The Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, is more than just a football stadium—it’s a historic icon that has played host to decades of tradition, college rivalries, and major sporting events. Located in the heart of Fair Park, the Cotton Bowl has become synonymous with football in Texas and the annual Texas State Fair, attracting millions of fans and visitors over the years. With a rich history that dates back to the 1930s, the Cotton Bowl has stood the test of time—while other iconic stadiums like Texas Stadium have been torn down.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the origins of the Cotton Bowl, explore why it’s still standing today, and uncover the major moments that make this stadium a Texas treasure.
When Was the Cotton Bowl Built?
A Stadium Born in the Great Depression
The Cotton Bowl Stadium was originally constructed in 1930 and was initially called Fair Park Stadium. It was built as part of an initiative to bring more entertainment and sporting events to Dallas. The stadium was designed to seat 46,000 fans at the time, a significant number for that era. It was renamed the Cotton Bowl in 1936, coinciding with the Texas Centennial Exposition.
The location in Fair Park was ideal, as it was already a central gathering place for the Texas State Fair. The stadium’s design allowed it to host football games during the fair, maximizing attendance and boosting tourism to the Dallas area.
Who Was the Cotton Bowl Built For?
A Home for Texas Football
The Cotton Bowl was primarily built to serve as a venue for football—both college and professional. Over the years, it has been home to a variety of teams and events:
SMU Mustangs (Southern Methodist University)
Dallas Cowboys (1960–1971)
Cotton Bowl Classic college bowl game (1937–2009)
Texas vs. Oklahoma game, also known as the Red River Rivalry
Although it was designed for college football, the stadium quickly became a hub for major sporting events of all types, including soccer, concerts, and boxing matches.
The Cotton Bowl and the Texas State Fair
A Football Tradition Every October
One of the most iconic connections to the Cotton Bowl is its relationship with the Texas State Fair. Every October, the stadium becomes the battlefield for one of the fiercest rivalries in college football: Texas vs. Oklahoma.
This annual matchup, often referred to as the Red River Showdown, is played in the middle of the Texas State Fair and draws more than 90,000 fans, with the stadium split down the middle between burnt orange (Texas) and crimson (Oklahoma). It’s a one-of-a-kind event where football and fair fun collide, making it one of the most unique sports experiences in the country.
Why Is the Cotton Bowl Still Standing?
Preserving History and Functionality
While other Texas stadiums like Texas Stadium in Irving were torn down (Texas Stadium was demolished in 2010), the Cotton Bowl has endured. There are a few key reasons for this:
Historic Value – The Cotton Bowl is listed as a Dallas Landmark, and its place in Texas history is undeniable.
Strategic Renovations – Instead of demolishing the Cotton Bowl, city planners opted for upgrades. In 2008, the stadium underwent a $57 million renovation, increasing the seating capacity and modernizing facilities.
Location Advantage – Situated within Fair Park, the Cotton Bowl remains a central attraction during the Texas State Fair.
Tradition and Loyalty – Fans, alumni, and sports historians see the Cotton Bowl as a sacred space for football in Texas.
Unlike Texas Stadium, which was replaced by the state-of-the-art AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the Cotton Bowl continues to serve its purpose and hold strong emotional ties to fans.
Is There Any Plan to Tear Down the Cotton Bowl?
Not Anytime Soon
As of 2025, there are no active plans to demolish the Cotton Bowl. The stadium continues to host:
The Red River Showdown
Various high school and college football games
International soccer matches
Community events
City leaders and preservationists have made it clear that maintaining the Cotton Bowl is part of Dallas’s long-term cultural and tourism strategy. In fact, there are talks about further improvements to Fair Park and the stadium to ensure its relevance for future generations.
How Many People Can the Cotton Bowl Hold?
Massive Capacity for Big Texas Events
The Cotton Bowl’s seating capacity has grown significantly over the decades. After renovations, it now holds approximately 92,100 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in Texas and the United States.
That capacity allows it to host massive events, including international soccer matches and large-scale concerts like those featuring Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and U2.
What Was the Biggest Game Ever Played at the Cotton Bowl?
Legendary Moments in Football History
The Cotton Bowl has seen countless memorable games, but a few stand out as truly legendary:
1. 1963 Cotton Bowl Classic – Texas vs. LSU
This game cemented the Cotton Bowl’s status as a premier bowl game venue. Texas shut out LSU 28-0 in what was considered a dominant performance by the Longhorns.
2. 2008 Texas vs. Oklahoma – Red River Shootout
In a game featuring two top-five teams, No. 5 Texas defeated No. 1 Oklahoma 45-35. The energy, the stakes, and the outcome made this one of the most electric games in Cotton Bowl history.
3. 1967 NFL Championship: Cowboys vs. Browns
While technically not a “Super Bowl,” this playoff game saw the Dallas Cowboys defeat the Cleveland Browns to advance to the NFL Championship. It was a pivotal moment in Dallas football history and was played right on Cotton Bowl turf.
4. World Cup Soccer in 1994
The Cotton Bowl hosted six World Cup matches during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, bringing international attention to the stadium and Dallas as a soccer city.
Legacy of the Cotton Bowl: Why It Still Matters
The Cotton Bowl is more than concrete and steel—it’s a living piece of Texas history. From college football rivalries to the Texas State Fair, from NFL roots to global sporting events, it has been central to the cultural and sports landscape of Dallas for nearly a century.
Where other stadiums come and go, the Cotton Bowl remains, proving that tradition, location, and love for the game are more powerful than modern upgrades alone.
Conclusion: A Texas Treasure That Still Shines
The Cotton Bowl in Dallas is a rare gem in the world of sports venues. Built in the early 1930s, it continues to serve fans and athletes alike nearly 100 years later. While Texas Stadium was torn down to make way for newer, flashier options, the Cotton Bowl has survived thanks to smart renovations, deep tradition, and a prime location inside Fair Park.
Whether you’re there to watch football, experience the thrills of the Texas State Fair, or just soak in some sports history, the Cotton Bowl delivers an experience like no other.
As long as Texans love their traditions, their rivalries, and their larger-than-life events, the Cotton Bowl will continue to stand as a proud monument to the enduring spirit of the Lone Star State.