Ever heard the roar of 96009 fans? That’s the record attendance at the Cotton Bowl. Today we’re standing before a stadium steeped in history. The Cotton Bowl in Dallas. It is not just a venue. It’s a landmark.
Originally named Fair Park Stadium, it opened in 1930. The stadium sits on the State Fair of Texas site. That area is known as Fair Park. For a time, it was known as “The House That Doak Built”. This was because of SMU running back Doak Walker. Walker drew huge crowds in the late 1940s.
The Cotton Bowl has been home to many teams. These include the SMU Mustangs, Dallas Cowboys, and FC Dallas. It even hosted 1994 FIFA World Cup matches. As of 2022, it was the largest US stadium without a regular pro or college team tenant.
Let’s take a quick trip back in time. Construction of Fair Park Stadium started in 1930. It replaced a wooden stadium on the same site. The original stadium cost $328000. It held 45507 spectators. The name officially changed to the Cotton Bowl in 1936.
Major expansions happened in the late 1940s. A second deck on the west side came in 1948. The east side got its double deck the next year. These expansions increased capacity. It went up to 75504 seats. This met the demand to see Doak Walker play.
The Cotton Bowl installed AstroTurf in 1970. It remained until 1993. Natural grass was re-installed for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The field’s elevation is about 450 feet above sea level.
Imagine this. It’s 1966. The Dallas Cowboys are hosting the Green Bay Packers. It is the NFL Championship game. The Cotton Bowl is filled to its 75504 capacity. The Cowboys lost that day.
The Cotton Bowl hosted six matches of the 1994 World Cup. This required widening the field. The press box was enlarged too. Natural grass has remained ever since.
In the 2000s, interest surged. This was due to the renewed rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas. Temporary stands increased seating. It went from 68000 to 90000 for those games.
The city and State Fair of Texas agreed on a $50 million renovation in 2006. In 2008, renovations expanded the seating capacity. It went from 68252 to 92100. A new scoreboard and video screen were added. Restrooms and concession areas were updated. All the stadium’s seats were replaced.
The Cotton Bowl Classic moved to AT&T Stadium in 2010. But the Cotton Bowl’s legacy remains. It hosted the NHL Winter Classic in 2020. Over 85000 fans watched the Dallas Stars play the Nashville Predators.
In 2023, it was announced. The Red River Rivalry will stay in the Cotton Bowl through 2036. Dallas is investing $140 million in renovations.
The Cotton Bowl has a rich history. It has hosted the Cotton Bowl Classic. It also held the First Responder Bowl. The stadium has been used for concerts. These include the Texxas Jam.
The annual Texas-Oklahoma game remains a highlight. It is played at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas. The stadium is evenly split. Each school gets half the tickets.
Think about Elvis Presley performing here in 1956. Or the Rolling Stones rocking the stadium seven times. The Cotton Bowl isn’t just about sports. It is about moments. These moments have defined generations.
Today the Cotton Bowl stands as a testament to Dallas’s spirit. It’s a place where memories are made. A place where legends are born. As we leave, remember the echoes of the crowds. Remember the thrill of the games. Remember the House That Doak Built.