Avoid the hassles of driving to ‘Big D’ for OU-Texas by riding the Heartland Flyer

There is arguably no other single event that draws more people from Oklahoma to Texas than the OU-Texas football game. Typically played on the second Saturday in October during the Texas State Fair, the Red River Rivalry draws an estimated 50,000 or more Sooner fans to “Big D” for this annual clash. This year’s game is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Oct. 9.

OU fans who have made the trek to Dallas on I-35 can attest that the drive down to the Cotton Bowl can often be annoying and inconvenient, especially having to deal with the onslaught of hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles making a mad dash to the Lone Star State, as well as the seemingly always-present road construction on I-35. And let’s not forget the pain and expense of trying to find a decent parking place near Fair Park!

One way to escape the hassles of driving to the big game is by hopping on board the Heartland Flyer Big Game Train to Dallas. This unique and very affordable experience provides Sooner fans – and even Longhorn fans living in the Sooner State – a relaxing and hassle-free trip south of the Red River. Riding the rails gives you a chance to spend quality time with your family and friends and an opportunity to cheer on your favorite team with other passionate fans, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Arbuckle Mountains and Red River valley.

Amtrak is offering a special round-trip deal of just $54 per person for this excursion, a 15% discount off a full adult fare, which is about what you would pay for gas if you took your own vehicle. Maybe you are thinking about taking the Heartland Flyer to Dallas but want to come back to Oklahoma with a friend or family member. You can purchase a one-way fare on the Big Game Train for just $27.

The Big Game Train departs from Oklahoma City’s Santa Fe Depot at 8:25 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, arriving at Union Station in downtown Dallas at 2:15 p.m. Fans can also board the train in Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Gainesville and Fort Worth. The return trip to OKC is Sunday, Oct. 10, with a departure time of 2:15 p.m. from Union Station. The train arrives in Oklahoma City at 9:27 p.m.

To book your spot on the Heartland Flyer Big Game Train to Dallas, please visit the Heartland Flyer website. Seating is limited.