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The 105th edition of the AT&T Red River Rivalry aka the Texas-OU game is on tap for this weekend in Dallas. The game may have lost a little luster when the Longhorns were mangled last weekend at home by the UCLA Bruins, making this week's match-up #7 Oklahoma vs. #21 Texas. But it is still Texas-OU...or OU-Texas, depending on which side of the Red River you live on. This rivalry has taken place halfway between the two schools in Dallas since 1912 and at the Cotton Bowl since 1929. Can you imagine Texas-OU weekend during Prohibition? Neither can I.
While the Cotton Bowl recently expanded its seating capacity to over 92,000 in hopes of keeping this annual affair at this site, this still remains a tough ticket. If you have ever been to this huge sports spectacle that takes place in the middle of the State Fair, you know what a nightmare the traffic/parking situation is for this event. The one and only time I went, we parked in downtown Dallas and took a taxi to Fair Park. Then after the game, the cab drivers (is there any shadier group of people as a whole?) refused to take us back unless we were a big group that could fill up their van or we made up the difference financially! Fortunately, you can still get the Texas-OU experience without all of the hassle, since there are watch parties all over DFW.
One of the biggest of the watch parties will be the Coors Light Texas-Oklahoma Party on the Plaza at American Airlines Center. The forecast calls for a perfect 80 degree day, so this is an ideal spot to bring your lawn chairs and hang out to watch the game on the Mega HD screens bordered by WFAA Channel 8 studios, the W Dallas Victory Hotel and the AAC. Ben and Skin from 103.3 FM ESPN Radio will be on hand for the event registering people for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas.
Essentials: Admission is free. The plaza opens at noon and food and beverages will be available for purchase. No personal coolers or outside food is permitted. $5 parking is available right around the corner in the AAC's Platinum Garage.
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