The Cotton Bowl's glow-up
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The Cotton Bowl will feel almost new during the Red River Showdown and State Fair Classic after months of renovations to widen concourses, update concessions and add escalators to the historic stadium.
Why it matters: Fair Park could become a year-round attraction for tourists and locals with an infusion of bond money meant to modernize the historic venues, including the nearly 100-year-old stadium.
- The park is the only intact pre-1950s world's fair site remaining in the U.S. Its art deco buildings were built in 1936 for a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Texas' independence from Mexico.
The latest: The Cotton Bowl's $140 million renovations are finished in time for the opening of the State Fair of Texas. The stadium will host two college football games and the new State Fair Clásico, a women's soccer match.
The intrigue: Stadium construction had to be completed around the state fair's schedule, with a bulk of the work starting last November.
- The stadium's ramps have been replaced with a widened concourse, stairs, escalators and new outdoor terraces.
State of play: The stadium is modernized with new restrooms and concessions ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- The updates, including suites and premium seating, give the stadium a chance to attract bigger events.
By the numbers: Construction costs totaled $120 million, with another $20 million for design costs and permits. Stadium additions include:
- 14 escalators
- 10 private suites on the fifth level
- Club-level seating on the sixth floor for 164 people, plus two corner boxes that seat 14.