State Fair of Texas ends free admission for high school students

Fair officials announced they are ending the tradition of providing free admission for students in grades 9 through 12. Only Pre-K through 8th-grade students and teachers will receive complimentary tickets this year.
Fair officials announced they are ending the tradition of providing free admission for students in grades 9 through 12. Only Pre-K through 8th-grade students and teachers will receive complimentary tickets this year. Photo credit Franci Leoncio/getty

For the first time in decades, high school students will not get free tickets to the State Fair of Texas.

Fair officials announced they are ending the tradition of providing free admission for students in grades 9 through 12. Only Pre-K through 8th-grade students and teachers will receive complimentary tickets this year.

Organizers say the change is driven by rising costs and growing safety concerns during fair season. They also noted that free tickets for high schoolers had some of the lowest redemption rates compared to younger students.

Instead, discounted admission will be offered to high school students on select weekdays.

The State Fair of Texas opens September 26 at Fair Park in Dallas.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Franci Leoncio/getty