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.
Traditions
Stadium Stampede
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.
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Torchlight Parade and Rally
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.
Watch video
The Drag
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.
UT Tower
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.
Watch video
Torchlight Parade and Rally
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.
Watch video
Where to tailgate
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
