Let the renovation begin: The Dallas Park and Recreation Department and Fair Park First have launched the renovation of the Cotton Bowl Stadium, a project anticipated to take two years and cost $140 million and described in a release as the most comprehensive (and only?) renovation of the stadium.

The mayor, other city and state leaders, Overland Partners, OVG360, State Fair of Texas, JE Dunn Construction, and Rise360 recently participated in a groundbreaking to kick off the revitalization project.

Improvements will include

• adding 14 new escalators
• constructing new multi-story entries at the two west entry gates
• widening the upper concourse on the west side of the stadium to triple the current square footage
• creating two outdoor terraces with views of downtown Dallas
• doubling the size of the main concourse featuring new art deco artwork
• increasing the number of concessions, restrooms, hospitality areas, and premium seating
• adding a new club in the West Tower with multiple types of suite and seating options

The historic Cotton Bowl Stadium facade will be preserved and enhanced during the restoration project with lights being added, further showcasing the venue’s iconic entrance.

Other notable improvements include boosting the in-stadium Wi-Fi signal, new and updated signage, plus the expansion and upgrading of the press area in the south end zone.

Cotton Bowl newly renovated interiorCourtesy rendering

The Cotton Bowl stadium renovations are scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2025 State Fair of Texas.

“With these improvements the Cotton Bowl stadium is primmed to become one of the premier open-air stadiums in the nation, with a fan experience that matches the venues remarkable history,” said Brian Luallen, Fair Park First Chief Executive Officer. “It’s a catalytic investment for Fair Park that will offer greater returns for the City of Dallas and attract more amazing events than ever before.”

The renovations will enable existing events to continue, while sparking development of new opportunities across Fair Park’s diverse venues in the future.

The two-year restoration will be conducted in two phases, allowing the stadium to host annual events without interruption during the 2024 State Fair of Texas. The project will be funded with proceeds from the 2022 Proposition A referendum and additional sources.

Other projects for Fair Park include the Music Hall, The African American Museum, and a privately funded community park.