, for the Sooners or Longhorns on what’s become almost sacred ground. It only makes sense for us to do all we can with our partners to keep that tradition alive but also continue to improve upon the experience and access for our fans. The stadium renovations will be extensive, and we can’t wait for our fans to experience the enhancements.”
“We’re thrilled we’ve been able to extend the contract and continue our partnership with Oklahoma, the State Fair of Texas and the City of Dallas on our great game,” said UT Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. “There is absolutely nothing like the Allstate Red River Rivalry game, and with all of its history, tradition and pageantry, it needs to stay in the Cotton Bowl. So many memories have been made by generations of fans at the iconic stadium surrounded by the spectacle that is the State Fair of Texas, and we’re excited to be continuing that long into the future.”
The long and storied rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma goes back to 1900 and the two teams played for the 119th time in 2023. It was the 95th consecutive year (since 1912) the game was played at a neutral site, equal distance from both schools, while the rivals have met on the grounds of the State Fair since 1929 and in the Cotton Bowl Stadium since it was built in 1930.
“This game is nostalgic for so many,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. “This rivalry has been played in the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas for nearly a century. It is the most unique setting in all of college football. Both Longhorns and Sooners fans have centered annual traditions around this game, traveling to Dallas every year to showcase their pride and be a part of the most iconic rivalry in college football history.”
“Growing up in Dallas and being a huge college football fan, I have always loved the annual Texas/Oklahoma game during the State Fair,” said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. “It is a tradition-filled matchup between historic rivals and does a wonderful job of showcasing Dallas and the State Fair of Texas nationally, while also contributing to the economic vitality of our city. I’m thrilled that both schools have committed to continue the tradition through at least 2036 – the bicentennial of the State of Texas.”
The City of Dallas has engaged Bryan Trubey, FAIA, project principal with Overland Partners, to head up the redesign efforts for renovations to Cotton Bowl Stadium.
“Overland is honored to work with an outstanding team of visionaries and stewards with the shared commitment of securing a bright, sustainable future for Fair Park starting with the renovations to the Cotton Bowl for the 2026 game,” said Trubey. “The Cotton Bowl harnesses our unique understanding of civic and cultural work, sports and entertainment venues, guest experience, and placemaking to reimagine one of Dallas’ – and our nation’s – most important and iconic venues.”
Additionally, Learfield will continue its partnership with the Allstate Red River Rivalry.
“We have partnered with Oklahoma and Texas on the Allstate Red River Rivalry for nearly 30 years, and it is our privilege to continue that relationship as they extend their agreement with the Cotton Bowl as the home of this iconic game,” said Andrew Wheeler, Learfield executive vice president, multimedia rights. “We look forward to many more successful years of connecting passionate fans to the tradition of the Allstate Red River Rivalry experience.”
