University of Texas at Austin

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, Whataburger, and world-class queso 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 for the OU hangover game or any SEC matchup
  • Vibe Check: Game day in Austin feels like BBQ church meets house party on a football field.

✈️ 2. How to Get There

  • 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. E-scooters are clutch for campus hops.
  • Parking Tips: Book in advance through UT Parking — Trinity Garage is the MVP.

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

🤘 3. 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

🏕 4. Before the Game

  • Top 3 Tailgate Parties:
    1. HornBall Tailgaters (Info) – legendary open tailgate with smoked meats & cold beer
    2. Covert Tailgate Lot – secretive, high-roller vibes with Texas whiskey
    3. West Campus Frat Rows – rowdy, college-fueled chaos
  • Where to Park & Pre-Game:
    Trinity Garage or Lot 40 for access + tailgate proximity
  • Bars Near Campus:
    • Posse East – strong drinks, strong opinions
    • Crown & Anchor – grad school crowd, chill patio
    • Haymaker – craft beer + Southern comfort

🏟 5. During the Game

  • Seats with the Best Energy:
    • Section 33–36 (student zone) = sweat, scream, repeat
    • Upper east deck for skyline views & sunsets
  • What to Eat in the Stadium:
    • Torchy’s Tacos inside the concourse
    • Jalapeño sausage wraps from Smokey Denmark
  • Student Section Tips:
    Hydrate, wear sunscreen, pace your pregame. No one’s sitting — ever.

🌃 6. After the Game

🌆 7. Local Culture for Travelers

  • Must-Eat Food Spots:
    • Franklin BBQ – yes, it’s worth the line
    • Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ – brisket tacos that haunt dreams
    • Matt’s El Rancho – Bob Armstrong dip is holy
  • Neighborhoods to Explore:
    • South Congress (murals + shopping)
    • East Austin (bars + bungalows)
    • Clarksville (quiet charm)
  • Vintage or Team Merch:
    • Tyler’s – “Keep Austin Weird” classic
    • Stag Provisions – upscale Austin cowboy
  • Cultural Side Quests:
    • Barton Springs for a swim
    • LBJ Library – yes, nerdy but fantastic
    • Broken Spoke for honky-tonk two-steppin’

🏨 8. Where to Stay

  • Walking Distance to Stadium:
    • AT&T Hotel & Conference Center – classy, convenient
    • The Otis Hotel – rooftop pool + modern style
  • Airbnbs with Patio Tailgate Vibes:
    • Hyde Park craftsman bungalows
    • East Austin homes with fire pits + hammocks
  • Hotel Vibe Ratings:
    • The Driskill – historic & a little haunted
    • Hotel San José – hip + minimalist
    • Moxy UT – budget party palace

🧠 9. 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 (unless you’re bold or masochistic)
    • Don’t plan to drive after the game — gridlock is real
  • Game Day Hacks:
    • Bring cash for street food vendors
    • Walk a few blocks east post-game before calling an Uber to avoid surge pricing

🎁 10. Extras