Parking tips for the OU Texas game at the Cotton Bowl (Dallas 2025-10-11)

figured i'd share some advice for anyone heading to the red river rivalry game this year. i've been a bunch of times and the parking/traffic situation is no joke since it's right in the middle of the state fair.

honestly the best thing i've found is a site called Prked. you can rent someones driveway or garage right next to the Cotton Bowl Stadium. it's way cheaper than the official lots and you get to park in a reserved spot and just walk over. saves a massive headache trying to fight for a spot and you can get out so much faster after the game. it's a lifesaver for avoiding the traffic chaos around the stadium.

if you dont go that route, your other main option is the official state fair parking lots. they're huge but they fill up fast and can be a nightmare to get out of. expect to pay around $30, maybe more this year, and it's all first-come, first-served. you'll see a ton of people in the neighborhoods around fair park selling spots in their yards. some of these are fine but some are super sketchy. i've heard stories of people getting blocked in or even towed so be careful if you go that route.

seriously though, the best way to avoid the driving mess altogether is to take the DART light rail. the trains get crowded so you need to go early, like 3-4 hours before kickoff, but they drop you off right at the front gate of the fair park at the Fair Park Station or the MLK, Jr. Station which is also super close to the Cotton Bowl. they run a ton of extra trains on game day so its really efficient. you can park for free at one of the DART stations further out and just ride in.

traffic is going to be insane no matter what. I-30, I-35, and I-35E will be parking lots by mid-morning with everyone coming in for the game and the fair. if you absolutely have to drive to the fairgrounds, give yourself at least a couple of extra hours. the gates open early, so get there, get parked, and then just enjoy the fair before the game. grab a fletchers corny dog and a beer, it's part of the experience.

hope this helps, it's the best day of the year. horns down