DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) — Fair Park partners said Friday that a new project to renovate the Cotton Bowl will transform Dallas’ 277-acre fairgrounds. Planned renovations focus on Cotton Bowl Stadium, a privately funded Community Park Complex and the Music Hall at Fair Park. The venue projects will be funded by the Brimer Bill as part of last year’s Proposition A referendum.
“This is the first cog in the wheel of a greater mechanism, providing funding for the future of the campus,” said Darren L. James, Fair Park First President of the Board. “Unlike previous renovations, which centered around increasing capacity, this project amplifies the fan experience for everyone who visits Fair Park. We are committed to steward this project collectively, creating a catalyst to the Fairground’s future economic impact on the surrounding neighborhood and region.”
Leading the planned renovations is the legendary Cotton Bowl Stadium. The historic venue will undergo the most comprehensive amenity upgrades since 1948. Fair Park First and Dallas Parks and Recreation join Overland Partners, OVG360, and AECOM in unveiling plans for transformative enhancements to the renowned stadium, as it approaches its second century. The $140 million, two-year project honors the Cotton Bowl’s celebrated legacy and distinctive architecture with sweeping enhancements to the visitor experience and modernizations to ensure all fans will enjoy an elevated experience for decades.
Functional improvements include widening concourses, tripling the current square footage per guest in key areas, and adding escalators, boosting circulation, and increasing fans’ comfort level while traversing the stadium. Planned upgrades strengthening the fan experience include improving the in-stadium Wi-Fi signal and increasing the number of hospitality areas and premium environments. Enhancing the speed of service for fans proves a project priority, with much-anticipated renovations to concessions and restrooms throughout the venue. Visit Dallas and the Dallas Sports Commission project improvements to Cotton Bowl Stadium will assist in attracting future large-scale concerts and sporting events, thus driving significant economic impact for the City of Dallas.
“We are committed to steward this project collectively to ensure these refurbishments will continue to bring people of different backgrounds together and strengthen Fair Park,” said John Jenkins, Director Dallas Parks and Recreation. “The upgrades will keep the Cotton Bowl and other venues competitive, recruiting global events.”
The Cotton Bowl renovations are part of the biggest financial investment in Fair Park in the 137-year history of the fairgrounds.
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 is anticipated to be funded with proceeds from the 2022 Proposition A referendum and additional sources. Other priority projects for Fair Park include the Music Hall, The African American Museum, and a privately funded community park.
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