Texas Longhorns, Oklahoma Sooners Agree to Contract Extension for Cotton Bowl in Red River Rivalry
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners are taking their historic and heated rivalry with them to the SEC next season.
And luckily for college football diehards, the traditions of the matchup are now officially being renewed - with a modern twist.
Texas and Oklahoma announced Wednesday that the two programs have renewed the contract to continuing playing the annual Red River Rivalry at the historic Cotton Bowl in Dallas through the 2036 season. The 93-year-old stadium will be undergoing a two-year, $140-million renovation to "elevate the fan experience."
Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners
RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL American-Statesman-USA TODAY NETWORK
"We're thrilled we've been able to extend the contract and continue our partnership with Oklahoma, the State Fair of Texas and the City of Dallas on our great game," Texas AD Chris Del Conte said in a statement. "There is absolutely nothing like the Allstate Red River Rivalry game, and with all of its history, tradition and pageantry, it needs to stay in the Cotton Bowl. So many memories have been made by generations of fans at the iconic stadium surrounded by the spectacle that is the State Fair of Texas, and we're excited to be continuing that long into the future."
Texas Athletics revealed more details about the potential changes that could be coming to the Cotton Bowl as part of the renovations.
"Improvements to Cotton Bowl Stadium include widening concourses and adding escalators, increasing fans' comfort level while entering and exiting the stadium," the University said in its press release. "This will also include renovations to concessions and restrooms, plus increasing the number of hospitality areas and premium environments, which will enhance the speed of service for fans during events. The first phase of renovations to the west side of the stadium is to be completed by September 2026. The city is also scheduled to finish a second phase of significant renovations to the east side of the stadium by September 2034."
The Longhorns fell 34-30 to OU in this year's edition of the rivalry, but the two programs will now have many more memories in store at the historic venue.
