You're standing in the middle of the State Fair of Texas. One half of the stadium is screaming in burnt orange, the other is a sea of crimson. The smell of Fletcher’s Corny Dogs is thick enough to chew. Honestly, if you haven’t experienced the Red River Rivalry in person, it’s hard to describe the sheer, vibrating tension of it all. But before you can get to the stadium, you have to know when to actually show up.
UT vs OU game time is more than just a slot on a TV guide. It’s a logistical puzzle involving the State Fair, Dallas traffic, and the SEC’s broadcasting whims.
The 2026 Schedule and Beyond
Mark your calendars. The next installment of this chaos is set for Saturday, October 10, 2026.
While the official kickoff time is usually kept under wraps by the SEC and their broadcast partners (ABC/ESPN) until about two weeks before the game, history gives us a massive hint. For decades, this game lived in the "Early" window—the legendary 11:00 a.m. CT kickoff. However, things have shifted lately.
In 2025, we saw a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff. This "afternoon" slot is becoming the new favorite. Why? TV ratings. Networks love the midday window because it captures the maximum number of eyeballs across the country. It also gives fans a few extra hours to navigate the fairgrounds before the gates open.
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If you’re planning your trip for 2026, expect the game to land in one of these two spots:
- The Traditional Start: 11:00 a.m. CT. This means you’re eating a corny dog for breakfast. Don’t judge; it’s tradition.
- The Modern Window: 2:30 p.m. CT. This is the likely frontrunner given the SEC's current TV deals with ABC.
Why the Cotton Bowl Site Matters
Most rivalries play on campus. Not this one. Since 1932, they’ve met at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. It’s exactly halfway between Norman and Austin. Sorta.
The game happens during the State Fair of Texas. This is the biggest wrinkle in the UT vs OU game time discussion. Your game ticket is actually your admission into the fair. If the game starts at 2:30 p.m., the fair gates usually open at 7:00 a.m.
Expert tip: Do not try to arrive an hour before kickoff. You won't make it. The area around Fair Park becomes a literal parking lot. DART (the Dallas light rail) is your best friend here, but even those trains are packed like sardine cans three hours before the game.
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Recent History and SEC Realities
The 2025 game saw the Longhorns take a 23-6 victory over the Sooners. It was a defensive slugfest. Arch Manning took the snaps for Texas, while Oklahoma struggled with injuries, specifically to quarterback John Mateer.
Now that both teams are fully integrated into the SEC, the stakes are higher. This isn't just about a Golden Hat trophy anymore. It’s about a path to the SEC Championship in Atlanta and the expanded College Football Playoff.
The move to the SEC changed the "look" of the game. We’re seeing more night-game atmosphere vibes even in the afternoon. The SEC on ABC presentation is slicker, and the national spotlight is brighter than ever.
Survival Tips for Game Day
If you’re heading to Dallas for the 123rd meeting in 2026, here is the reality of the timeline.
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7:00 a.m. - The Arrival If you want to see Big Tex without 100,000 people in your way, get there when the gates open. This is the time to ride the Texas Star (the Ferris wheel) and get your fried food fix before the humidity and the crowds peak.
11:30 a.m. - The Transition Even for a 2:30 p.m. game, the stadium gates usually open a few hours early. This is when the "split" happens. The north end of the stadium fills with Longhorns; the south end fills with Sooners. It’s a 50/50 split down the 50-yard line. It’s the most unique visual in sports.
Post-Game - The Aftermath The game usually takes about three and a half hours. If it’s a 2:30 p.m. start, you’re looking at a 6:00 p.m. finish. The winning team’s fans stay to see the Golden Hat presented. The losing team’s fans disappear into the fair to eat their feelings.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are planning to attend or watch the 2026 game:
- Book Lodging Now: Hotels in Downtown Dallas and North Dallas fill up a year in advance. If you wait until September 2026, you'll be staying in Plano or Fort Worth.
- Download the DART App: GoPass is the app you need. Don't try to buy a paper ticket at the station; the lines are soul-crushing.
- Monitor the "Six-Day" Window: The final, exact UT vs OU game time is usually confirmed 6 to 12 days before the game. Follow the SEC’s official social media channels or the Texas/OU athletic departments for the "official" word.
- Prepare for the Heat: Even in October, Dallas can hit 90 degrees. The Cotton Bowl is an old-school concrete bowl with very little shade. Hydrate before you enter the stadium because bottled water prices inside are steep.
The Red River Rivalry is a bucket-list event. Whether it kicks off at noon or mid-afternoon, the energy remains the same. It’s loud, it’s mean, and it’s one of the few things in college sports that hasn't lost its soul in the era of conference realignment.