Prairie View, Grambling State Will Play Saturday
The annual State Fair Classic kicks off at 6 p.m. this Saturday at the historic Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football
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The Prairie View A&M University Panthers and the Grambling State University Tigers will meet for the State Fair Classic on September 26, 2026. Held at the Cotton Bowl, the football matchup coincides with the opening weekend of the State Fair of Texas.
Why it matters
The game serves as a marquee event within the State Fair of Texas, celebrating a tradition of collegiate competition that has been a staple in Dallas for decades. It remains a significant cultural and athletic gathering, drawing thousands of spectators to the city.
The event typically draws more than 60,000 fans to the Cotton Bowl. The winning team will receive the official State Fair Classic championship belt.
The players
Prairie View A&M University
This public historically black university is based in Prairie View, Texas, and is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Grambling State University
Grambling State is a public historically black university located in Grambling, Louisiana, known for its storied football program and marching band.
Al Wash
Al Wash has contributed 51 years of leadership and service to the organization of this annual football tradition.
The details
The college football game features halftime performances by the Marching Storm and the Tiger Marching Band. This year also marks 51 years of involvement for Al Wash in organizing the long-standing tradition.
Timeline
The tradition began in 1925.
The game moved to the Cotton Bowl in 1985.
The State Fair of Texas opens on September 25, 2026.
The State Fair Classic occurs at 6 p.m. on September 26, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This game continues the tradition established in 1985 when the matchup first moved to the Cotton Bowl. The outcome impacts the historical standing of both programs in one of the most recognizable neutral-site games in college football.
Fans and observers can anticipate the presentation of the championship belt to the winning program at the conclusion of the game. The halftime show serves as a central draw for the event, featuring the Marching Storm and the Tiger Marching Band.
The takeaway
This event highlights the long-standing synergy between collegiate athletics and the State Fair of Texas. Attendees should prepare for high traffic and crowds near the Cotton Bowl given the typical attendance of over 60,000 spectators.
Further reading
Learn more about the ongoing competition in the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth.
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