Roadrunners Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Jeff Traylor

Team Mascot: Rowdy

Year Opened: 1993

Capacity: 36582

City / State: San Antonio / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

I-35 Maroon/Orange Rivalry

Rival Team: Texas State Bobcats

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.

 

Traditions

Spirit Walk

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.

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Roadrunner Station

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

Things to check out

San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute

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.

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Come & Take it Flag

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.

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Rowdy Rush

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.

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Rowdy

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.

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The Spirit of San Antonio

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.

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Fight Songs

  1. Go Roadrunner, Go

    Fight Song

    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.

  2. 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

Roadrunners Bars & Restaurants

  1. On The Rocks Pub

    On The Rocks Pub

    On The Rocks Pub is your classic pub offering Live music craft beers and creative cocktails influenced and created by the Owner Justin Vitek.

    270 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-228-0000

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  2. The Esquire Tavern

    The Esquire Tavern

    The quintessential downtown bar: dark, cool, redolent with history, and serving cold, cold beer, swanky cocktails, and excellent food.

    155 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Leapin’ Lizard Pub

    Leapin Lizard Pub

    Stop by for a good beer and check out their awesome dj!

    302 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-271-9494

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  4. The Local Bar

    The Local Bar

    Downtown's Friendliest neighborhood bar, where the locals hangout!

    600 N Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-267-9885

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Mad Dogs British Pub

    Mad Dogs British Pub

    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.

    123 Losoya St #19, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-222-0220

    Bar website

    european - $$

  6. Filling Station Tap Room

    Filling Station Tap Room

    Great beer at great prices at the gateway to King William.

    701 S St Mary\'s St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-444-2200

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  7. The Historic Bar America

    The Historic Bar America

    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!

    723 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-223-1285

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Fig Tree Restaurant

    Fig Tree Restaurant

    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.

    515 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-224-1976

    Bar website

    american - european - $$$

  9. Schilo’s Delicatessen

    Schilos Delicatessen

    Known for our Root Beer, Split Pea Soup, Reuben Sandwiches, and Hot Mustard, Schilo's has been a landmark German tradition since 1917.

    424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-223-6692

    Bar website

    european - $

  10. Casa Rio

    Casa Rio

    Casa Rio was the first San Antonio business to open its doors to the River and take advantage of the River's setting.

    430 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-225-6718

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  11. Acenar

    Acenar

    Guests will enjoy Texas regional Mexican dishes along with tantalizing tastes inspired by the history and heritage of these two cultures.

    146 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

    210-222-2362

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  12. Biga on the Banks

    Biga on the Banks

    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

    210-225-0722

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  13. Bliss

    Bliss

    "The food is superb. The service, flawless. They have a passion for being the best."

    926 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78210, USA

    210-225-2547

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  14. Hot Joy

    Hot Joy

    Spectacularly amazing, flavorful Asian cuisine!

    1014 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210, USA

    210-368-9324

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  15. Saltgrass Steak House

    Saltgrass Steak House

    Great Food. Legendary hospitality.

    11745 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA

    210-641-6447

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$