Where Is the Cotton Bowl Played? Current Venue Explained

By Sarah Miller · October 16, 2027

The Cotton Bowl is currently played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This has been the venue since 2010, hosting the annual college football bowl game as part of the New Year's Six and, in select years, the College Football Playoff.

History and Location of the Cotton Bowl Game

The Cotton Bowl Classic is one of the oldest and most prestigious postseason college football games in the United States. While historically played at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Fair Park, Dallas, the game has found a modern home in nearby Arlington.

Why Did the Cotton Bowl Move?

Outdated facilities at the original Cotton Bowl stadium
Demand for larger seating capacity and luxury amenities
Inability to accommodate growing media and sponsorship needs
Need for climate-controlled environments and better infrastructure

AT&T Stadium: The Modern Home of the Cotton Bowl

Since 2010, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, has served as the official host of the Cotton Bowl Classic. Home of the Dallas Cowboys, the stadium offers state-of-the-art facilities and a retractable roof, ensuring optimal game-day conditions.

Key Features of AT&T Stadium

Seating capacity of over 80,000 (expandable to 95,000 for major events)
One of the largest high-definition video boards in the world
Retractable roof and natural grass playing surface
Located approximately 20 miles west of downtown Dallas

Year	Location	Venue	Average Attendance
1937–2009	Dallas, TX	Cotton Bowl (Fair Park)	68,000
2010–2014	Arlington, TX	AT&T Stadium	79,000
2015–2019	Arlington, TX	AT&T Stadium	83,500
2020–2024	Arlington, TX	AT&T Stadium	81,000
2025 (scheduled)	Arlington, TX	AT&T Stadium	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a consistent increase in average attendance after the move to AT&T Stadium, reflecting improved fan experience and expanded capacity. The modern venue has also enabled the Cotton Bowl to host higher-profile matchups within the College Football Playoff rotation.

Significance of the Cotton Bowl in College Football

The Cotton Bowl Classic is a cornerstone of the New Year's Six bowl games. In years when it serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal, it attracts national attention and features top-ranked teams competing for a shot at the national championship.

Notable Aspects of the Cotton Bowl Today

Rotates as a host site for the College Football Playoff semifinals
Typically features top teams from the SEC, Big 12, or other Power Five conferences
Played annually on or around January 1st (or January 2nd if New Year's Day falls on a Sunday)
Serves as a key destination for fans, media, and corporate sponsors

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cotton Bowl Location

Where is the Cotton Bowl being played in 2025?

The 2025 Cotton Bowl will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, continuing the tradition established in 2010.

Why did the Cotton Bowl game leave Dallas?

The game moved from the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas due to aging infrastructure and limited capacity. AT&T Stadium offered a modern facility with enhanced fan amenities and greater seating potential.

Is the Cotton Bowl still held in Texas?

Yes, the Cotton Bowl is still held in Texas. Although no longer in Dallas proper, it remains in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, specifically at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

What is the difference between the Cotton Bowl stadium and the Cotton Bowl game?

The Cotton Bowl stadium is a historic venue in Fair Park, Dallas, primarily used for the State Fair of Texas and high school football. The Cotton Bowl game is the annual college football bowl event, which has been played at AT&T Stadium since 2010.

How can I attend the Cotton Bowl game?

Tickets for the Cotton Bowl can be purchased through the official Cotton Bowl website or authorized ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster. Fans should plan early, as demand increases significantly during playoff years.