Texas State and the University of Texas, San Antonio have a long-standing rivalry, which began in 1991 when UTSA joined the Southland Conference. Recently, the two schools have moved their rivalry from the hardcourt to the gridiron. The two teams met for the first time in 2012 when Texas, San Antonio beat Texas State 38-31 at the Alamodome in front of a WAC record crowd of 39,032 fans. Both schools hope to develop a strong football rivalry over the next few years.
Roadrunners Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
UTSA is a relatively new football program, but the tailgate scene outside of the Alamodome has already started to grow into one you wouldn’t want to miss. The Alamodome has an official capacity over 65,000 with limited parking, but fans still find room to tailgate. Most of the students from the school come out to the game since it’s less than 20 minutes away from campus creating a fun and festive atmosphere similar to those found at on-campus stadiums.
On weekday games the lots will open at 1 pm and weekends at 8 am, but you’ll want to line up hours before to ensure you get a good spot. The lots fill quickly as pickups, campers and RV’s storm the stadium. As you walk through the tailgate, you’ll see many fans bring in their large smokers for Texas BBQ. In addition to the great food, the fans play a variety of drinking games and throw the football around.
There are a few unique food items to be on the lookout for when walking through the tailgate. The fans have introduced UTSA inspired food items such as the Blue and Orange Slaw, Spicy Grilled French Fries, Smoked Corn Chowder, and Chili Beer marinated brats. These delicious UTSA style foods will ensure that you’ll never leave a Roadrunners tailgate without feeling full.
Approximately two and half hours before kickoff all the fans gather together to cheer on the team as they enter the stadium. During the Spirit Walk, everyone gathers around Hoefgen Avenue as Rowdy, the cheerleaders, and marching band leads the team into the stadium. This gameday tradition gets everyone pumped up and ready for the game and is quickly becoming a staple of UTSA game days.
The official alumni tailgate offers fans the opportunity to tailgate with fellow Roadrunner fans. The tailgate starts three hours before kickoff and serves plenty of food, beer, and other beverages.
Roadrunner StationThe official alumni tailgate offers fans the opportunity to tailgate with fellow Roadrunner fans. The tailgate starts three hours before kickoff and serves plenty of food, beer, and other beverages.
Lot C and B of the AlamodomeThe biggest and best tailgates are located in these lots, so when making your way to the Stadium make sure to stop to get a good idea of just how seriously UTSA fans take tailgating.
Roadrunners Stadium Guide
In Game
UTSA is a brand new program, and the fans are jumping on board as fast as they can. San Antonio built the Alamodome with the hopes of luring an NFL team to the city and never succeeded, so fans have adopted UTSA as their local football team. You’ll find the fans strongly identify with the team and even though the program hasn’t exactly been off to the best start the fans still come out in strong numbers each week filling the lower bowl of the Alamodome. The fans are extremely welcoming as well, so you’ll have no problem making friends regardless of what team you support.
One of the best things about the stadium itself is the dome, it keeps in all the crowd noise and can become deafening during key moments throughout the game. The loud crowd noise creates a very hostile environment for an opposing player and gives the Roadrunners a significant edge. The resonant acoustics of the dome create a great atmosphere that is one of the loudest in all of Conference USA.
The Alamodome was built to be an NFL stadium. As a result, the concessions among the best around. The stadium serves the usual gameday favorites but also features gourmet dogs, fajitas, a salad bar, barbecue, pizza, and Earl Campbell’s Hot Links sandwiches. Also, the stadium’s off campus location allows for alcohol sales during UTSA games, so you’ll be able to wash down your food with a cold beer.
The Hall of Fame features tributes to many of the greatest athletes in San Antonio’s history. Here you’ll find plaques dedicated to David Robinson, Avery Johnson, Priest Holmes, and many more. Stop by the Hall of Fame on the plaza level before heading to your seat to watch the game.
Before every UTSA game, Rowdy or a special guest leads the team onto the field while carrying the “Come and Take it” flag. The motto stems from the Battle of Gonzales during the Texas Revolution and has become a rallying cry for Roadrunners fans as well.
Each year the freshman class rushes the field and forms a tunnel with the band to welcome the team. This great tradition does an excellent job of welcoming new students and motivates the team.
Rowdy is the official mascot of the UTSA Roadrunners, and his origin can be traced back to 1977. Since then Rowdy has become a fan favorite entertaining the crowds all throughout the game. Keep your eyes peeled for Rowdy on the sidelines as he is sure to put a smile on your face.
The Spirit of San Antonio band provides excellent music to accompany the action on the field. Whether it’s before the game, halftime, or during the game, the band always plays the right note to energize the crowd and give the players on the field an extra spark.
Go, Roadrunners, Go! On to victory with all your might. Fight, Roadrunners, Fight! For the Blue and the Orange and the White. We fight for U-T-S-A Alma Mater proud and strong. Win, Roadrunners, Win! And unite in our battle song.
Alma Mater
From our hills of oak and cedar To the Alamo, Voices raised will echo As, in song, our praises flow. Hail Alma Mater! Through the years our loyalty will grow. The University of Texas San Antonio
MadDogs is an AUTHENTIC BRITISH theme pub. We offer a full range of draft & bottled IMPORTED BEERS, ice cool exotic cocktails and extensive domestic beverage options.
At Bar America we have a passion for craft beer, and we support our local San Antonio breweries. We have a 24 tap system, and over 50 canned and bottled beer, and our kitchen puts out some amazing bar grub 6 days a week!
Whether dining in the cozy interior or on the outdoor villa-style terrace overlooking the San Antonio River, exquisite food and impeccable service are mainstays of the Fig Tree Restaurant.
Welcome to San Antonio’s favorite fine dining on the Riverwalk. Great for foodies, romantic celebrations, pre-theater, private dining for groups 10-200.
203 S St Mary\'s St #100, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Watch video
