Where Is the Cotton Bowl Played in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · November 7, 2037

The Cotton Bowl game for 2025 will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This marks a temporary relocation from its traditional home at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park, Dallas, due to ongoing renovations and scheduling conflicts.

Why the Cotton Bowl Game Moved to AT&T Stadium

For decades, the Cotton Bowl Classic has been synonymous with the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas. However, the 2025 edition is being hosted at AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington. This change is driven by several key factors:

Stadium Renovations: The original Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park is undergoing major upgrades to modernize facilities and improve fan experience.
Scheduling Conflicts: Events such as the State Fair of Texas and other concerts create calendar congestion at the Dallas venue.
Capacity and Infrastructure: AT&T Stadium offers nearly double the seating capacity and state-of-the-art amenities, making it ideal for large-scale postseason games.

History of the Cotton Bowl Venue

Since its inception in 1937, the Cotton Bowl Classic has primarily been held at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Only during special circumstances—such as renovations or global events like the pandemic—has the game moved elsewhere. The most notable prior relocation occurred in 2010 when Cowboys Stadium (now AT&T Stadium) hosted the game during Super Bowl XLV preparations.

AT&T Stadium: The 2025 Host Venue

Located in Arlington, Texas, AT&T Stadium is one of the most technologically advanced sports venues in the world. Home to the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, it provides an elite setting for college football’s biggest moments.

Key Features of AT&T Stadium

Seating capacity of over 80,000 (expandable to 100,000 for special events)
Retractable roof and massive center-hung video board
Proximity to both Dallas and Fort Worth (approximately midway between)
Superior transportation access and luxury suites

Venue	Location	Capacity	Surface	First Cotton Bowl Hosted
Cotton Bowl Stadium	Dallas, TX	92,100 (historically ~50,000–60,000 for football)	Bermuda Grass	1937
AT&T Stadium	Arlington, TX	80,000 (up to 100,000)	Matrix Turf	2010

Table data source:1, 2

The data highlights a significant upgrade in infrastructure and capacity when moving from Cotton Bowl Stadium to AT&T Stadium. While tradition favors Dallas, the logistical advantages of AT&T Stadium make it a compelling alternative for high-profile matchups.

Game Details for the 2025 Cotton Bowl

The 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is scheduled for Friday, January 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM CST. It will feature a College Football Playoff semifinal matchup, adding national championship implications to the event.

Date: January 3, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM CST
TV Network: ESPN (broadcast in over 180 countries)
Teams: To be determined via CFP rankings (announced December 2024)
Ticket Information: Available via cottonbowl.com and official ticketing partners

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cotton Bowl Location

Where is the Cotton Bowl game played this year?

The 2025 Cotton Bowl game will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, instead of its usual location in Dallas, due to stadium renovations and scheduling demands.

Why isn’t the Cotton Bowl played in Dallas this year?

The traditional venue, Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park, Dallas, is undergoing renovations to upgrade seating, restrooms, and concession areas. Additionally, overlapping events during the State Fair season limit availability.

Has the Cotton Bowl ever been played at AT&T Stadium before?

Yes, the Cotton Bowl was previously hosted at AT&T Stadium in 2010 when Super Bowl XLV preparations displaced the game from its usual site. The 2025 game marks the second time the venue hosts the classic.

What time does the 2025 Cotton Bowl start?

The 2025 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic is set to kick off on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM Central Standard Time and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Is the Cotton Bowl still part of the College Football Playoff?

Yes, the 2025 Cotton Bowl serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal game, meaning the winner will advance to the National Championship game scheduled for January 20, 2025.