Texas, Oklahoma announce renewal of Red River Rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl

For the foreseeable future, the Red River Rivalry is going nowhere. On Wednesday, both Texas and Oklahoma announced the rivalry game will be played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas through the 2036 season. Transitioning into the SEC this offseason, the neutral site location will remain at the beginning of a new era for the two programs.

Both Texas AD Chris Del Conte and Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione have acknowledged work is needed on the Cotton Bowl, though. To keep the game at the Cotton Bowl, the City of Dallas has agreed to invest nearly $140 million into the stadium. It’s the largest amount of money put into the Cotton Bowl in its 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.”

Improvements to the bathrooms and concession stands are coming per the release, likely making a ton of fans happy. The Cotton Bowl has also promised an “increasing [in] the number of hospitality areas and premium environments” which will “enhance” the speed of service at the game.

Phase 1 of the renovations is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 2026, just before Texas and Oklahoma face off in a couple of years, on the West side of the stadium. The East portion will be finished by Sept. 2034.

“The relationship between the storied Allstate Red River Rivalry and the venerable Cotton Bowl is one-of-kind regardless of sport,” Castiglione said in a statement. “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,” Del Conte said. “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.”

Texas and Oklahoma have been playing since 1900, with a few cities hosting the rivalry. But since 1932, Dallas has been the location at the Cotton Bowl. The tradition is now nearing its 100th anniversary and with this announcement, will reach it in just under a decade.

SEC logos will be on the field come the 2024 season, a fresh look after nearly three decades in the Big 12.