My son is a Freshman at UT, and he is driving up from Austin to the OU game for the first time. He will take I-35 up, but can some of you local Dallas folks suggest where he should exit the highway, and what non-highway (local road) route might be a good choice to get to the fair grounds? Many thanks, and Hook 'em!
Not sure you'll have much luck getting this precious info. It's a well kept secret by those who cherish the massively decreased traffic time. The difference in 30 min and 2+ hours with an early hungover kick is too sacred. If it gets out the time would be greatly extended on the shortcut too. People would be amazed, spread the word to friends who tell friends, and there goes shortcut. From my many years of RRS experience, those in the know guard it like Fort Knox. The lack of replies speaks to that unfortunately.
Oh, that's funny, Brad. He ended up leaving Austin at 5 am and got there in plenty of time so it wasn't an issue. Even stopped for breakfast! I should have told him to wait for the corny dogs... I think I have always overnighted in Dallas for all the many, many games I've gone to, typically asked an insider at the hotel for the latest "secret" route to the fairgrounds. The big key, of course, is to get there early!
I saw this thread way too late to help, but I will throw out a suggestion for a shortcut to the game IF your already in North Dallas and preferably traveling in on Hwy 75, Central Expwy. I have no good suggestions coming directly in I-35 from the South. So, the hint, I traveled South on 75 and exited Haskell going East. Yes it is largely residential and there are some traffic lights but it moves and it eventually dumps you on the edge of Fair Park. I usually parked in one of empty parking lots of the small commercial buildings several blocks from Fair Park. My advice, if you take this route - do leave early or this suggestion may not work that well. It will get crowded as game time approaches and the parking spots will fill up. I always got in and out relatively easy & fast compared to most attending the game.
take 45 south not 30 east as the signs say....exit MLK turn left and park at James Madison HS, it's like $20 and a 5 minute walk to the fairgrounds. Whether coming from the North or the south. All the signs say take I-30, take 45 south or north depending on where you are coming from. Never more than 15 minutes from downtown to parking.
