Where Is the Cotton Bowl Played? Venue Details & History

By Sarah Miller · June 12, 2038

The Cotton Bowl is played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys. This has been the permanent venue since 2010, hosting the annual college football bowl game as part of the New Year's Six.

History and Evolution of the Cotton Bowl Venue

The Cotton Bowl game has a rich history that spans over eight decades, with its location evolving alongside the growth of college football.

Original Home: The Cotton Bowl Stadium

From 1937 to 2009, the game was held at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park, Dallas.
The 75,504-seat stadium hosted the game annually, becoming synonymous with its name.
Iconic moments include performances by legends like Joe Namath and Earl Campbell.

Transition to AT&T Stadium

In 2010, the Cotton Bowl moved to AT&T Stadium, marking a new era for the event.

AT&T Stadium offers a retractable roof, climate control, and a capacity of over 80,000.
The move aligned with the game’s inclusion in the College Football Playoff rotation.
Arlington’s central Texas location provides better accessibility for fans nationwide.

Why AT&T Stadium Was Chosen

The relocation decision was driven by several strategic factors aimed at enhancing the fan and broadcast experience.

Modern Infrastructure and Fan Experience

Larger seating capacity accommodates more attendees and premium seating options.
State-of-the-art video boards and sound systems improve in-stadium engagement.
Proximity to DFW International Airport and major highways simplifies travel logistics.

Bowl Game Realignment

As part of the New Year's Six, the Cotton Bowl now hosts semifinal games every three years under the College Football Playoff system.

This requires stadiums with high production value and media facilities—AT&T Stadium excels in both.
The venue also hosts other major events like the NFL Draft and NCAA tournaments.

Year	Venue	City	Capacity	Attendance
2009	Cotton Bowl Stadium	Dallas, TX	75,504	73,643
2015	AT&T Stadium	Arlington, TX	80,000	83,149
2021	AT&T Stadium	Arlington, TX	80,000	82,300
2024	AT&T Stadium	Arlington, TX	80,000	84,122

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a consistent increase in attendance since the move to AT&T Stadium, reflecting improved fan access and larger capacity. The modern venue not only supports higher turnout but also enhances national television production quality. These factors reinforce its status as a premier site for marquee college football matchups.

How the Cotton Bowl Fits into the College Football Landscape

Today, the Cotton Bowl Classic plays a pivotal role in determining national champions.

New Year's Six and Playoff Rotation

The Cotton Bowl is one of six elite bowl games designated as part of the New Year's Six.
It rotates as a host site for College Football Playoff semifinals (approximately every three years).
Non-semifinal years feature top-tier conference champions or highly ranked at-large teams.

Conference Tie-Ins

The game typically features teams from the SEC and Big 12, though flexibility exists for playoff selections.

SEC: Strong historical connection due to regional fan base and competitive depth.
Big 12: Geographical proximity and longstanding partnership.
ACC and other Power Five conferences may participate during playoff cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cotton Bowl Location

Where is the Cotton Bowl played in 2025?

The 2025 Cotton Bowl will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, continuing its long-term residency since 2010.

Why did the Cotton Bowl move from Dallas to Arlington?

The move was made to leverage AT&T Stadium’s modern amenities, larger capacity, and superior infrastructure, aligning with the demands of the College Football Playoff and national broadcasts.

Is the Cotton Bowl still played in the Cotton Bowl Stadium?

No, the game no longer takes place at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park, Dallas. The last game there was in 2009; it has been held at AT&T Stadium since January 2010.

How do I get to AT&T Stadium for the Cotton Bowl?

AT&T Stadium is located at 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011. It is accessible via Interstate 30, TEXRail, and shuttle services from DFW and Love Field airports.

What is the seating capacity for the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium?

AT&T Stadium can accommodate over 80,000 fans for football games, with expandable configurations allowing up to 90,000 for special events like the Cotton Bowl.