State Fair Classic Agreement

At a glance

• What: A four-year agreement among the City, Grambling State University, Prairie View A&M University and the State Fair of Texas to keep the annual State Fair Classic football game at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park.
• Amounts: Up to $175,000 to each school for the 2025 game and up to $250,000 to each school per game from 2026 through 2029; total not to exceed $2,350,000 from the Fair Park Fund, subject to annual appropriations. The city secretary clarified the per-school amounts on the record.
• Where it stands: Adopted September 9, 2026 on a divided vote, Mendelsohn and Ridley voting no.

Detail

• Mendelsohn pulled the item. Bazaldua moved adoption and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Johnson seconded.

Sources

• Council minutes, September 9, 2026 (Item 9): https://citysecretary2.dallascityhall.com/pdf/CC2026/090926Min.pdf

Log

2026-09-09 - City Council

Adopted with two no votes.