Mayor Eric L. Johnson has proclaimed this week as “Red River Rivalry Week” in the city.
The proclamation comes ahead of Saturday’s Red River Rivalry football game between the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Oklahoma. The two teams play annually at the Cotton Bowl at Fair Park during the State Fair of Texas.
As a native Texan, Mayor Johnson is a fan of the Texas Longhorns.
“The Red River Rivalry is one of my favorite annual Dallas sports events, and I’m thrilled we have the pleasure of hosting it once again at the historic Cotton Bowl in Fair Park during the State Fair of Texas,” said Mayor Johnson. “This proclamation invites Dallas residents and visitors alike to gear up for an exciting weekend at the fair with food, fun, and the greatest annual rivalry game in all of college football.”
This year marks the 120th Red River Rivalry game. The Oklahoma Sooners won last year’s game 34-30, but the Longhorns lead the series with a record of 63-51-5.
Here is the text of Mayor Johnson’s proclamation:
WHEREAS, Since October 10, 1900, The University of Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma University Sooners have traditionally faced off in an annual college football game, establishing the longstanding “Red River Rivalry” between the two schools and their respective fans; and
WHEREAS, The Longhorns and Sooners have faced off 119 times since 1900 and are set to play in their 120th game on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Cotton Bowl Stadium at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, during the State Fair of Texas; and
WHEREAS, The annual rivalry has provided countless memories and a lasting and exciting rivalry between fans of the two teams; The Longhorns lead the all-time series between the University of Texas and Oklahoma University; But the Sooners eked out a victory during the 2023 Red River Rivalry game; and
WHEREAS, Since 1929, the teams have played the annual Red River Rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl Stadium, previously known as the Fair Park Stadium, at Fair Park in South Dallas; The competitive matchup brings fans from all over the country to the City of Dallas for the annual game, which is historically played during the State Fair of Texas; and
WHEREAS, The City of Dallas is thrilled to host the Red River Rivalry and all the fans, decked out in either burnt orange or crimson attire, who come to cheer on their team and enjoy a day of fun at the State Fair of Texas.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ERIC L. JOHNSON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DALLAS, do hereby proclaim October 7 – 12, 2024, as
TEXAS-OKLAHOMA RED RIVER RIVALRY WEEK
in Dallas, Texas, thereby officially settling the dispute over whether Texas or Oklahoma comes first.
