Who Plays at Cotton Bowl Stadium? Teams & Events

By Sarah Miller · March 11, 2045

Who Plays at Cotton Bowl Stadium?

The Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, is primarily home to the annual Cotton Bowl Classic, SMU Mustangs football, and hosts major events like the Red River Showdown. Key teams include college powerhouses such as Texas and Oklahoma during rivalry games, along with occasional NFL and soccer matches.

Overview of Cotton Bowl Stadium

Located in Fair Park, Dallas, the Cotton Bowl Stadium has been a cornerstone of American sports since it opened in 1932. With a current seating capacity of approximately 92,100, it remains one of the most iconic outdoor stadiums in the United States 1. While not a full-time home for an NFL team, it regularly hosts high-profile college football games, concerts, and international soccer events.

Key Features of the Venue

Opened: 1932
Location: Dallas, Texas
Surface: Natural grass
Capacity: ~92,100
Primary Use: College football, bowl games, rivalry matchups
Renovations: Major upgrades in 2008–2009

College Football Teams That Play at Cotton Bowl Stadium

The stadium is best known for hosting marquee college football games throughout the year. Unlike typical stadiums dedicated to a single university, the Cotton Bowl serves multiple programs on a rotating basis.

Regularly Featured Teams

SMU Mustangs (Southern Methodist University): The only team that uses the Cotton Bowl as their official home stadium for all home games.
Texas Longhorns: Play annually against Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown every October.
Oklahoma Sooners: Also participate annually in the Red River Rivalry game.
Cotton Bowl Classic Participants: Two elite teams selected from major conferences including the SEC, Big 12, ACC, and others based on playoff rankings or conference tie-ins.

NFL and Other Professional Events

Although no NFL team calls the Cotton Bowl home today, it previously hosted the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1971 before they moved to Texas Stadium. Occasionally, the stadium welcomes NFL exhibition games or special events.

Professional Soccer Matches

The venue has also drawn global attention by hosting international soccer fixtures. Teams such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team have played exhibition or friendly matches here.

Event Type	Teams Involved	Avg Attendance (Recent Years)	Frequency
Red River Showdown	Texas vs Oklahoma	92,000+	Annual
Cotton Bowl Classic	Top-tier CFP or NY6 teams	85,000–90,000	Annual
SMU Home Games	SMU vs Conference Opponents	20,000–30,000	6–7 times/year
International Soccer	Premier League, La Liga clubs	65,000–80,000	Occasional
NFL Preseason	Dallas Cowboys exhibition	Historical (~60k peak)	Rare since 1970s

Table data source:1, 2, 3

Data shows that the Red River Showdown consistently sells out the stadium, making it one of the most attended neutral-site games in college football. The Cotton Bowl Classic maintains strong viewership and attendance despite competition from newer venues. SMU games draw modest crowds but remain central to the stadium's operational calendar.

Major Annual Events Hosted at the Cotton Bowl

Beyond regular-season matchups, the stadium anchors several signature events each year.

1. Red River Showdown

This annual matchup between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma takes place during the State Fair of Texas every October. It is played at a neutral site but draws equal fan representation, creating one of the most electric atmospheres in college sports.

2. Cotton Bowl Classic

Part of the New Year's Six bowl games, this event features top-ranked teams and often impacts College Football Playoff selections. Since 2014, it rotates as a semifinal host every three years.

3. State Fair Classics

Additional HBCU and conference matchups are scheduled during the fair, including the State Fair Classic between Grambling State and Prairie View A&M.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Plays at Cotton Bowl Stadium

Which college teams play at Cotton Bowl Stadium regularly?

The SMU Mustangs play all their home games at the Cotton Bowl. Additionally, the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners meet annually in the Red River Showdown, while other teams appear when selected for the Cotton Bowl Classic or special matchups.

Do the Dallas Cowboys still play at the Cotton Bowl?

No, the Dallas Cowboys played at the Cotton Bowl from 1960 to 1971 before moving to Texas Stadium. They now play at AT&T Stadium in Arlington and do not use the Cotton Bowl for regular or preseason games anymore.

Is the Cotton Bowl Stadium used for soccer games?

Yes, the stadium frequently hosts international soccer friendlies featuring elite European clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as matches involving the U.S. Men’s National Team.

What is the seating capacity of the Cotton Bowl Stadium?

The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 92,100, making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States without a permanent NFL tenant.

When is the next Cotton Bowl Classic game scheduled?

The next Cotton Bowl Classic is scheduled for January 9, 2026, as part of the College Football Playoff rotation. Exact teams will be determined in December 2025 based on final CFP rankings.