Cotton Bowl

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Cotton Bowl was the home field of the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Texans, the SMU Mustangs and the Dallas Texans (NFL) in Dallas, Texas. It opened in 1930 and seats 72,032 fans. It still stands today and is still used for football.

Fair Park stadium shared by the Cowboys and the AFL's Dallas Texans until the Texans moved to Kansas City; still used for college games such as the Red River Rivalry. Capacity is the 1968-71 figure (75,504 before 1968). Fair Park stadium that was SMU's primary home for decades (and the Cowboys' first home) before SMU moved to Texas Stadium in 1979; SMU returned 1995-1999 before Ford Stadium opened. It still hosts the Texas-Oklahoma game and the State Fair Classic; capacity 92,100 is the current figure after the 2008 renovation.

Stadium facts

Location
Dallas, Texas
Status
Standing, still used for football
Opened
1930
Capacity
72,032
Teams
Dallas Cowboys (1960–1971)
Dallas Texans (1960–1962)
SMU Mustangs (1932–1978, 1995–1999)
Dallas Texans (NFL) (1952)
SMU Mustangs (1995–1999)
Other names
Fair Park Stadium; Cotton Bowl Stadium

Teams that played here

Plan your trip to Cotton Bowl

Hotels near Cotton BowlBook a stay for game weekend on ExpediaParkingLots and garages near the stadiumDirectionsMap to Cotton BowlTours & things to do in DallasStadium tours, sightseeing and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbyPregame spots near the stadium

Stadiums near Cotton Bowl10

  1. 1FBSGerald J. Ford Stadium — SMU Mustangs (Dallas, Texas)same city
  2. 2FormerOwnby Stadium — SMU Mustangs (University Park, Texas)4 mi
  3. 3FormerArmstrong Field — SMU Mustangs (University Park, Texas)4 mi
  4. 4FormerTexas Stadium — Dallas Cowboys & SMU Mustangs (Irving, Texas)10 mi
  5. 5NFLAT&T Stadium — Dallas Cowboys (Arlington, Texas)19 mi
  6. 6FBSAmon G. Carter Stadium — TCU Horned Frogs (Fort Worth, Texas)32 mi
  7. 7FBSDATCU Stadium — North Texas Mean Green (Denton, Texas)36 mi
  8. 8FormerEagle Field — North Texas Mean Green (Denton, Texas)36 mi
  9. 9FormerFouts Field — North Texas Mean Green (Denton, Texas)38 mi
  10. 10FCSErnest Hawkins Field at Memorial Stadium — East Texas A&M Lions (Commerce, Texas)59 mi

Questions about Cotton Bowl

Who played at Cotton Bowl?

Cotton Bowl was home to the Dallas Cowboys (1960–1971); the Dallas Texans (1960–1962); the SMU Mustangs (1932–1978, 1995–1999); the Dallas Texans (NFL) (1952); the SMU Mustangs (1995–1999).

When did Cotton Bowl open?

Cotton Bowl opened in 1930.

Is Cotton Bowl still standing?

Yes. Cotton Bowl is standing and still used for football.

How many fans did Cotton Bowl hold?

Cotton Bowl held about 72,032 fans.

What football stadiums are near Cotton Bowl today?

Gerald J. Ford Stadium (SMU Mustangs) is in the same city. See the full list of nearby stadiums on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 season. Distances are straight-line miles. Capacity figures vary by source. See something wrong? Let us know.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org.