The Ultimate UT Football Game-Day Guide to Austin
Planning a University of Texas football game day in Austin? This local guide covers the best UT tailgates, Longhorn watch parties, game-day traditions, outfit ideas and things to do around Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Whether you have tickets to the game or simply want to experience the energy around Austin, here is everything you need to plan a memorable Longhorn Saturday.
Quick Guide to UT Football Game Day in Austin
For the best experience:
Arrive on campus at least three hours before kickoff.
Wear burnt orange and comfortable walking shoes.
Visit Bevo Boulevard and the other free pregame activities.
Check the stadium’s current bag, parking and entry policies.
Stay after the game for “The Eyes of Texas.”
Make restaurant or watch-party plans in advance.
Where Is DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium?
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, commonly called DKR, is located on the University of Texas at Austin campus at 405 East 23rd Street.
The stadium is surrounded by official pregame activities, public tailgates and campus landmarks. Parking and traffic can be challenging, so plan to arrive early and expect to walk.
Best Public UT Tailgates and Pregame Activities
You do not need a football ticket to enjoy many of UT’s official game-day experiences.
Bevo Boulevard
Bevo Boulevard transforms San Jacinto Boulevard into the ultimate Longhorn pregame street party. Fans come for food, drinks, games, photo opportunities and the Bevo and team arrival parades.
Longhorn City Limits
Located on LBJ Lawn near DKR, Longhorn City Limits is a free outdoor concert series featuring local and national musicians before select Texas home games.
Smokey’s Midway
Smokey’s Midway is a family-friendly carnival experience with free games, inflatable attractions, a Ferris wheel and State Fair-inspired food.
Big Bertha’s Bazaar
Located at the Moody Center plaza, Big Bertha’s Bazaar is a game-day marketplace featuring stylish Texas merchandise, exclusive product releases and an outdoor cocktail garden.
Hook ’Em Hangout
Hook ’Em Hangout is a relaxed pregame gathering spot with rotating Austin food trucks, cold drinks, live radio and televisions showing college football.
Best Places to Watch UT Football Games in Austin
If you do not have tickets to DKR, Austin has plenty of bars and restaurants where you can watch the Longhorns with a crowd.
Scholz Garten
📍 1607 San Jacinto Boulevard
This historic beer garden is one of Austin’s most iconic Longhorn gathering places. Fans love its proximity to the stadium, German food, cold drinks and energetic game-day crowd.
Victory Lap West Campus
📍 504 West 24th Street
Victory Lap is popular with students and younger fans because of its massive outdoor screen, frozen cocktails and lively all-orange atmosphere.
Posse East
📍 2900 Duval Street
A longtime campus favorite with a casual patio, burgers, cold pitchers and a loyal crowd of Texas fans.
Crown & Anchor Pub
📍 2911 San Jacinto Boulevard
This laid-back neighborhood pub offers affordable burgers, numerous beer choices and a convenient location near the UT campus.
Haymaker
📍 2310 Manor Road
Haymaker is a dependable football bar with numerous televisions, a large patio, hearty sandwiches and energetic watch parties.
The Tavern
📍 922 West 12th Street
This historic Austin sports bar is known for its relaxed pub atmosphere and televisions that can be seen from nearly every seat.
Central Machine Works
📍 4824 East César Chávez Street
This spacious East Austin beer hall offers large screens, house-brewed beer, pizza and plenty of room for groups.
Padel39 East Austin
📍 4716 East 5th Street
Padel39 features more than 40 televisions, an enormous screen, spacious grounds, food, drinks and an energetic social atmosphere.
Dainty Dillo
📍 3201 East César Chávez Street
Dainty Dillo is a playful East Austin hangout with multiple televisions, a large backyard, fire pits, cocktails and casual food.
Chalmers
📍 1700 East César Chávez Street
Chalmers is a major Austin watch-party destination with numerous televisions, two Jumbotrons, shaded outdoor seating and several food vendors.
What Should You Wear to a UT Football Game?
Burnt orange is the unofficial uniform of a Texas football Saturday. Because Austin remains warm during much of football season, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes are essential.
Shop for game-day outfits at:
University Co-op for official Texas Longhorns merchandise
Mazúr Boutique for curated women’s clothing and accessories
Adelante for elevated women’s game-day outfits
Howler Brothers for stylish men’s apparel
Bring sunscreen, a hat and a stadium-approved clear bag. For an evening game, pack a light layer for after sunset.
UT Football Traditions Every Fan Should Know
Bevo
Bevo is the University of Texas’ live Longhorn mascot and one of the most recognizable mascots in college sports. The tradition dates to 1916, and Bevo is cared for by the Silver Spurs.
Hook ’Em
Hook ’Em is UT’s energetic costumed mascot. He appears at athletic events, rallies and campus celebrations and is known for his dancing and playful personality.
AirHorn
AirHorn is Hook ’Em’s larger-than-life inflatable little brother. The towering mascot appears at fan festivals, rallies and special Texas Athletics events.
Smokey the Cannon
Smokey is fired when the Longhorns enter the field and after Texas scores. If you are close to the stadium, prepare for a very loud—and very exciting—boom.
Texas Fight
“Texas Fight” is the university’s official fight song. You will hear it throughout the game after important plays and Texas scores.
The Eyes of Texas
“The Eyes of Texas” is traditionally performed before and after Texas athletic events. Many fans remain in the stadium after the final whistle to sing it with the team.
UT Football Game-Day Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive for a UT football game?
Arrive at least three hours before kickoff if you want to explore the official pregame activities. Allow additional time for traffic, parking, security and walking to DKR.
Are the UT pregame activities free?
Bevo Boulevard, Longhorn City Limits, Smokey’s Midway, Hook ’Em Hangout and Big Bertha’s Bazaar are generally free to enter. Food, drinks and merchandise are sold separately.
Can I enjoy UT game day without a ticket?
Yes. Fans without tickets can visit the public pregame experiences and then watch the game at nearby destinations such as Scholz Garten, Victory Lap, Posse East or Crown & Anchor Pub.
What color should I wear to a Texas football game?
Wear burnt orange, white or a combination of both. Comfortable shoes are recommended because game day usually involves considerable walking.
Where can I find current game times and stadium policies?
Check the official Texas Athletics website before every game. Kickoff times, parking instructions, pregame schedules and stadium policies may change throughout the season.
Download the Free UT Football Game-Day Guide
Want all these recommendations in one easy guide?
My free UT Football Game-Day Guide includes public tailgates, watch-party locations, game-day outfit ideas, Texas traditions and a 16-item bucket list for the perfect Longhorn Saturday.