Your Complete Guide to the 2026 Red River Rivalry, #1 Texas vs Oklahoma

(Dallas, Texas) - The Red River Rivalry is one of the best rivalries in all of college football. Every year, the game takes place in Dallas during the State Fair of Texas. Dallas also marks the halfway point for the Texas Longhorns, from Austin, and the Oklahoma Sooners, from Norman, Oklahoma.

It doesn't matter what either team is ranked, it's always a great game to watch. This season does seem a little lopsided since Texas is 4-0 and ranked #1 while Oklahoma is 2-2 and sits unranked. One day I'll get to go in person.

Red River Rivalry in Dallas, Texas

Every year, the Red River Rivalry is one of the best games of the season. The Cotton Bowl is always sold out for the game with each team taking one half of the stadium. Seeing that sea of burnt orange on one side and the crowd of maroon on the other. It's a great scene for a football game, for sure.

I've only watched the games on TV. I would love to go in person one year. I would be dressed in my burnt orange best cheering on the Longhorns. Sorry, I can't cheer on the maroon of Oklahoma, or the maroon of Texas A&M, either.

READ MORE: State Fair of Texas Greeter, Big Tex, Started in East Texas as Something Completely Different

What You Need to Know Before Attending the Red River Rivalry

For this year's game, kickoff will again be at 2:30 p.m. The State Fair of Texas will make for a beautiful backdrop for the 90,000 plus fans attending the rivalry game. This year will be no different but with some things to know before the start of the game.

• Fair will open at 7 a.m. so fans can enjoy the fair before game time
• Your game ticket includes admission to the fair.
• Cotton Bowl gates will open at 11:30 a.m.
• Wear sunscreen and reapply it regularly to avoid getting sunburnt
• All bags brought to the fair and the game MUST BE clear
• Prepare to go through security. For a full rundown of what is and isn't allowed in the fair or the game, go to bigtex.com.
• Stay after the game to enjoy everything the State Fair of Texas has to offer

This year's Texas - O-Who OU game should be a good one. Can Oklahoma pull off the upset? Can Texas avoid an embarrassing loss? We'll find out Saturday afternoon in Dallas. Oh yes, I'm biased, Go Longhorns!

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