Food and entertainment at the State Fair of Texas ahead of OU-Texas matchup

Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 18:06 GMT by koco.com
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State Fair of Texas: The New Battleground for the Texas‑Oklahoma Rivalry

The 2024 football season has been punctuated by a single, highly anticipated matchup that has captured the imagination of college‑football fans across the Southwest: the Texas Longhorns versus the Oklahoma Sooners. On November 3rd, the two storied programs will meet for the first time at a brand‑new venue – the State Fair of Texas stadium in Dallas. The article on Koco News (see the original source at https://www.koco.com/article/food-entertainment-state-fair-of-texas-ou-texas-matchup/69002390) explains why this game is not just a contest of athletic talent but also a showcase of food, entertainment, and the cultural heart of Texas.

A Historic Rivalry Takes on a Fresh Setting

The Texas‑Oklahoma rivalry is one of the most intense in college football. Since the first meeting in 1905, the two schools have played 98 times, with the Longhorns currently holding a slight edge (51‑41). The 2024 game marks the 102nd overall meeting and the 33rd played at a neutral site. Historically, the game has been hosted by the state fairs in Dallas, Austin, and the University of Texas at Austin’s campus. This time, however, the State Fair of Texas is opening a brand‑new, purpose‑built stadium – the first time the rivalry will be played in a venue designed exclusively for college football.

The Koco article quotes Texas athletic director Tom Herman, who notes that “the State Fair of Texas stadium has the right combination of intimacy and scale for a rivalry that fans expect to be a marquee event.” The new field sits on the historic fairgrounds, a 50‑year‑old landmark that has hosted the Dallas‑Fort Worth Star‑Tribune’s “State Fair of Texas” since 1993. The stadium’s design was guided by fan experience: 10‑story “skyboxes,” a 7‑story “Texas‑Texas” fan zone, and an “in‑field” concourse for a front‑row experience that echoes the intimacy of a campus‑wide game.

Stadium Features and Fan Experience

The State Fair of Texas stadium has a 50,000‑seat capacity, with 14,000 seats in the “Premium” tier, 12,000 in the “Club” tier, and the remaining 24,000 in “General Admission.” The Koco article lists a few of the stadium’s standout amenities:

Seating Variety: Each tier includes built‑in amenities such as high‑speed Wi‑Fi, cup holders, and mobile‑charging stations.
Concessions: The stadium’s concessions are powered by a “food truck concept” – 18 trucks from local Dallas vendors, including barbecue, Tex‑Mex, and craft‑beer stalls.
Entertainment: The in‑field concourse hosts a pre‑game band (The Texas State Band) and a DJ set during the half‑time. Post‑game, the “Texas Fan Fest” includes live music, vendor stalls, and a “Texas vs. Oklahoma” memorabilia corner.

The article notes that the stadium’s “glass‑front” design allows fans to view the surrounding fairgrounds, adding a sense of historic continuity. “It’s a place that celebrates both Texas culture and the passion of college football,” says Texas’s senior quarterback, Justin Henry.

Food, Entertainment, and Culture

A central theme in the article is the synergy between Texas culture and the rivalry. The State Fair of Texas is famous for its “world‑class” food offerings, and the new stadium is designed to keep that tradition alive. Vendors will showcase signature Texas dishes: brisket, cornbread, queso, and the legendary “state fair pie.” The article links to the official State Fair website (https://statefairoftexas.com) for a preview of the food trucks that will be available on game day.

Entertainment is not limited to the stadium’s in‑field concourse. After the final whistle, the fairgrounds will host a “Texas‑Oklahoma Cultural Fest,” featuring a parade of local musicians, a dance showcase, and a “state fair” food competition that pits the Longhorns’ fans against the Sooners’ supporters. The Koco article highlights that the festival will be broadcast live on Koco’s streaming platform and on a local cable channel, giving fans a taste of the state’s spirit beyond the football field.

Ticketing and Logistics

The article covers ticket sales in depth. Fans can purchase tickets through the official Texas and Oklahoma athletic sites, or through the State Fair’s official website. Ticket prices range from $30 for general admission to $250 for premium club seats. The article includes a link to the State Fair’s ticketing page (https://statefairoftexas.com/tickets) for up‑to‑date pricing and availability.

Logistics are a key part of the article’s coverage. Dallas has 12 major highways that will be congested on game day. The city’s transportation department has partnered with local transit to create a “game‑day shuttle” service between the downtown Dallas area and the fairgrounds. The article also notes that the State Fair offers a “park‑and‑ride” program for out‑of‑state fans, with a dedicated parking garage that can accommodate 4,000 cars.

Economic Impact and Community Support

The Koco article quotes state economic analysts who estimate that the game will inject roughly $10 million into the Dallas economy through lodging, dining, and retail spending. The article links to a recent study conducted by the Dallas Chamber of Commerce (https://dallaschamber.org/research/football-economic-impact). Local businesses such as “El Paso Mexican Grill,” “Dallas BBQ Co.,” and “Clyde’s Ice Cream” are expected to see a surge in sales, and the State Fair’s own concessions are projected to be the biggest beneficiary.

Additionally, the article discusses community outreach programs associated with the game. Texas and Oklahoma universities have partnered with the State Fair to host a “Youth Coaching Camp” in the week leading up to the game, offering local high‑school players a chance to train under elite coaches. The Koco piece quotes Longhorns’ head coach, Tom Herman, on the program: “We’re proud to give back to the community that supports our football program.”

Conclusion

The State Fair of Texas is more than just a backdrop for a Texas‑Oklahoma showdown; it is a celebration of state culture, community, and the excitement of college football. The Koco article offers a comprehensive view of what fans can expect on November 3rd – from the stadium’s cutting‑edge design to the mouth‑watering food trucks, from the pre‑game and half‑time shows to the post‑game festivities. Whether you’re a die‑hard Longhorn fan, a Sooners supporter, or a casual spectator looking for a day of excitement, the game at the State Fair promises an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of Texas.

Original source: https://www.koco.com/article/food-entertainment-state-fair-of-texas-ou-texas-matchup/69002390

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