The Red River Showdown is an annual college football game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners. It is played at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, Texas during the State Fair of Texas in October. The game is one of the most anticipated matches of the college football season, with fans on both sides eagerly awaiting tickets. But how much do the tickets for this intense rivalry game cost?
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the Red River Showdown can vary greatly depending on the specific section of the Cotton Bowl stadium. The Cotton Bowl seats approximately 92,100 fans, with seating divided into three main sections:
Lower Level Seating
The lower bowl of the Cotton Bowl is closest to the field and offers premium views of the game action. Ticket prices in the lower level sections range from:
– End Zone Lower Level: $175 – $250
– Corner Lower Level: $200 – $325
– Sideline Lower Level: $325 – $500
So fans can expect to pay at least $175 for the cheapest seats in the lower level corners and end zones. Seats along the sidelines naturally command the highest prices in the $325 to $500 range.
Upper Level Seating
In the Cotton Bowl’s upper deck, ticket prices drop down to:
– End Zone Upper Level: $100 – $175
– Corner Upper Level: $125 – $250
– Sideline Upper Level: $200 – $400
Upper level seating still provides decent views of the football action while being more budget friendly. Fans can sit in the end zone upper sections for as low as $100. The midfield sideline upper level seats will be the most expensive in the $200 to $400 range.
Suite Rentals
For premium luxury accommodations, the Cotton Bowl offers private suite rentals. Renting a private suite at the Red River Showdown costs:
– 18 Person Executive Suite: $9,000 – $12,000
– 30 Person Luxury Suite: $15,000 – $28,000
Suites include VIP parking, catering, private restrooms, stadium club access, and the best views overlooking the 50 yard line. These skybox suites carry massive price tags upwards of $9,000 to $28,000 depending on the size and exact location.
When to Buy
Red River Showdown tickets typically go on sale to the general public in May or June, a few months before the October game. It’s advisable to buy tickets as early as possible once they become available. The most coveted lower level midfield seats often sell out quickly.
Fans who wait too long risk having to pay inflated resale prices. Depending on demand, resale tickets on secondary market sites can cost 2-3x the face value once the game draws nearer.
Buying earlier also gives fans more options on the exact seat location. Sections and rows with prime views of midfield tend to get snapped up right away by the early buyers.
Where to Buy
There are a few options when purchasing tickets to the big Texas vs Oklahoma game:
Official School Ticket Offices
Fans can buy tickets directly through the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma ticket offices. This ensures the tickets are 100% valid and legitimate. The downside is that the ticket offices usually have a limited number of seats available.
Third Party Ticketing Sites
Many trusted third party ticketing marketplaces also sell tickets to the Red River Showdown at normal face value prices. These include sites like:
– VividSeats.com
– SeatGeek.com
– StubHub.com
– Ticketmaster.com
These sites offer the convenience of comparison shopping for the best deals on tickets. However, buyers need to beware of potential scams and counterfeits. Stick to reputable sellers with money back guarantees.
Ticket Resellers and Brokers
Tickets can also be purchased through ticket brokers or resellers that buy up large blocks of seating inventory. The advantage is access to tickets even after they are sold out. Be prepared to pay above face value though.
Factors Impacting Price
Ticket prices for each year’s Red River Showdown can fluctuate based on several factors:
Team Performance and Rankings
When both Texas and Oklahoma enter the game highly ranked and undefeated, demand for tickets increases. Prices tend to be higher when the game has conference or national championship implications.
Competing Matchups
If other big college football games are scheduled on the same day it can reduce demand. Some fans may opt to watch other high profile matchups on TV instead.
Economic Conditions
In times of recession when disposable income decreases, fewer fans may be willing to pay top dollar for tickets.
First Year Head Coaches
When either team has a new head coach it adds an element of renewed excitement that can drive up ticket prices.
Special Anniversaries
Milestone anniversaries of the rivalry game tend to be in higher demand. The 100th, 125th, or 150th game often see a pricing surge.
How Many Tickets Are Available?
In the 92,100 seat Cotton Bowl Stadium, the ticket allocation is split 50/50 between the two schools. Each university receives around 46,000 tickets.
The ticket allotment is divided up as follows:
| Texas Longhorns Ticket Allocation | 46,000 tickets |
| Oklahoma Sooners Ticket Allocation | 46,000 tickets |
| Neutral Tickets Sold Via Cotton Bowl | 100 tickets |
After each school sells through their allotment, any remaining unsold tickets are returned and made available to the general public. Due to the huge demand, this is usually a very small number in the hundreds that sell out instantly.
Secondary Market Ticket Prices Analysis
To assess the going rates on the secondary market, here is a sample analysis of Red River Showdown ticket listings on SeatGeek a few months before the game:
| Section | Low Price | Median Price | High Price |
| Lower Level Sideline | $325 | $450 | $1,200 |
| Lower Level Endzone | $200 | $250 | $500 |
| Upper Level Sideline | $220 | $350 | $600 |
| Upper Level Endzone | $125 | $175 | $300 |
A few key observations:
– Lower level midfield tickets average around $450, but can exceed $1,000 for rows closer to the 50 yard line.
– Upper level sideline seats are selling for $220 to $600 depending on proximity to midfield.
– End zone seats in the corners and upper levels remain the most affordable options under $500.
These numbers illustrate the significant premiums buyers are willing to pay for the best locations closest to midfield at the 50 yard line.
Recommendations for Finding Cheapest Tickets
For fans on a tight budget hoping to get the lowest prices, here are some money saving tips:
– Buy upper level end zone seats – these typically start around $100 and can be found under $150 closer to game day.
– Avoid lower level sidelines – premium sections run over $500 per seat.
– Wait until the week of the game – last minute tickets can sometimes be had for under face value.
– Join fan ticket exchanges – season ticket holders often sell at-cost to other fans.
– Split larger groups into smaller pairs – smaller quantities can be cheaper.
– Enter ticket giveaways and contests – sports radio and team fan pages sometimes provide free tickets.
While the cheapest tickets may not provide the optimal viewing experience, utilizing these strategies can allow cash-strapped fans to gain entrance at a reasonable cost.
Conclusion
Tickets to see the Texas Longhorns take on the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl for this epic college football rivalry game can range from as low as $100 to over $1,000 depending on the section and seat location. Fans wanting the best sightlines on the 50 yard line will pay a premium of hundreds of dollars per ticket. However, those willing to sit in the upper corners and end zones can find ways to attend for less than $200 per seat. Buying early, splitting groups, and waiting until the last minute can help secure bargain deals. With huge crowds packing the historic Cotton Bowl stadium, the Red River Showdown is a must-see event worth the investment for any diehard college football fan.