Football fans will sweep in from all over the state and Oklahoma for the annual Red River Showdown in Dallas.
The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners will battle this weekend at the Cotton Bowl Stadium, but this year’s event comes with some rules due to the coronavirus.
"Fans are asked to do their part by conscientiously practicing physical and social distancing, frequently washing their hands, wearing their face coverings and entering the assigned gate on their ticket," said Karissa Condoianis the Senior Vice President of Public Relations for the State Fair of Texas.
State Fair officials will make sure fans are kept healthy and safe. Masks will be required and enforced.
"Our team will be out here reminding people and making sure we are enforcing in the friendly Texas way," said Condoianis.
Our team will be out here reminding people and making sure we are enforcing in the friendly Texas wayKarissa Condoianis
If fans don’t follow regulations they will be asked to leave and not be given a refund. Other face coverings like the clear face shields, bandanas or masks that have valves are not permitted. And masks may only be removed temporarily only if necessary for eating and drinking while in the stadium seating or the common area.
Since 1929 football fans have gathered in masses to cheer on their favorite team, but this year’s game will be like no other. Normally the stadiums seats about 92,000 people. This year it will be limited to 25% capacity.
Fans should arrive early and to make sure to bring a masks that cover their nose, mouth and chin. They will only be able to enter the stadium through the gate assigned in their ticket.
"The hope is that everybody can follow the rules and we can create a safe environment out here," said Condoianis. "Everybody can have that fun inside the Cotton Bowl and cheer for their favorite teams whether it’s the Sooners or the Longhorns this weekend."
Fair Park will open its doors at 8 a.m., and gates to the Cotton Bowl Stadium open at 9 a.m.
Got a tip? Alejandra Martinez is a Report For America corps member and writes about the economic impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities for KERA News. Email Alejandra at amartinez@kera.org. You can follow Alejandra on Twitter @_martinez_ale.
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