DART to Red Rivalry Game
The annual Red River Rivalry between the University of Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners returns to Dallas this weekend, drawing tens of thousands of fans to the Cotton Bowl at Fair Park. With the massive crowds and limited parking, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system is the easiest and most efficient way to get to and from the game.
DART’s Game Day Service
DART will be running expanded service on Saturday, beginning early in the morning and continuing well after the final whistle. Starting at 9 a.m., DART will operate special shuttle buses every 30 minutes from five key rail stations directly to Fair Park Lot 8, which is located near the Midway Gate entrance to the State Fair. The shuttle departure stations include Victory Station, SMU/Mockingbird Station, Bachman Station, CityLine/Bush Station, and Trinity Mills Station. Each shuttle will carry fans directly to Fair Park without the need to transfer, helping to bypass the congestion expected around the fairgrounds. The DART Green Line will also see additional trains and increased frequency, running every 15 minutes throughout the day. Riders can board trains marked “Buckner,” “Lawnview,” or “Fair Park” and exit at either Fair Park Station or MLK Jr. Station, both of which are short walks from the Cotton Bowl. For those coming in from Fort Worth, the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) will connect to DART at Victory Station, providing a seamless transfer to the Green Line or shuttle bus.
How to Ride Smart
To avoid long lines at the stations, DART recommends using the GoPass app to purchase and activate your ticket before boarding. Digital passes are accepted on all trains and shuttles, and they speed up boarding significantly. Riders boarding a DART shuttle will receive a color-coded wristband indicating their assigned return route—keep this wristband visible, as it’s required for the return trip after the game. Fans should expect heavy ridership and some delays, especially in the hours leading up to kickoff. DART staff will be stationed throughout Fair Park and the major rail hubs to guide passengers, redirect trains, and ensure crowd control. The system typically moves more than 120,000 riders to and from the fairgrounds during big events like the Texas–OU game, so patience and early arrival are key.
After the Game
Once the game ends, return shuttles will begin departing from Lot 8 and will continue running for up to two hours. Riders will be transported back to the same station where they boarded earlier in the day. For those using the Green Line, trains will continue running at high frequency, and TRE trains will depart every 30 minutes westbound for a limited time following the game. DART urges fans not to wait until the last minute, as post-game crowds can overwhelm boarding areas quickly.
Avoiding Traffic and Parking Headaches
Fair Park parking will be limited, expensive, and congested, with closures and detours surrounding the area. City officials and DART both recommend public transit as the best option to reach the Cotton Bowl efficiently. Using DART also allows fans to bypass the gridlock that typically forms on I-30, I-45, and surrounding routes as game time approaches. For safety, riders are encouraged to stay in groups and remain alert while using public transportation. DART police and event staff will be present throughout the system, and additional security patrols have been added for the weekend.
The Bottom Line
With thousands of Texas and Oklahoma fans converging on Fair Park, DART’s expanded service is the smartest way to get to the Red River Rivalry. Between the shuttle buses, frequent Green Line trains, and extended TRE service, public transit offers a smoother, faster, and more reliable way to enjoy one of college football’s greatest traditions. Arrive early, download your pass in advance, and let DART handle the rest so you can focus on the game.
