Merkel artist brings ‘grassroots’ talent to Red River Shootout

DALLAS, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As Texas Longhorn and Oklahoma Sooner fans prepare to cheer and jeer at the 2025 Red River Shootout in Dallas, fans in the Big Country will have a unique option to take pride in. Merkel’s own Kris Harris, a professional field manager turned passionate hobbyist, is once again bringing his skills to the turf. He will be painting the end zones, logos, and emblems with a clarity and vibrance that has earned him a notable reputation in the field.

“It just kinda happened through attrition. People heard about me, or I found some people that needed help, and they’d just keep calling me back with more and more to do. I really enjoy it. Everybody’s gotta have a hobby; mine just happens to be painting football fields,” said Harris.

This journey began during his time as a student at Texas A&M University. While working in the athletics department, he started to develop his skills. He graduated with a degree in Agrostology, the study of grasses, which launched a successful career in field, facility, and athletic management.

He’s worked for the Atlanta Braves, Georgia Tech, and Southern Methodist University over the past two decades. He says his business has traveled mainly through word-of-mouth. And that’s taken him to incredible opportunities. He now has regular work as the leading painter at AT&T Stadium, but his talent and dedication are consistently requested at sports stadiums across Texas and beyond.

“I just kept working my way up. But the one thing I would hold onto is football season,” Harris said.

Harris’ mother, Connie, told KTAB/KRBC that she can easily identify his work among others because his logos, lines, and numbers are “usually perfect.” She associates this perfectionism strongly with her son. These traits are also evident in her grandchildren. Harris mentioned that the time spent in the field often serves as quality family time.

“It’s always fun. Luckily, my boys happened to be available. Well, one of them took off work, and one of them is skipping class in college,” laughed Harris.

You can see Harris and his son’s work during the Texas-Oklahoma Red River Shootout game, which takes place on Saturday, October 11, in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl Stadium.