How To Celebrate The 2025 Red River Showdown At The State Fair of Texas
The annual Red River Showdown Game is returning to Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas on October 11, 2025, 2:30 PM and many of the State Fair of Texas most famous food concessionaires are ready to welcome fans to Fair Park! More than 100,000 people will travel to the State Fair for the Allstate Red River Showdown game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. The game, played in Cotton Bowl Stadium since 1929, is an iconic staple of the State Fair and whether you have tickets for the actual game or not the fairgrounds are the most electric place to be to celebrate this iconic rivalry.
FLETCHER’S ORIGINAL CORNY DOGS
There is no more iconic Fair food than a Fletcher’s Original Corny Dog. Fans can get their Fletcher's fix from one of seven stands scattered throughout Fair Park - with three stands conveniently located right outside of the Cotton Bowl on three sides. Once you are inside Cotton Bowl stadium, you will find Fletcher's concession stand at the south end zone between Sections 30-31.
(Credit: Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs)
ZABLE’S BELGIAN WAFFLES
Belgian Waffles are lighter, pastry waffles with deeper pockets than American waffles. Topped with fresh whipped cream, strawberries, and confectioner (powdered) sugar, these waffles are baked, not fried, and only have 196 calories! To join in the fun of this rivalry, the batter will be dyed orange and crimson for a more festive eating experience. This stand is located between the automobile and Centennial buildings at the end of the Esplanade, across the street from the Hall of State (G39F)
(Credit: Gangway Advertising)
FERNIE’S FUNNEL CAKES
Don't have tickets for a seat inside the Cotton Bowl? No problem! Head to Fernie's Funnel Cakes inside the Embarcadero Building and watch the game on their 11' x 11' ft. screen (four 55" inch TVs comprise a 110" video wall). BONUS: As long as you are ordering food and drinks, you can camp out and enjoy seats at a table in the air-conditioning!
(Credit: Fernie’s Funnel Cakes)
Head to Fernie’s Funnel Cakes original location at The Dock, at the corner of Nimitz & Keating inside Embarcadero Building (N10), where football fans can order their funnel cakes with an orange or crimson glaze on top to show their school spirit. Throwback orange or crimson jello shots or sip an Orange Mango or Strawberry Margarita.
(Credit: Fernie’s Funnel Cakes)
STIFFLER’S CONCESSIONS
The family famous for inventing Fried Oreos and Fried S'Mores will be serving orange and crimson jello shots and ice cold beer from an outside stand located on Nimitz at Keating, right outside of Fernie's Funnel Cakes location at the Embarcadero Building. Grab one on your way to the Cotton Bowl for the game!
(Credit: Gangway Advertising)
STIFFLER’S RODEO LOUNGE
A new destination located on Bull Alley in front of the Colosseum. Guests can enjoy a menu of brisket favorites—including a brisket dog, brisket elotes, brisket Frito pie—alongside sausage-on-a-stick, nachos, and indulgent fried S’mores. The space offers plenty of ways to relax, from shaded tables and whiskey barrel seating to comfortable sofas positioned around a massive 9’ x 16’ screen showing rodeo action and televised football. Guests can also purchase cigars, while twinkle lights, lush landscaping, and a welcoming nighttime atmosphere give the Rodeo Lounge an elevated, one-of-a-kind feel.
(Credit Gangway Advertising)
ROUSSO’S FAT BACON
The latest concept from State Fair of Texas food impresario Isaac Rousso, is sizzling onto the scene beside the Children’s Aquarium off First Avenue at Gate 5. This open-air venue offers seating for 200 beneath shade trees, where guests can kick back with craft beers or frozen cocktails while catching the game on a massive screen. With the Texas Star Ferris Wheel as its backdrop, FAT BACON blends fairground energy with backyard comfort—perfect for fueling up and hanging out.
(credit: Leah Moet)
HANS MUELLER
Experience the charm of Germany at Hans Mueller, right next to the Chevrolet Main Stage. Immerse yourself in traditional German delights and experience the lively spirit of the State Fair. Enjoy the game on a giant TV located above the counter while catching a breeze from the ceiling barn fans in the ten. While you are here, enjoy their award-winning Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzel, a finalist n this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards.
(Credit: Leah Moet)