The annual Red River Rivalry returns this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park when 3-2 Texas faces 5-0 Oklahoma in what is already shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown. The rivalry, in its 120th meeting, brings headlines beyond the field: Texas leads the all-time series 64–51–5, while both teams carry top-tier defenses and key injury questions into the showdown.
This game is more than just a matchup - it’s tradition. Since 1929, the State Fair of Texas has hosted the rivalry at the Cotton Bowl, splitting seating between burnt orange and crimson amid the fairgrounds excitement.
The Golden Hat trophy, awarded to the winner, is one of the sport’s most recognizable symbols.
The stadium itself is undergoing a $140 million renovation this season, with wider concourses, new restrooms, and enhanced concessions, aiming to ease crowd flow and improve spectator comfort.
On the field, Oklahoma’s defense has been suffocating - second in the country in points allowed - but the Sooners face uncertainty at quarterback with John Mateer recovering from thumb surgery.
Texas, meanwhile, is trying to rebound from a loss in Florida and is managing injury concerns, especially at running back.
For fans heading to the game, transit challenges are real. DART is offering direct service to Fair Park for game day, but the recent spate of violent incidents on the system has raised safety concerns.
Just days ago, a passenger was fatally shot during an argument onboard a train at Pearl Station, marking the second deadly DART shooting in a matter of days, and prompting tougher scrutiny of transit safety overall.
DART officials have said they’ll maintain a visible security presence and deploy additional staff during major events.
If you’re going, plan ahead: download tickets early, arrive well before kickoff, follow all stadium bag policies, and stay alert getting to and from Fair Park. The Red River Rivalry is always worth the hype — but this year, the road home is demanding extra care.
You'll be able to hear the game Saturday at 2:30pm on NewsRadio 1080 KRLD.
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