A Guide to the Texas-OU Game at The State Fair, With or Without Ticket

The Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners returns to the Cotton Bowl this weekend, which is, as always, smack dab in the middle of the State Fair of Texas. With the mountains of fried foods and record-breaking crowds — slather on some college football energy — there’s a lot to navigate. But no worries, we made some mistakes last year, so you don’t have to.

First of all, let’s get this out of the way: the fair has a new clear bag policy for the Cotton Bowl inside the park. No one wants to walk their Louie back to the truck. In boots.

Also, you don’t have to buy a fair ticket if you have a ticket to the game. Your game ticket gets you into the fair on Saturday.

This year marks the 121st meeting between the two teams, and the second since they both joined the SEC football conference. 

More than 200,000 people are expected to pack in the fair that day, whether they have a ticket to the game or not. With that many people around, and especially that much alcohol and testosterone coursing, it’s important to go into this Saturday with a plan. 

Luckily, if you know your way around the fair, there are ways to still enjoy some football without swimming through crowds. If you’re planning to attend this Saturday, here are some tips we wish we knew before going to our first game. 

Arrive (and Park) Super Early

Typically, the fair opens at 10 a.m., but on Saturday, due to the overwhelming traffic on Red River Day, it opens at 7 a.m. Your game ticket gets you into the fair.

Will Call, State Fair parking lots (Gates 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 15) will also all open at 7 a.m.

Outdoor concessions, in addition to concessions inside the Tower Building and the Midway, open at 8 a.m.

Gates to the Cotton Bowl open at 11:30 a.m.

The actual game doesn’t start until 2:30 p.m., but trust us, you’re going to want to get parking and get inside as early as you can. We recommend you take DART, but if you’re driving, know that those unofficial parking lots around the fair employ a dynamic pricing strategy (meaning prices will be high on Saturday), so try to snag a spot at an official State Fair of Texas lot before it fills up, which will cost $30.

Pre and Post Game on the Midway

Attendance at the fairgrounds on Saturday could surpass 200,000, with 90,000 inside the Cotton Bowl. In years past, it was not at all uncommon to spot a former Longhorn or Sooner walking the fairgrounds or playing some games on the Midway before or after the big game. Although College GameDay won’t be holding a live taping this year (previous years featured Matthew McConaughey and Pat McAfee debating in front of the stadium), you can still expect to see a great deal of former legends hanging around. 

Finding Cheap Eats (and Deep-Fried Moon Pies)

Of course, you’re going to need sustenance, so keep an eye out for Abe Gonzalez’s (aka Fried Jesus) Cheap Eats stand on the Funway between the cookie building and the log ride, where you can get hot dogs for four coupons (coupons are $1 each) and a water for three. We’ve also outlined several other options for finding affordable options in our newbie’s guide to the fair.

But if you or your Boo are feeling extra, there’s a Lobster Lounge by Big Tex’s left-hand side. You can get lobster three ways.

If you’re looking for the best fried food options, check out the fair’s Big Tex winners map and the new food map. We personally recommend the deep-fried Moon Pie at the Spicy Hut on Grand Avenue, which is sort of in front of the Bud Light stage.

Pre Game with DJ Sober at the Bud Light Stage

With so many people around, finding a spot to sit and chill in the midst of everything is key. DJ Sober will spin for the crowds at 11 a.m. and 1, 3 and 5 p.m. on the State Fair Records-operated Bud Light Stage, which is located directly in front of the main entrance to the Cotton Bowl.

Team-Themed Foods

Some food vendors at the fair get creative, with crimson red or burnt orange foods that will divide the fair all day on Saturday. At Zable’s Belgian Waffles, you can choose between batter dyed colors for either team, and enjoy a large sweet treat that’s only 196 calories, a miracle in the fair food world. At Fernie’s Funnel Cakes, choose between an orange or red glaze. Wash it down with the choice of an orange mango or a strawberry margarita. If you can find Stiffler’s Concessions, the legendary family-run fair food empire, you can order red and orange jello shots out of a syringe. Saturday’s gonna be a party. 

No Ticket? No Problem. Find A Spot to Watch

If you don’t have a ticket for the big game, there are plenty of great spots to sit, relax and enjoy the game while also enjoying the fair atmosphere. Rousso’s Fat Bacon has a massive LED screen and plenty of tables, just across from the Children’s Aquarium at Gate 5. Hans Mueller offers an air-conditioned seating area with some German delicacies right by the Chevrolet Main Stage, including a Brisket and Brew Stuffed Pretzel, which was a finalist in this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards.

The Wine Garden, which will have DJ Luv Ssik during the day and live music from Billy Law at night, has plenty of TVs, alcohol, and pizza. 

Paul Wall Concert Post Game

You know who’s got no skin in this football game? Houston. Go see the Houston rapper Paul Wall sittin’ sideways on the Chevrolet Main Stage at 7:45 p.m. Great news, you don’t need an extra ticket to see any concerts at the fair; all the concerts and shows (aside from the football game) are free.

Drink some water first, OK? Stay hydrated. Gonna be a long hot one.