Red River Rivalry contract with Cotton Bowl extended through 2036

The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners’ Red River Rivalry game will continue to take place at the Cotton Bowl until 2036 as a result of a recent contract extension that was signed by both programmes and made public on Wednesday.

The agreement would result in higher game fees for the schools as well as a pledge from the city of Dallas to pay for an estimated $140 million in renovations to the historic stadium that was constructed in 1930. This is the first makeover overall and the first since renovations in 2008 brought the seating capacity up to over 90,000.

With upgrades scheduled to be completed by 2026 for the west side and 2034 for the east, the modifications will add escalators, lengthen concourses, remodel concessions and restrooms, and expand hospitality sections and premium surroundings.

Texas sports director Chris Del Conte expressed his excitement, saying, “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.” “With all of its history, tradition, and pageantry, the Allstate Red River Rivalry game needs to stay in the Cotton Bowl because there is nothing quite like it. Generations of fans have created countless memories at the legendary stadium among the spectacle that is the State Fair of Texas, and we are thrilled to carry on that tradition far into the future.

Texas and Oklahoma have been rivals since 1900. This October marks the 119th meeting in the

series, and it will be played at a neutral location for the 95th time. Since 1929, the State Fair has served as the venue for the game, with the Cotton Bowl opening the following year.

Mitchell Glieber, president of the State Fair of Texas, remarked, “This game is nostalgic for so many.” For almost a century, this rivalry has been played in the Cotton Bowl during the Texas State Fair. It’s the most distinctive environment in collegiate football. Fans of the Longhorns and Sooners have made this game the focal point of yearly rituals, with many making the pilgrimage to Dallas to represent their teams and take part in the most storied rivalry in college football history.