The University of Texas - Austin, TX

Frats are already half-lit, smokers puff beside grills older than Bevo, and a man wearing silver boots and a Longhorn tank top is two steps deep into a moonwalk… and his third Lone Star.

In This Article

How to Get There
The Fan Experience
Eat & Drink
Local Culture
Extra Info

You don’t just go to a Texas game. You commit. Body, soul, and liver.

By dawn, Austin’s heartbeat changes. The hum of traffic on I-35 is drowned out by speakers blaring “Texas Fight.” Frats are already half-lit, smokers puff beside grills older than Bevo, and a man wearing silver boots and a Longhorn tank top is two steps deep into a moonwalk… and his third Lone Star.

This is Austin — weird, wild, and unapologetically Texan. The city that gave us Willie, perfected queso, and raised generations on Whataburger drive-thrus after midnight, now stands as one of the most electrified college football destinations in the country.

It’s a town where tech bros in Patagonia vests rub shoulders with old-school boosters in Lucchese boots. Where every conversation circles back to BBQ, music, and how this year is finally our year.

City Snapshot (Quick Glance)

Nickname/Claim to Fame: The Live Music Capital of the World — and home of Longhorn Nation
Home Teams & Stadiums: Texas Longhorns at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium
Best Time to Visit: Mid-October, It’s the sweet spot — summer heat breaks, but it’s still warm enough for patio beers and tailgating. Texas often hosts a major home SEC or Big 12 matchup around mid to late October. Keep in mind though, that October is ACL and F1 racing month. 
Vibe Check: Game day in Austin feels like BBQ church meets house party on a football field.

How to Get There & Where to Stay

Closest Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) – 15 mins from campus

Driving Distance:

  • San Antonio: 1.5 hrs
  • Houston: 2.5 hrs
  • Dallas: 3 hrs


Need a Rental Car? Not if you stay central — scooters, rideshare, and walking will do

Transit: CapMetro covers most routes.

Parking Tips: Book in advance through UT Parking — Trinity Garage is the MVP.

Where to Stay

Walking Distance to Stadium:


Airbnbs with Patio Tailgate Vibes:

  • Hyde Park bungalows
  • East Austin homes with yard space


Hotel Vibe Ratings:


Pro Tip: Land Friday afternoon, crash at a downtown boutique hotel, and eat your way through East Austin before kickoff.

The Fan Experience

Traditions & Rituals:

  • Flash the “Hook ‘Em” sign early and often
  • Bevo makes his entrance to fanfare and phone flashes
  • Tower lights glow burnt orange after a win


What to Wear:
Burnt orange, denim, boots. Avoid maroon unless you enjoy fights.

Tailgating Style:
Diverse — from brisket feasts by alumni groups to EDM frat ragers near West Campus

Chants & Cheers:
“Texas Fight!”, “The Eyes of Texas”, and chants of “OU sucks” even when we’re not playing them

Before the Game
Top 3 Tailgate Parties:


Where to Park & Pre-Game:
Trinity Garage or Lot 40 for access + tailgate proximity

During the Game

Seats with the Best Energy:

  • Section 33–36 (student zone)
  • Upper east deck for skyline views & sunsets


Student Section Tips:

Hydrate, wear sunscreen, pace your pregame. No one’s sitting — ever.

Where to Eat & Drink

Bars Near Campus:


What to Eat in the Stadium:


After the Game
Where the Crowd Goes:

Late-Night Eats:

Post-Game Bars:

Must-Eat Food Spots:

Local Culture for Travelers

Neighborhoods to Explore:

  • South Congress
  • East Austin
  • Clarksville


Vintage or Team Merch:


Cultural Side Quests:


Local Insider Tips

From a Local Fan:
“Always pee before entering DKR. The lines are longer than a Franklin BBQ wait.”

Things Not to Do:
Don’t wear maroon
Don’t try to drive after the game

Game Day Hacks:
Bring cash for food vendors
Walk a few blocks east before calling an Uber

Extras

Instagram Spots:

  • Longhorn Statue at DKR
  • “I Love You So Much” mural
  • Barton Springs overlook

Hype Playlist: Texas Football Weekend

Merch Collabs:
Watch for Howler Bros x UT drops

Hangover Brunch Spots: