The Cotton Bowl is one of the premier college football bowl games, and for the 2025 season, it will play a crucial role as a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal. Ohio State and Texas, two of the most storied programs in college football, will square off in this exciting matchup that promises high-stakes drama, championship-caliber football, and a chance for one team to secure a spot in the national championship game. If you’re looking to attend the Cotton Bowl to see Ohio State battle Texas, here’s everything you need to know about how to buy tickets and what to expect in terms of prices.
The Importance of the Cotton Bowl in the 2025 College Football Playoff
The 2025 College Football Playoff semifinal games will be held at two prestigious bowl locations: the Cotton Bowl and the Orange Bowl. These games are essential to the playoff format, where the top four teams in the nation—determined by the selection committee—compete for a spot in the national championship. The Cotton Bowl, which takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, will feature Ohio State and Texas in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
The matchup between Ohio State and Texas is particularly enticing because both programs have a rich history of success and a massive fan base. Ohio State, with its strong tradition in the Big Ten, is known for producing championship teams and sending players to the NFL. Texas, a historically dominant program in the Big 12, is also on the rise under its current coaching staff. With top-tier talent on both sides, this semifinal game has the potential to be a classic.
Cotton Bowl 2025 Date and Location
- Date: The Cotton Bowl 2025 will take place on December 31, 2025, with a scheduled kickoff time of 7:00 PM CST.
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas. Home to the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium is one of the most iconic and modern sports venues in the United States. It has hosted a variety of major events, including Super Bowls and college football national championships, and offers an ideal setting for such an important game.
How to Buy Tickets for the Cotton Bowl 2025
Purchasing tickets for the Cotton Bowl 2025 between Ohio State and Texas will be a highly anticipated event for college football fans. The availability of tickets will depend on several factors, including your affiliation with the teams, general public access, and the availability of tickets through secondary markets.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to secure your tickets for the game:
1. Official Ticket Sources
The best and most reliable place to purchase Cotton Bowl tickets is through the official ticket platforms provided by the bowl game itself. These will typically be announced several months before the event and may include various ticket packages depending on seating preference.
- CFP Official Website: The College Football Playoff website will provide links to buy tickets directly from the official sources.
- AT&T Stadium Box Office: You can also purchase tickets through the stadium’s official box office or website, which might offer ticket bundles or group discounts.
- Teams’ Official Athletic Websites: Both Ohio State and Texas will sell a portion of their ticket allotments to their fans via their respective athletics websites. These tickets are often available first to season ticket holders, donors, or students before being made available to the general public.
- For Ohio State, fans can access tickets through Ohio State Athletics.
- For Texas, tickets are available through Texas Longhorns Athletics.
2. Secondary Market
If tickets sell out through the official channels or if you’re looking for specific seating options, secondary marketplaces are another popular way to buy tickets. These sites often offer a range of prices, but be aware that prices can fluctuate dramatically based on demand and availability. Some of the most trusted secondary ticket marketplaces include:
- StubHub: One of the most popular platforms for buying and selling tickets to major events, StubHub offers Cotton Bowl tickets from a variety of sellers. StubHub’s “FanProtect Guarantee” also provides buyers with confidence that their tickets are valid.
- SeatGeek: Another widely used ticketing platform, SeatGeek aggregates listings from several sources, making it easy to compare prices and find the best deal.
- Vivid Seats: Vivid Seats is another reliable secondary market ticket vendor, and they offer similar buyer protections to those on StubHub and SeatGeek.
- Ticketmaster: Though Ticketmaster is primarily used for primary ticket sales, it also offers a resale platform that allows fans to sell their tickets to others.
While buying tickets from secondary markets is a popular choice, it’s important to be cautious. Make sure the platform you’re using is legitimate, and check the ticket’s authenticity before making a purchase.
3. Ticket Packages and VIP Experiences
For those looking to enjoy an elevated game-day experience, there are often VIP packages available for major bowl games like the Cotton Bowl. These packages may include premium seating options, access to exclusive lounges or hospitality suites, and other perks such as meet-and-greets with former players or coaches. Fans can typically find these offerings through the official Cotton Bowl website or by contacting the stadium’s sales department for corporate or luxury packages.
Ticket Prices for the Cotton Bowl 2025
Ticket prices for high-profile games like the Cotton Bowl can vary depending on the demand, seating location, and time of purchase. For the 2025 Cotton Bowl, fans can expect ticket prices to fall within a broad range, from more affordable options to premium pricing for VIP seating areas.
1. General Admission and Standard Seats
For most college football bowl games, prices for standard seats typically start at around $75 to $100 per ticket for upper-level seating. These seats are often located in the end zones or higher sections of the stadium, offering a less expensive way to experience the game while still being in the stadium.
As the demand for the game increases and closer seating areas become available, the price will rise.
2. Mid-Tier Seating
Mid-tier seating typically includes seats in the lower level of the stadium, such as those in the 100-200 sections of AT&T Stadium. Prices for these tickets generally range from $125 to $250, depending on the location and how close you are to the field. These seats offer a better viewing experience and are often the most sought-after by fans.
3. Premium Seating and Suites
For fans willing to spend more for a luxury experience, premium seating options can be found at a much higher price. Tickets for the club-level seating and suites could range anywhere from $400 to $1,500 or more per ticket, depending on the specific suite or premium location. These tickets often come with benefits such as access to exclusive lounges, premium food and drink, and a more comfortable seating arrangement with better sightlines.
4. Secondary Market Prices
If you’re purchasing tickets from a secondary market, prices can vary greatly based on the demand, the seating section, and how close the game is. For a game of this magnitude, secondary market tickets can sometimes exceed $500 per seat for mid-range seating, especially if the teams are close to the National Championship.
5. Group Packages and Discounts
For fans who want to attend the Cotton Bowl as part of a larger group, there are often group ticket discounts available through the stadium or official Cotton Bowl website. Group sales can provide substantial savings, especially if you’re purchasing a block of tickets for a school, corporate outing, or fan club.
Travel and Accommodations for the Cotton Bowl
If you’re planning to travel to Arlington for the Cotton Bowl, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience.
- Flights and Transportation: Arlington is located between Dallas and Fort Worth, and both cities are well-served by major airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). It’s a short drive from either airport to AT&T Stadium. Fans can also take advantage of rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, which are commonly used for major events.
- Hotels: Arlington and the surrounding Dallas/Fort Worth area offer a wide range of hotel options, from budget-friendly motels to high-end accommodations. Booking your hotel early is crucial, as rooms near the stadium tend to fill up quickly during major events like the Cotton Bowl. Popular hotel options include those located near AT&T Stadium, as well as properties in nearby Dallas and Fort Worth.
- Tailgating: Tailgating is a popular tradition for fans attending college football games, and AT&T Stadium offers several designated areas for fans to gather before the game. Be sure to check the stadium’s website for details on tailgating policies and available parking.
Conclusion
The Cotton Bowl 2025, featuring Ohio State vs. Texas in the CFP semifinal, promises to be one of the most exciting and highly anticipated college football games of the year. Whether you’re an Ohio State fan, a Texas supporter, or just a college football enthusiast, attending this game at AT&T Stadium will be an unforgettable experience.
With a range of ticket prices available from general admission to premium seating, fans have several options to purchase tickets that fit their budget. Be sure to act quickly once tickets become available, as demand for this high-profile matchup will be substantial. Additionally, securing accommodations and planning travel in advance will help ensure that your experience at the Cotton Bowl is as enjoyable as the game itself.
Get ready for a thrilling postseason showdown between two of college football’s powerhouses—Ohio State and Texas—and don’t miss your chance to be part of the action!
