Where Is the Cotton Bowl Located? Dallas Stadium Guide

By Sarah Miller · September 7, 2047

The Cotton Bowl is located in Fair Park, Dallas, Texas, at 3750 The Midway, Dallas, TX 75210. It is a historic outdoor stadium primarily known for hosting the annual Cotton Bowl Classic college football game and has served as a venue for major sporting events, concerts, and the State Fair of Texas since 1932.

What Is the Cotton Bowl?

The Cotton Bowl is both a landmark stadium and a renowned college football bowl game. While the name may cause confusion, it refers to two distinct but closely related entities: the physical stadium and the postseason football game that bears its name.

Key Facts About the Cotton Bowl Stadium

Official Name: Cotton Bowl Stadium
Location: Fair Park, Dallas, Texas
Opened: 1932
Capacity: Approximately 92,100 (historically up to 95,000)
Primary Use: College football, State Fair of Texas, concerts, and special events
Surface: Natural grass

History and Significance

Since its opening in 1932, the Cotton Bowl Stadium has played a pivotal role in American sports culture. It was constructed during the Great Depression as part of the expansion of Fair Park and quickly became a centerpiece for regional and national events.

Milestones in Cotton Bowl History

Hosted the first Cotton Bowl Classic on January 1, 1937
Served as home to the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1971
Hosted FIFA World Cup matches in 1994
Was the site of President John F. Kennedy’s last public speech before his assassination in 1963
Continues to host the State Fair Classic between historically Black colleges Grambling State and Prairie View A&M

Cotton Bowl Classic: Game vs. Venue

A common point of confusion is distinguishing between the Cotton Bowl stadium and the Cotton Bowl Classic game. While the game originated at this venue, it moved to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in 2010.

Key Differences

Aspect	Cotton Bowl Stadium	Cotton Bowl Classic Game
Location	Dallas, TX (Fair Park)	Arlington, TX (AT&T Stadium)
Established	1932	1937
Annual Event	No – multi-use venue	Yes – NCAA bowl game
Hosts	State Fair of Texas, concerts, high school games	Top-tier college football teams
Capacity	~92,100	~80,000 (at current venue)

Events Held at the Cotton Bowl Stadium

Beyond football, the Cotton Bowl hosts a wide range of events each year, most notably during the State Fair of Texas, which runs annually from late September through October.

Major Annual Events

State Fair of Texas: Includes concerts, livestock shows, and the iconic Red River Showdown.
Red River Showdown: A highly anticipated college football rivalry game between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma.
Concerts: Past performers include Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and U2.
High School Football Championships: Hosts various playoff games during the fall season.
Community Events: Charity runs, festivals, and cultural celebrations.

Year	Event	Attendance	Notable Fact
1937	First Cotton Bowl Classic	17,000	TCU defeated Marquette 16–6
1963	Presidential Visit	8,000+	JFK spoke here hours before assassination
1994	FIFA World Cup Match	61,352	Italy vs. Norway group stage game
2023	State Fair Classic	50,000	Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M
2024	Red River Showdown	90,172	Record crowd for stadium renovation era

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The attendance figures reflect the enduring popularity of events held at the Cotton Bowl, particularly the Red River Showdown and classic matchups during the State Fair. Despite reduced official capacity due to modern seating upgrades, crowds remain among the largest for non-NFL venues in Texas.

How to Visit the Cotton Bowl

Visiting the Cotton Bowl is easy thanks to its central location in Dallas. The stadium is accessible by car, public transit, and rideshare services, especially during the State Fair of Texas when special transportation routes are activated.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: During the State Fair of Texas (late September to mid-October).
Parking: Available in Fair Park lots; pre-booking recommended during major events.
Tours: Self-guided tours are available; guided historical tours can be arranged through Fair Park management.
Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant with designated seating, restrooms, and entrances.
Prohibited Items: Large bags, outside food, alcohol, and drones.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cotton Bowl

Where exactly is the Cotton Bowl located?

The Cotton Bowl is located at 3750 The Midway, Fair Park, Dallas, Texas 75210. It sits within the Fair Park complex, just east of downtown Dallas.

Is the Cotton Bowl still used for football games?

Yes, the Cotton Bowl stadium still hosts football games, including the Red River Showdown, State Fair Classic, and high school championships, though the Cotton Bowl Classic game moved to Arlington in 2010.

What is the capacity of the Cotton Bowl stadium?

The current seating capacity is approximately 92,100, making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States by historical capacity, though it no longer hosts NFL games.

Can you tour the Cotton Bowl stadium?

Yes, visitors can take self-guided tours during public events. Special historical and behind-the-scenes tours are occasionally offered through Fair Park or event organizers.

Why is it called the Cotton Bowl?

The stadium and the associated bowl game are named after the cotton industry, which was central to the economy of the American South, particularly Texas, in the early 20th century. The name reflects the agricultural heritage of the region.