Image Source: The Oklahoman
Texas vs Oklahoma fans traveling to Dallas for the 2026 Red River Rivalry are being encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early and review updated safety procedures before Saturday’s game at the Cotton Bowl Stadium.
The Oklahoma Sooners will face the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, October 10, during the State Fair of Texas. The matchup marks the 97th consecutive year that the rivalry will be played in Dallas, bringing tens of thousands of college football fans to the fairgrounds.
Critical Texas vs Oklahoma Game-Day Details
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Cotton Bowl Stadium gates will open at 11:30 a.m., while the State Fair of Texas will open at 7 a.m. Fans are encouraged to allow extra time for traffic, parking, walking through the fairgrounds and security screening.
Game tickets will be used for entry to both the State Fair of Texas and the Cotton Bowl Stadium. Officials also recommend downloading tickets in advance and saving them to a mobile device before arriving. Having tickets ready can help reduce delays at the gates.
- State Fair gates open at 7 a.m.
- Cotton Bowl Stadium gates open at 11:30 a.m.
- Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
- Game tickets provide access to the fair and stadium.
- All tickets are accepted at any Cotton Bowl gate.
Important Parking, Transit and Rideshare Information
Fans driving to the game should expect heavy traffic around Fair Park and the Cotton Bowl. Official State Fair parking lots are located at Gates 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 15. Arriving early is strongly recommended because parking areas and nearby roads are expected to be busy throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Rideshare services, including Uber, Lyft, taxis and Alto, will use Gate 1 for drop-off and pickup. Fans using public transportation can also take advantage of DART trains and buses serving the State Fair area.
Transportation plans may be especially important for visitors who want to attend pregame programming, explore the fairgrounds or watch the rivalry from one of the designated viewing locations around the fair.
Clear Bag Policy and Stadium Security Rules
A clear bag policy will be in effect for all events at Cotton Bowl Stadium. All guests will be screened for weapons as they enter the State Fair, and bags, purses, coolers and similar containers may be screened or searched.
Fans should carefully review the stadium’s prohibited-items rules before leaving home. Bringing fewer personal belongings can make the screening process faster and help avoid having items rejected at the entrance.
- Clear bags are required inside Cotton Bowl Stadium.
- All guests are subject to security screening.
- Bags, purses, coolers and similar containers may be searched.
- Fans should follow directional, section and seat signs.
- Guests seated in the renovated west tower should use the elevators near Gate A after having tickets scanned.
Red River Rivalry Traditions Return to the Fair
The Texas vs Oklahoma weekend will include several familiar traditions beyond the game itself. For the third consecutive year, fairgoers will see a large flag display near the 500-foot-tall Top o’ Texas Tower on the State Fair Midway.
The display celebrates the rivalry between the Sooners and Longhorns. The Texas state flag will fly during the day, and after the Golden Hat Trophy is awarded, the winning team’s flag is expected to be raised at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Fans can also attend live SEC Network programming at the State Fair. The Paul Finebaum Show is scheduled for Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. in front of the Hall of State. SEC Nation will broadcast Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Fans may bring appropriate rivalry flags and signs to the live show through State Fair gates until 9 a.m., subject to applicable regulations.
What to Know About the Teams
The Sooners enter the rivalry at 2-2, while the Longhorns arrive unbeaten at 4-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally. The matchup is expected to draw significant attention as Oklahoma looks to challenge Texas in one of college football’s most recognizable neutral-site games.
News 9 reported that OU ROTC midshipmen also began a nearly 200-mile, three-day journey to Dallas while carrying the game ball for the rivalry. That annual tradition adds another Oklahoma connection to an already busy game week.
Final Advice for Fans Attending the Game
The best way to enjoy the Texas vs Oklahoma rivalry is to prepare before arriving. Check tickets, confirm transportation, review the clear bag policy and plan for long lines at both the fair and stadium entrances. Fans should also pay attention to official signs and follow instructions from event staff.
With the State Fair, SEC Network broadcasts, parking restrictions and stadium security all operating on the same day, an early arrival could make the difference between a rushed entrance and a smoother game-day experience.
When is the Texas vs Oklahoma game?
The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
When do Cotton Bowl gates open?
Cotton Bowl Stadium gates open at 11:30 a.m. The State Fair of Texas opens at 7 a.m.
Is there a clear bag policy?
Yes. A clear bag policy is in effect for events at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Guests and containers may also be subject to security screening.
Where can rideshare vehicles drop off fans?
Rideshare services, including Uber, Lyft, taxis and Alto, will use Gate 1 for drop-off and pickup.
What are the teams’ records entering the rivalry?
Oklahoma enters at 2-2, while Texas is unbeaten at 4-0 and ranked No. 1 in the country.
