The Texas/OU Sooners rivalry is one of the biggest in all of college sports. The name comes from the river that forms part of the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma. Red River Shootout trophies are given out at the game, most notably the Golden Hat which is a gold ten-gallon hat that the athletic department of the winning school holds onto until the next showdown. Even the governor’s of Oklahoma and Texas get involved: the losing Governor has to present a side of beef to the winning governor who is then given to charity. This rivalry game makes for a great tailgating experience.
Every year before the Texas A&M game, UT fans gather for the Hex Rally. Dating back to 1941, the tradition started when a group of students went to a clairvoyant to figure out how to beat an undefeated Texas A&M, in which they were told to burn red candles en masse since they represented challenge and opposition. They did as they were told and ended up upsetting the Aggies to a 23-0 victory. Since then, the tradition has stuck and is now attended by players and coaches and is a great start to one of the largest weekends in Texas football.
The winner of the annual Texas - Texas Tech game receives the Chancellor’s Spurs. The rivalry between these schools dates back to 1928 when the Longhorns shut out the Tech 12-0. The Longhorns lead the all-time series 49-15 and have won the last six meetings, so come to Austin and watch them make it seven in a row.
Longhorns Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
There is arguably no better tailgating in the Big 12 than the tailgating at the University of Texas. Austin comes alive on Saturday’s, and the streets are filled with smokers, Shiner Bock, and thousands of fans celebrating one of Texas’ most beloved traditions. You’ll want to get here early and stay late as you’ll feel you’ve died and gone to tailgate heaven when in Austin during a Saturday in the fall.
Texas fans tailgate hard as you’ll notice the minute you arrive in Austin. Everywhere you go, you’ll see people decked out in burnt orange and white. The area around campus on game day is crazy as all you’ll be able to see burnt orange tents and grills for miles and miles. Make sure to put on your Longhorn bests to make friends quickly as there is a great deal of camaraderie between Texas fans.
The tailgate parties in Austin are some the largest and most extravagant you’ll find anywhere in the country. The fans go all out here to make sure they put on a great party for not only their friends and family but also for people who just join in. You’ll find a great selection of drinks here as well as some of the best barbecue you’ll ever have. Just make sure that if you plan to join in on a tailgate party that you either help set up or make a donation. You’ll have a blast tailgating at UT as Longhorns fans put on some of the best tailgates in the nation.
Fans can greet the Longhorns before each home game at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium. Fans line up down 23rd Street to the north gate of the stadium in anticipation of the Longhorns’ arrival. As the players and coaches unload off the buses, fans decked out in burnt orange and white cheer them on and amped them up before kickoff. Join the stampede for a chance to get up close with Longhorns players and coaches.
Every year before the Longhorns Thanksgiving game fans march to the Main Mall in front of the Tower carrying torchlights. The tradition dates back to 1897 and is believed to give the Longhorns good luck, so if you're in town during this time of year make sure to take place in this outstanding tradition.
A nickname given to a portion of Guadalupe Street that runs along the western edge of the UT campus. This is the perfect spot to go before game day to get your UT gear for kickoff. Stop by The Drag if you’re looking to score some Longhorns gear or grab a quick bite to eat.
A very iconic part of the UT campus is the UT Tower. The tower was opened in 1937 and is still one of the defining pieces of architecture on the UT campus. The tip is lit with a burnt orange light after each regular season win and entirely drenched in orange light when Texas beats A&M or wins the conference title. Make sure to snap a picture of the UT Tower to get the full Texas game day experience.
Etter-Harbin Alumni CenterAt the Alumni Center you’ll find the Texas Exes tailgate, which is free to Texas Exes members. If you’re looking to grab some food or a drink, then this is a great place to stop by.
East side of I-35 near UFCU Disch-Falk Field If you’re looking to set up your tailgate spot then this area near Disch-Falk Field will do the trick.
17th and CongressOne of the more active spots for tailgating is at 17th and Congress, which is within walking distance of AM1300 The Zone’s Bevo Boulevard and ESPN Austin Game Day Show at Scholz’s.
The DragA nickname given to a portion of Guadalupe Street that runs along the western edge of the UT campus. This is the perfect spot to go before game day to get your UT gear for kickoff. Stop by The Drag if you’re looking to score some Longhorns gear or grab a quick bite to eat.
