Visitors from out of town for the annual Red River Showdown at the Cotton Bowl at Dallas Fair Park on Friday checked into Dallas hotels and paid bills at bars and restaurants.
On Elm Street, the City Tavern hoisted University of Texas and Oklahoma University flags to show that fans of both schools are welcome.
The Dallas Sports Commission sponsored a pre-game party to rally the hosts of the visitors.
“We really want to roll out the red carpet. We want Texas and OU to stay here in Dallas for many, many years to come,” said Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul.
Both teams have the same 3-2 record going into this game. Fans from each school predict victory. They wear different colors but the same green.
“They like it when our wallets come to visit,” said UT fan Stephanie Adams.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sports Commission expects big spending this weekend.
“From people staying at our hotels, arriving Thursdays, sometimes leaving Saturdays, mostly through Sundays, shopping, eating at our restaurants, enjoying the State Fair, so we’re expecting $50 million in economic impact,” Paul said.
To keep fans coming to this game, a November referendum in Dallas will decide whether to redesign the Cotton Bowl.
With modernizations over the years, Fair Park Stadium can now seat more than 91,000 fans, nearly double the capacity it had when it opened in 1930.
Suggested improvements from the referendum include better halls and toilets.
Some fans had no complaints about the existing building on Friday.
“I’m happy with it, it’s fine. There’s no better college football venue. We love coming here for this game,” said UT fan Tim Adams.
Some Oklahoma fans had a different idea of coming to Dallas for the game.
“We’ve done that before. I wish it was somewhere other than Texas. I don’t particularly like it here. But we’re here to support our team,” said Oklahoma fan Tanner Provice.
Texas fan Mike Wallen had an answer for the Oklahoma fans.
“Then get out of town. Northbound 35, go ahead, get in,” he said.
The rivalry will build into game Saturday, with the result helping to decide which visitors will spend more money to party afterwards.
November’s referendum on raising hotel taxes on future visits would raise money for several Fair Park projects but even more for a new Dallas Convention Center.
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