Introduction to the Red River Rivalry
Heads up, North Texas! The Texas Longhorns will face the Oklahoma Sooners in the annual Red River Rivalry showdown Saturday afternoon at the Cotton Bowl. The iconic matchup is known to draw tens of thousands of people and their vehicles to the State Fair of Texas, an event that historically has and is expected again to impact Dallas traffic for the entire weekend. Interstate 35 southward from Oklahoma and northward from Austin will be packed with fans traveling to Dallas for the game. Traffic is also expected to be very heavy this weekend near Fair Park, especially on the freeway interchanges — I-30, I-45 and North Central Expressway —that lead to the fair.
Impact on Dallas Traffic
The Texas Department of Public Safety officials said Thursday they have no special plans for highway patrol this weekend and operations will continue as normal. Dallas police said only in a statement that they provide “traffic control around the State Fair of Texas grounds during the duration of the fair.” For those already in Dallas, the DART train will likely be the best method of transportation to get to the Cotton Bowl. DART is affordable and it will drop off passengers right outside the gates of the fairgrounds.
Alternative Transportation Options
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Riders in Dallas can take the DART Rail Green Line, but be sure to board the trains marked with “Buckner,” “Lawnview” or “Fair Park.” Taking the Trinity Railway Express from 10 stations in Tarrant County or Dallas County and connecting with the DART Rail Green Line is also an option for those coming from outside of the city. The MLK, Jr. Station, located south of Robert B. Cullum Boulevard, lets riders out by the MLK fairground entrance near the Cotton Bowl. Another option is The Fair Park Station, which is located at Parry Avenue and lets riders out at the entrance of the fair near Big Tex.
Using DART for Transportation
Those using the Denton County Transportation Authority, or DCTA, can board one of the five stops on the A-train and transfer to the Green Line at Trinity Mills Station. For riders who choose to take DART, it’s recommended they purchase their fare ahead of time using the GoPass app, which is in the App Store and Google Play. The app also offers a discount code on fair admission. On weekdays, you can save $5, and on weekends, $7, when you enter the code and purchase tickets online. It is free to park at DART stations, but motorists should check online ahead of time to see whether the station has enough parking spots. A local day pass costs $6, and a regional day pass, meant for Tarrant and Denton county riders, costs $12. Railway maps and schedules from DART can be found here.
Parking Options
Taking the train is likely the best option to avoid traffic jams before and after the game. However, if you do decide to take your vehicle, be mindful that parking on the fairgrounds in the on-site spaces costs $30 per vehicle. Other parking options off fairgrounds are available but tend to be on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, rideshares can be used at any gate on the fairgrounds, but the recommended location for drop-off and pickup is off Haskell at 4206 Gurley Ave.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Red River Rivalry is a highly anticipated event that will draw large crowds to the State Fair of Texas. With the expected traffic congestion, it is essential to plan ahead and consider alternative transportation options such as the DART train. By using the DART train and taking advantage of the affordable fares and convenient parking options, fans can enjoy the game without the hassle of traffic jams. Staff writer Timia Cobb contributed to this report.
FAQs
Q: What is the Red River Rivalry?
A: The Red River Rivalry is an annual football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners.
Q: Where is the game being held?
A: The game is being held at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.
Q: How can I get to the Cotton Bowl?
A: You can take the DART train, which drops off passengers right outside the gates of the fairgrounds. You can also drive and park on the fairgrounds or at off-site locations.
Q: How much does parking cost on the fairgrounds?
A: Parking on the fairgrounds costs $30 per vehicle.
Q: Are there any alternative transportation options?
A: Yes, you can take the Trinity Railway Express or the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) and transfer to the DART Rail Green Line.
Q: How can I purchase tickets for the game?
A: You can purchase tickets online and use the GoPass app to get a discount code on fair admission.
Q: What are the costs of using DART?
A: A local day pass costs $6, and a regional day pass costs $12.
