The State Fair of Texas is back and of course, and DART is still your best ride to Texas-sized fun!

Opening weekend kicks off with the annual State Fair Classic between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University. Here is your ultimate game day survival guide when riding DART to make sure you don’t miss a second of the action.

Saturdays = Game Days
Game days typically attract some of the largest State Fair crowds, so DART encourages you to allow extra travel time. Plan ahead by checking BigTex.com for game times and DART.org/StateFair for rail schedules.

Oct. 1 – State Fair Classic:
The Prairie View A&M Panthers go head-to-head with the Grambling State Tigers in this historic rivalry.
Kickoff: 6 p.m.

Oct. 8 – AT&T Red River Showdown:
State bragging rights get decided on the field in the definitive grudge match over which side of the Red River is better – Texas Longhorns or Oklahoma Sooners. DART will be running a special service on this day, so visit DART.org/RedRiverShowdown for more information on routes and schedules.
Kickoff: 11 a.m.

Know the game plan
DART has added service with special connections planned. See below for complete details about DART service to the game.

Rely on your coaching staff
DART staff will be at key stations well before game time to help you buy passes and make connections. If you're lost or need information, let us assist! After the game, DART staff will be on hand to help you with your return trip.

Don't make buying a pass a contact sport
Buy your DART pass with a contactless credit or debit card or your mobile device. Just tap and go – it's that simple! See the DART Fare Information section below for complete details.

Tap first
Make sure to tap your contactless card or mobile device to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus prior to boarding.

Activate, activate, activate!
If you use the GoPass^® app, make sure to activate your GoPass ticket before you board. Day Passes are only valid on the day of activation.

Keep it a clean game
DART buses receive nightly cleanings and light rail vehicles are cleaned at the eight terminus stations throughout the day with a focus on high touch areas including handrails, door buttons, grab rails and hanging straps. Masks are not required, but if you wish to wear one, DART provides complimentary masks on board.

Park it
Free parking is available at many DART facilities. Skip the hassle and expense of parking around Fair Park — find the most convenient option here.

Run the spread
Spread out along the platform as your train approaches and use all available doors for boarding. Also, please note that the center section of each rail vehicle has low floors, making it convenient for boarding wheelchairs, strollers, and anything else with wheels. If the trains look too crowded, consider DART buses – they can get you to the game, too.

Start early
To ensure you're in your seat for the kickoff, DART encourages you to allow extra time and take advantage of early transit service. Trains typically begin filling more than two hours before kickoff.

Pass it along
Know friends going to the fair but not the game? Tell them they can save up to $7 on fair admission by using the promo code provided by the GoPass app. They simply need to enter the code when purchasing their fair admission on the State Fair's website.

The State Fair of Texas is back and of course, and DART is still your best ride to Texas-sized fun!

Opening weekend kicks off with the annual State Fair Classic between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University. Here is your ultimate game day survival guide when riding DART to make sure you don’t miss a second of the action.

Saturdays = Game Days
Game days typically attract some of the largest State Fair crowds, so DART encourages you to allow extra travel time. Plan ahead by checking BigTex.com for game times and DART.org/StateFair for rail schedules.

Oct. 1 – State Fair Classic:
The Prairie View A&M Panthers go head-to-head with the Grambling State Tigers in this historic rivalry.
Kickoff: 6 p.m.

Oct. 8 – AT&T Red River Showdown:
State bragging rights get decided on the field in the definitive grudge match over which side of the Red River is better – Texas Longhorns or Oklahoma Sooners. DART will be running a special service on this day, so visit DART.org/RedRiverShowdown for more information on routes and schedules.
Kickoff: 11 a.m.

Know the game plan
DART has added service with special connections planned. See below for complete details about DART service to the game.

Rely on your coaching staff
DART staff will be at key stations well before game time to help you buy passes and make connections. If you're lost or need information, let us assist! After the game, DART staff will be on hand to help you with your return trip.

Don't make buying a pass a contact sport
Buy your DART pass with a contactless credit or debit card or your mobile device. Just tap and go – it's that simple! See the DART Fare Information section below for complete details.

