AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners have traditionally been the opening game for a long day of college football.
However, the two schools will have a new kickoff time for their first matchup in the SEC at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
This year, the two teams will forgo their usual 11 a.m. kickoff and instead start at 2:30 p.m. Central Time. The later time is a result of their move to the SEC, which traditionally schedules its bigger games in the late afternoon window.
The University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma also agreed to a contract extension that will keep their historic rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl through 2036. As part of the agreement, a renovation project will be done in two phases to the east and west ends of the stadium.
According to Dallas Parks & Recreation, developers will add 14 escalators and new multi-story entries at two of the west entrance gates.
The main concourse will expand to double the size and feature new artwork to augment the stadium's classic style. Meanwhile, two outdoor terraces will also be added to the upper west concourse with views of downtown Dallas, while the concourse is expanded to triple its current square footage.
Other upgrades will be an increased number of restrooms and concessions stands, as well as new premium seating environments and an expanded press area in the South end zone.
Dallas leaders expect the renovations to be completed by the start of the 2025 State Fair of Texas.
