Organizers say several factors led to the decision to revise the policy, including rising costs, low redemption rates, and safety concerns.<\/p>\n
DALLAS \u2014 Big changes are coming to the State Fair of Texas\u2019\u00a0<\/a>school ticket program this year.<\/p>\n For generations, students and teachers have enjoyed free admission to the Fair, but starting this year, only Pre-K through 8th graders will get free tickets. High school students, grades 9th through 12th, will no longer receive free admission but will have access to discounted tickets.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know some families may be disappointed, but this decision helps us continue providing a safe, family-friendly, and sustainable Fair experience while still investing in youth,\u201d organizers said in a statement to WFAA.<\/p>\n The Fair says this change has been in the works for several years.\u00a0<\/p>\n Printing and distributing more than 2 million free tickets each year is expensive, and only about 10% are actually used, \u00a0a spokesperson told WFAA. On top of that, many schools have stopped scheduling \u201cFair Days,\u201d making it tricky to plan trips and manage attendance, fair officials said.<\/p>\n Safety has also been a driving factor in the change.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Fair has seen an uptick in incidents involving high school students in recent years, a spokesperson said. With new city contracts requiring the Fair to cover all the Dallas Police Department’s expenses and security costs\u2014more than $8 million for the 24-day event\u2014unpredictable attendance spikes from high school groups have become a bigger concern.<\/p>\n The policy requiring minors 17 and under to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone after 5 p.m. will also remain in place.<\/p>\n High school students can purchase one-day admission tickets for $12 from Monday through Thursday using promo code 2025EDU through the Fair\u2019s website<\/a>. The offer is valid for up to two tickets per student.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pre-K through 8th grade students and all teachers from Pre-K through 12th grade will continue to receive free admission.<\/p>\n Last week, the fair announced it’s\u00a0implementing its clear bag policy<\/a>. Visitors will again walk through weapons detection scanners at every gate, and the State Fair Safety Team will continue patrolling the grounds.\u00a0<\/p>\n