Cotton Bowl Stadium

The renovation of the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium focused on modernizing the west tower while protecting the venue’s legacy as one of college football’s most iconic settings. The project delivered new clubs, suites, restrooms, concourses, concessions, and a writing press mezzanine. It also added expanded food service areas and new escalators on the north and south ends of the tower to improve comfort and circulation. Upgrades to lighting, electrical, and mechanical systems increased performance and efficiency. To keep the full event schedule intact, construction was carefully phased over two years and paused during the Texas State Fair. The first phase opened in time for the 2024 OU-Texas game, with final completion scheduled for September 2025.

Henderson Engineers provided engineering design services that included a new air-cooled chiller, fan coil units, and a full replacement of the existing chilled water piping system. When the team uncovered significant corrosion in the original piping during construction, Henderson worked closely with the contractor to design and deliver a new air-cooled chiller solution on an accelerated timeline. This collaboration kept the project on schedule and added system redundancy for long-term reliability. By coordinating closely with architects, contractors, and city stakeholders, Henderson ensured that all systems were integrated to support operational goals and deliver a high-performing, modernized west tower.

The renovation enhances the fan experience through improved circulation, expanded premium spaces, and more efficient building systems that support comfort from the concourses to the suites. Guests now move through the tower more easily, enjoy upgraded amenities, and benefit from better airflow and temperature control on game day. These enhancements elevate the stadium experience while preserving the Cotton Bowl’s historic character, ensuring the venue remains a celebrated destination for generations of fans.