Red River Rivalry Rebranded

Same classic game with a re-energized brand: the 2014 annual meeting between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns is now the AT&T Red River Showdown.

AT&T Inc., the University of Oklahoma and The University of Texas announced Friday the updated name as part of a brand refresh for the series, which includes a new game logo and individual team marks.

The 109th AT&T Red River Showdown is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2014, at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. The market is the center of football attention in 2014, with the first College Football Playoff title game scheduled in Arlington at AT&T Stadium Monday, Jan. 12, 2015. The AT&T Red River Showdown game between the Sooners and Longhorns has been a benchmark in establishing contenders for both Big 12 Conference and post-season football championships.

The intensity of the game is rivaled only by the pageantry surrounding it, with the color, sights, sounds and festivities associated with the State Fair of Texas and a Cotton Bowl environment where fans from both teams are split evenly down the 50-yard line, creating a sea of burnt orange and crimson. The game is nationally televised, often in an exclusive window, and is in its ninth year of sponsorship with AT&T.

"The Oklahoma-Texas game played annually at the Cotton Bowl is one of the grandest traditions in all of college football," said Joe Castiglione, University of Oklahoma Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics. "We will continue striving to make this contest a truly memorable experience for the student-athletes and fans of both the University of Oklahoma and The University of Texas amidst the unique and colorful atmosphere of the State Fair of Texas."

"As a University of Texas alumnus I have long enjoyed the Texas-Oklahoma series and the great tradition it represents for Texas and Oklahoma fans," said Steve Patterson, The University of Texas Men's Athletics Director. "We look forward to working with AT&T representatives and the University of Oklahoma to generate excitement for the new name and brand, and continuing our relationships with the State Fair of Texas."

"We're excited to continue connecting college football fans to this iconic game for years to come," said Mark Wright, Vice President of Media Services & Sponsorships, AT&T. "Texas and Oklahoma fans are passionate about their teams and this game in particular. We love being able to help fans enjoy the matchup as part of such a long-standing football tradition."

The name changed to Red River Rivalry in 2005 in coordination with the 100th meeting. There is no matchup quite like the Texas-Oklahoma series. The classic game began in 1900 and has been played in Dallas since 1912 and at the Cotton Bowl since 1929. Dallas' Cotton Bowl Stadium is located equal distance from both Universities. It is tied for the 19th most-played rivalry in NCAA history. Texas leads the series 60-43-5.