Cotton Bowl parking for Texas vs. OU on Saturday, Oct 10, 2026 — the busiest day of the State Fair, with more than 100,000 people headed to Fair Park. Here’s how to park, when to arrive, how to skip the traffic on DART, and where to stay.
Cotton Bowl Parking — Texas vs. OU 2026
Saturday, October 10, 2026. Kickoff 2:30 p.m. at Cotton Bowl Stadium inside Fair Park — on top of a full State Fair Saturday.
Check Parking Near Fair Park on SpotHero →$25 Per Space
Official State Fair lots are $25 per car — per space, not per person. Lots fill hours before kickoff on game day.
DART Green Line
Fair Park Station is at the main gate and MLK, Jr. Station is near Gate 6 by the Cotton Bowl. A $6 day pass skips the traffic entirely.
Arrive in the Morning
The fairgrounds open at 7 a.m. on game day. Fans who park early spend the morning at the fair instead of in traffic.
Book a Hotel Now
Texas–OU weekend is the biggest hotel crunch of the fair. Downtown and Deep Ellum are a short Green Line ride from the stadium.
The Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is played every October at Cotton Bowl Stadium inside Fair Park, during the State Fair of Texas. The 2026 game is Saturday, October 10, with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. The fair says more than 100,000 people travel to Fair Park for the game, on top of a regular fair Saturday — which makes it the most congested day of the entire 24-day run.
Looking for the Cotton Bowl Classic bowl game? That’s a different event. The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is a College Football Playoff game played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington — the 2027 quarterfinal is Friday, January 1, 2027. See the AT&T Stadium parking guide for that game.
Cotton Bowl Parking Options on Game Day
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official State Fair lots | $25 per space | Lots around Fair Park, including Gate 2 at 925 S. Haskell Ave — check the official parking map at bigtex.com before you leave |
| Private / community lots | Set by each lot | Prices are posted by the lot owner and often run higher on game day — confirm the price before you pay |
| SpotHero | Varies | Check for reservable lots near Fair Park — if one is listed, your price and spot are locked at booking |
| DART Green Line | $6 Local Day Pass | Fair Park Station (main gate) or MLK, Jr. Station (near Gate 6 and the Cotton Bowl) |
| Rideshare / taxi | Varies | Official drop-off and pickup is at Gate 1, Gurley Ave and S. Haskell Ave |
Your game ticket covers the fair, not parking. Texas–OU game tickets have traditionally included State Fair admission for game day, but parking is always separate. Double-check the terms on your 2026 ticket.
Overnight parking is prohibited at Fair Park — with one exception: designated RV lots on Texas–OU weekend, first come, first served.
Game Day Timeline
| Time | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. | Fairgrounds open early for game day |
| Morning | Best window to drive in and park — enjoy the fair before kickoff |
| About 2 hours before kickoff | Cotton Bowl Stadium gates have opened around 12:30 p.m. for 2:30 kickoffs in recent years — confirm on your ticket |
| 2:30 p.m. | Kickoff |
| After the game | Heaviest traffic of the day — DART riders skip it |
Driving in on I-30? The fair has recommended exit 48A toward Haskell Avenue for quicker access to the official lots.
DART — The Stress-Free Option
On Texas–OU day, the DART Green Line is the easiest way in and out. Two stations serve the fairgrounds: Fair Park Station on Parry Avenue at the main entrance, and MLK, Jr. Station near Gate 6 — the closer stop to the Cotton Bowl. For 2026, DART is also adding State Fair Flyer service and extra Orange Line trains through Fair Park on weekends.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Stations | Fair Park (main gate) and MLK, Jr. (near Gate 6 and the Cotton Bowl) |
| Fare | $6 DART Local Day Pass — buy it in the GoPass app before you ride |
| Coming from Fort Worth | Take the TRE and transfer to the Green Line at Victory Station |
| Park & Ride | DART offers free parking at its Park & Ride stations — check the station’s rules before you go |
Where to Stay for Texas–OU Weekend
Texas–OU weekend brings fans from across both states, and Dallas hotels fill up fast. The smartest base is downtown or Deep Ellum, where you can ride the Green Line straight to Fair Park and skip game-day parking altogether. For the full list, see our hotels near Fair Park guide.
Kimpton Pittman Hotel
Deep Ellum · Boutique · Closest Hotel Area to Fair ParkA boutique hotel inside Deep Ellum, the closest hotel neighborhood to Fair Park. Ride the Green Line from Deep Ellum Station to the game, then come back to the neighborhood’s bars and live music after.
Cambria Hotel Downtown Dallas
East Downtown · Art Deco · Good ValueIn the restored 1931 Tower Petroleum Building at Elm and St. Paul, a short walk from St. Paul Station on the Green Line. A solid mid-range pick for a game weekend.
The Adolphus
Downtown Dallas · Historic · LuxuryDallas’s grand historic hotel, open since 1912, in the heart of downtown. Walk to Akard Station and you’re on the Green Line to Fair Park. Book early — game weekend is one of its busiest.
Hyatt Regency Dallas
Downtown Dallas · Reunion Tower · Full ServiceA big full-service hotel next to Reunion Tower that handles crowds well. Ride DART into downtown from Union Station next door and switch to the Green Line for the game.
Texas–OU Weekend Hotels
Book Before Game Weekend Sells Out
Compare downtown and Deep Ellum hotels, or grab a vacation rental for the whole group.
Search Dallas Hotels → Browse VRBO Rentals →Cotton Bowl Parking — FAQ
When is Texas vs. OU in 2026?
Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park, Dallas. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. CT. The game is played during the State Fair of Texas, so fair and game crowds share Fair Park all day.
How much is parking at the Cotton Bowl for Texas–OU?
Official State Fair lots are $25 per space. Private lots near Fair Park set their own prices and often charge more on game day. The DART Green Line is $6 for a Local Day Pass and skips parking entirely.
What time should I arrive for Texas–OU parking?
The fairgrounds open at 7 a.m. on game day, and official lots fill hours before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff. If you’re driving, plan to park in the morning and spend the time at the fair.
Can you take DART to the Cotton Bowl?
Yes — and it’s the best option on game day. The Green Line stops at Fair Park Station at the main gate and MLK, Jr. Station near Gate 6 by the Cotton Bowl. Fort Worth fans can take the TRE and transfer to the Green Line at Victory Station.
Does a Texas–OU ticket include State Fair admission?
Game tickets have traditionally included State Fair admission on game day. Parking is not included. Check the terms on your 2026 ticket.
Is Texas–OU the Cotton Bowl Classic?
No. Texas–OU is played at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park. The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is a separate College Football Playoff game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, set for January 1, 2027.
More Dallas and Fair Park Guides
- → State Fair of Texas Parking — Full Guide
- → Hotels Near Fair Park
- → State Fair Ticket Prices & Costs
- → AT&T Stadium Parking — Cotton Bowl Classic, Cowboys & Concerts
- → Dallas Parking — Full Guide
Dallas Unscripted is an independent Dallas guide. Parking rates, lot locations, gate times, and DART service change — verify current information at bigtex.com and dart.org before game day. This post contains affiliate links; if you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.