Fair Time Football

The Field of Legends

Nestled in the middle of Fair Park sits the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium, home to the iconic Red River Rivalry, State Fair Classic, and many other gridiron games.

The State Fair of Texas welcomes football fans to the Cotton Bowl for Saturdays of exciting college football.

State Fair Classic

Grambling State University vs. Prairie View A&M University

Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Kickoff: TBD

Since the 1980s, Grambling State Tigers and Prairie View A&M Panthers have traveled to Dallas during the State Fair to go head-to-head on the grass of the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. The State Fair Classic is filled with great football for four quarters and a stunning battle of the bands during halftime.

Game tickets are purchased through each university’s athletic office.

Location

Cotton Bowl Stadium

Find on the Map

Allstate Red River Rivalry

University of Texas vs. University of Oklahoma

Saturday, October 7, 2023 – Kickoff: 11:00 A.M.

More than 100,000 people travel to the State Fair for the Allstate Red River Showdown game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. The game, played in Cotton Bowl Stadium since 1929, is an iconic staple of the State Fair.

Game tickets are purchased through each university’s athletic office.

RV PARKING INFORMATION

Location

Cotton Bowl Stadium

Find on the Map

Clear Bag Policy

For the safety of all attendees, a clear bag policy is in effect for all events at Cotton Bowl Stadium within Fair Park.

Approved bags include (one bag per person):

Bags or totes that are clear plastic and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”

One-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bags

Small clutch bags or purses do not have to be clear, but cannot exceed 4.5” x 6.5”

Prohibited bags include:

Fanny Packs

Mesh or straw bags

Duffle Bags

Backpacks

Clear backpacks are also prohibited

Cases

Cases for a camera, binocular, etc.

Large Totes

Diaper Bags

However, items normally carried in a diaper bag can be put into a clear plastic bag for venue entry

Plastic bags or totes

This includes tinted, printed pattern, or reusable grocery totes.

Large Purses (larger than 4.5” x 6.5”)

Larger than 4.5” x 6.5”

Non-clear merchandise bag

Note: Express lanes will be in place at each gate for those who do not bring bags into the stadium. Bags that are necessary for medical equipment will be searched at each gate.

Other than the bag policy, all other items on the prohibited list remain consistent.

All carried items and entrants are subject to search. Prohibited items must be returned to the owner’s car or discarded. Any unlawful items are subject to confiscation, and the person in possession of such items is subject to arrest. Items left at the gate will be discarded.

All games played in Cotton Bowl Stadium are subject to the following rules

BAG INSPECTIONS

For the safety of all attendees, all bags and items are subject to inspection upon entry and are subject to additional inspections within the stadium. Please see clear bag policy for full details.

BEER PURCHASE

Beer is available for purchase both inside and outside the stadium, however, once purchased, no beer or other alcoholic beverages will be allowed to enter or exit Cotton Bowl Stadium on game day.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • All Bags, including backpacks (unless clear plastic and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”)
  • Purses (larger than 4.5” x 6.5”)
  • Medical Bags will be inspected upon entry
  • All weapons of any sort
  • Any explosive or flammable items
  • Alcoholic beverages of any kind
  • Artificial noisemakers (bells, horns, kazoos, whistles, etc.)
  • Banners, flags, flag poles, signs, umbrellas, etc.
  • Cameras with detachable lenses greater than 10”. Video cameras, selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, and other similar items
  • Coolers
  • Food & beverages
  • Any items deemed a safety hazard or annoyance (balls, balloons, firearms, fireworks, Frisbees, glass, hard plastic or metal water bottles, laser pointers, etc.)
  • Pets (service dogs permitted)
  • Tobacco products of any kind, including e-­cigarettes
  • Any type of seat cushions or chair backs
  • Strollers
  • Baby seats

All carried items and entrants are subject to search. Prohibited items must be returned to the owner’s car or discarded. Any unlawful items are subject to confiscation, and the person in possession of such items is subject to arrest. Items left at the gate will be discarded.