State Fair of Texas prepares for SEC rivalry game between Longhorns and Sooners – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

The undefeated #1 Texas Longhorns march into town this weekend to take on the #18 Oklahoma Sooners in the Cotton Bowl.

Saturday marks the 120th meeting between the teams, but it will be the first time they meet as members of the Southeastern Conference.

“Bragging rights is always an issue, and no matter where these teams are, they want to compete to compete,” said Nate Gross, vice president of Fair Operations.

According to Gross, national media outlets such as the SEC Network and Barstool Sports will broadcast the game from the State Fair.

The crowd is expected to double, he says. Gates open early at 7am

“When the average daily attendance almost doubles that day, you have to plan an extra three to four hours to get everyone in, and we want people to be able to experience the exhibition in addition to the game,” Gross said.

And what would a trade fair experience be without food?

“Texas OU Day is THE sales day for the State Fair of Texas, and so we all try to come up with something creative to make sure someone stops by your booth,” said Christi Erpillo of Fernie's Funnel Cakes.

From Belgian waffles and funnel cakes to cocktails, burnt orange and purple treats are on the menu.

“A lot of vendors out here want Oklahoma to win because they say we'll make more money if Oklahoma wins. “I don't care. I was born and raised in Dallas. I’m pulling for the orange team,” Erpillo said.

This year the starting signal will take place later than usual. Instead of 11 a.m. it will be at 2:30 p.m