Cotton Bowl renovations underway in Fair Park
DALLAS - Dallas celebrated breaking ground Thursday on its historic Cotton Bowl Stadium renovation project in Fair Park.
The $140 million project is part of the largest investments in the fair grounds' 137-year history.
The goal is for the investment in the Cotton Bowl to bring many more year-round concerts, soccer games, and events to Fair Park, which will help fuel many more changes.
"By having a robust Cotton Bowl, revenue will benefit the entire campus. It’s a key cog in the machine," said Ryan O'Connor, who is assistant director for Dallas Parks and Recreation.
PHOTOS: Major Fair Park renovation plans, including the Cotton Bowl, revealed
Fair Park revealed images of major planned renovations, including an overhaul of the Cotton Bowl.
It is a symbolic turn of dirt that will turn the Cotton Bowl, which opened in 1930, into a modern stadium.
"Wider concourses, escalators, elevators, concessions, restrooms," O’Connor said.
Dallas Parks Board President Arun Argarwal said the $140 million investment by the city of Dallas is one of the largest in the history of Dallas Parks and Rec.
"One of the missions of Dallas Parks is bringing communities together, and guess what brings communities together? Sports is one thing that always brings communities together," Argarwal said.
The renovations are key to keeping a Texas tradition alive.
"I'm grateful the University of Oklahoma and Texas have committed to continuing the tradition through at least 2036," Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said.
READ MORE: Texas-OU game to remain at Cotton Bowl through 2036
But the hope is to also bring so much more.
The renovations are timed to be complete in time for the 2025 Texas State Fair, just months before Fair Park’s 90th birthday, and also ahead of the 2026 World Cup practice games.
"For the first time in a long time, if not ever, we are investing in sunny South Dallas," Dallas City Councilman Adam Bazaldua said.
The upper concourse will be tripled in size, with balconies with views of downtown.
There will also be more suites added and a renovated club level.
The work will be completed in phases over two years.