Tap first
Make sure to tap your contactless card or mobile device to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus prior to boarding.

Activate, activate, activate!
If you use the GoPass^® app, make sure to activate your GoPass ticket before you board. Day Passes are only valid on the day of activation.

Keep it a clean game
DART buses receive nightly cleanings and light rail vehicles are cleaned at the eight terminus stations throughout the day with a focus on high touch areas including handrails, door buttons, grab rails and hanging straps. Masks are not required, but if you wish to wear one, DART provides complimentary masks on board.

Park it
Free parking is available at many DART facilities. Skip the hassle and expense of parking around Fair Park — find the most convenient option here.

Run the spread
Spread out along the platform as your train approaches and use all available doors for boarding. Also, please note that the center section of each rail vehicle has low floors, making it convenient for boarding wheelchairs, strollers, and anything else with wheels. If the trains look too crowded, consider DART buses – they can get you to the game, too.

Start early
To ensure you're in your seat for the kickoff, DART encourages you to allow extra time and take advantage of early transit service. Trains typically begin filling more than two hours before kickoff.

Pass it along
Know friends going to the fair but not the game? Tell them they can save up to $7 on fair admission by using the promo code provided by the GoPass app. They simply need to enter the code when purchasing their fair admission on the State Fair's website.

The State Fair of Texas is back and of course, and DART is still your best ride to Texas-sized fun!

Opening weekend kicks off with the annual State Fair Classic between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University. Here is your ultimate game day survival guide when riding DART to make sure you don’t miss a second of the action.

Saturdays = Game Days
Game days typically attract some of the largest State Fair crowds, so DART encourages you to allow extra travel time. Plan ahead by checking BigTex.com for game times and DART.org/StateFair for rail schedules.

Oct. 1 – State Fair Classic:
The Prairie View A&M Panthers go head-to-head with the Grambling State Tigers in this historic rivalry.
Kickoff: 6 p.m.

Oct. 8 – AT&T Red River Showdown:
State bragging rights get decided on the field in the definitive grudge match over which side of the Red River is better – Texas Longhorns or Oklahoma Sooners. DART will be running a special service on this day, so visit DART.org/RedRiverShowdown for more information on routes and schedules.
Kickoff: 11 a.m.

Know the game plan
DART has added service with special connections planned. See below for complete details about DART service to the game.

Rely on your coaching staff
DART staff will be at key stations well before game time to help you buy passes and make connections. If you're lost or need information, let us assist! After the game, DART staff will be on hand to help you with your return trip.

Don't make buying a pass a contact sport
Buy your DART pass with a contactless credit or debit card or your mobile device. Just tap and go – it's that simple! See the DART Fare Information section below for complete details.

Tap first
Make sure to tap your contactless card or mobile device to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus prior to boarding.

Activate, activate, activate!
If you use the GoPass^® app, make sure to activate your GoPass ticket before you board. Day Passes are only valid on the day of activation.

Keep it a clean game
DART buses receive nightly cleanings and light rail vehicles are cleaned at the eight terminus stations throughout the day with a focus on high touch areas including handrails, door buttons, grab rails and hanging straps. Masks are not required, but if you wish to wear one, DART provides complimentary masks on board.

Park it
Free parking is available at many DART facilities. Skip the hassle and expense of parking around Fair Park — find the most convenient option here.

Run the spread
Spread out along the platform as your train approaches and use all available doors for boarding. Also, please note that the center section of each rail vehicle has low floors, making it convenient for boarding wheelchairs, strollers, and anything else with wheels. If the trains look too crowded, consider DART buses – they can get you to the game, too.

Start early
To ensure you're in your seat for the kickoff, DART encourages you to allow extra time and take advantage of early transit service. Trains typically begin filling more than two hours before kickoff.

Pass it along
Know friends going to the fair but not the game? Tell them they can save up to $7 on fair admission by using the promo code provided by the GoPass app. They simply need to enter the code when purchasing their fair admission on the State Fair's website.