Longhorns Stadium Guide
In Game
Everything’s Bigger in Texas and Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium is no exception. The stadium is absolutely massive with an official seating capacity of 100,119. Memorial Stadium is the ninth largest stadium in the United States and the thirteenth largest stadium in the world. All you’ll see when you enter the stadium is burnt orange everywhere, and the enormous scoreboard is known as Godzillatron. It can be overwhelming coming into Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium particularly as a visiting fan, however, that is a big part of what makes a trip to Austin such a special experience. ‘
The pageantry and traditions are out on full display at a Texas game as there is a lot to experience here. One of the biggest traditions is the Longhorns’ mascot Bevo who can be seen throughout the game. He is one of the most well-known live animal mascots and is a treat to see for fans young and old. The band at UT is also great as their Script Texas routine is one of the most famous in all of football. There are lots of unique traditions at Texas, so be sure to join in all of them to get the most out of your game day experience.
Football is king in Texas, so the action on the field won’t be outdone by the pageantry and tradition. The Longhorns are usually one of the best teams in the Big 12 and the fans in Austin respond accordingly as they are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable fans out there. Join in on the chants and cheers and you’ll make friends quickly with those around you as everyone bonds together over their love of the Longhorns.
Lastly, it doesn’t matter where you end up sitting at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium since there isn’t a bad seat in the house. While the 50-yard line offers the best overall view, you’ll find you get a great value if you buy tickets in the upper deck of the north end zone or southwest corner. No matter where you sit, you’ll have an excellent time experiencing one of the greatest atmospheres in sports while at a Texas Longhorns football game.
Bevo is a burnt orange colored Texas longhorn steer and has been the official mascot of Texas University since 1916. Bevo is one of the most famous mascots in all of sports and can be seen at every Texas home game as well as away games. Keep your eyes peeled for Bevo as he is quite the sight to behold.
The Godzillatron is 81 feet by 136 feet and was the largest high definition scoreboard in the world when it was built. It’s absolutely huge, so there is no way you’ll miss it when attending a Longhorns game.
UT’s Alpha Phi Omega chapter has been running the massive 75 feet by 125 feet flag at UT football games since the Thanksgiving game against A&M in 1962. It is showcased at the beginning of each home game and covers most of the field at DKR stadium. Check out this flag to get in the Texas game day spirit.
According to the University of Texas Big Bertha is the largest drum in the world. The drum gets its name from the Big Bertha Howitzer and stands over 10 feet tall. Look out for the drum at halftime and listen for it after every Longhorns score.
The famous hand signal of all Texas Longhorn fans is almost always coupled with the saying “Hook em!” or “Hook em Horns!” The signal is made by extending your index and pinky fingers while your middle and ring finger are held down by your thumb.
In the south end zone of the stadium, Smokey the Cannon can be heard after each Texas score and after Texas victories. The cannon fires blank shotgun shells and is operated by a men’s service campus organization entitled Texas Cowboys.
Nicknamed the Showband of the Southwest, the UT marching band is one of the most recognizable in college football and they do an amazing job of keeping the energy and spirit level high in DKR Stadium. Script Texas is one of their signature performances, so stay in your seat at halftime to witness this wonderful display.’
No matter the situation or the time of the game, if you yell Texas, someone will surely respond with a “Fight!”. It’s one of the more popular chants that can be heard throughout Longhorn games, so don’t be afraid to join in when you hear it.
Texas Fight, Texas Fight, And it’s goodbye to A&M. Texas Fight, Texas Fight, And we’ll put over one more win. Texas Fight, Texas Fight, For it’s Texas that we love best. Hail, Hail, The gang’s all here, And it’s good-bye to all the rest!
The Eyes of Texas are upon you, All the livelong day. The Eyes of Texas are upon you, You cannot get away. Texas Fight, Texas Fight, For it’s Texas that we love best. Hail, Hail, The gang’s all here, And it good-bye to all the rest!
The Eyes of Texas
The song sung at each game was originally created as a poem. It is now a staple of Longhorn football and is sung to the tune of “I’ve been working on the railroad”. Nothing like singing with 100,000 people to unify and celebrate a great tradition of Texas football.
The Eyes of Texas are upon you, All the live long day. The Eyes of Texas are upon you, You can not get away. Do not think you can escape them At night or early in the morn The Eyes of Texas are upon you ‘Till Gabriel blows his horn.
Enjoy a plethora of beer on tap and a full bar while hanging out with friends at the hottest restaurant patio in West Campus. Cain and Abel’s serves American food with a Texas Drawl!
They’ve always sought to serve good, homemade quality food that is local, healthy and affordable while providing a welcoming and memorable experience to all who come through our doors.
Watch video
#/media/File:Big_Bertha.jpg){kind=link}