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Austin
Game Day

Next Home Game β€” Ohio StateΒ· Sep 5
172Days
08Hrs
48Min
32Sec
TBA

Quick Facts

School

University

Stadium

Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

Capacity

100,119

Conference

SEC

Local Bar Scene

Bar Districts in Austin

The neighborhoods where Austin fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe β€” here's where to find your crowd.

West 6th Street

Austin's premier entertainment district with upscale bars and rooftop venues. The heart of Longhorn gameday culture with massive crowds and burnt orange everywhere.

Rainey Street

Historic bungalows converted into bars and restaurants. Unique Austin atmosphere with outdoor patios and food trucks. Popular with younger crowds.

The Drag (Guadalupe Street)

Campus-adjacent strip with student bars and restaurants. Walking distance from the stadium with authentic college gameday energy.

2026 Football Schedule

Plan your game day around the University Texas Longhorns home schedule

Ohio StateHome

Sep 5

TBA
at MichiganAway

Sep 13

TBA
UTSAHome

Sep 19

TBA
at Mississippi StateAway

Sep 26

TBA
BYE WEEKNeutral

Oct 3

-
at OklahomaAway

Oct 10

TBA
GeorgiaHome

Oct 17

TBA
VanderbiltHome

Oct 24

TBA
at FloridaAway

Oct 31

TBA
BYE WEEKNeutral

Nov 7

-
ArkansasHome

Nov 14

TBA
at KentuckyAway

Nov 21

TBA
Texas A&MHome

Nov 28

TBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Austin brings classic Texas heat with scorching September games, warm October conditions perfect for 6th Street tailgates, and pleasant November matchups. The urban heat island effect makes DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium feel even hotter, but fall gradually brings relief to the Live Music Capital.

❄️ Toughest

September

Scorching Hot

93Β°

High

/

72Β°

Low

6 rainy days
Early season games are brutally hot. Hydrate constantly, wear burnt orange SPF gear, and seek shade. Barton Springs is popular for pre-game cooling off.

October

Warm & Sunny

84Β°

High

/

62Β°

Low

6 rainy days
Still warm but much more comfortable. Great weather for exploring 6th Street and outdoor tailgating. Perfect for the Red River Rivalry in Dallas.
⭐ Best Month

November

Perfect Fall Weather

73Β°

High

/

52Β°

Low

6 rainy days
Ideal weather for late-season games! Cool mornings, comfortable afternoons. Best time to experience Austin's full game day atmosphere and live music scene.

Game Day Packing List

  • Burnt orange Texas gear (light layers)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses (essential year-round)
  • Comfortable walking shoes for campus hills
  • Light jacket for November evening games
  • Portable phone charger for long game days
  • Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)

Best Time to Visit

November

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Toughest Months

September

Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.

Local Bar Guide

Best Bars in Austin on Game Day

The definitive guide to Austin's college bar scene β€” where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.

Scholz Garten

0.3 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#1

Atmosphere

Classic Longhorn Institution

Known For

Frozen MargaritasBrisket TacosLive MusicOutdoor Beer Garden

What to Order

Frozen Margarita & Brisket Tacos

The Tavern

0.6 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#2

Atmosphere

Rowdy Campus Bar

Known For

Craft BurgersTexas BeersGameday SpecialsPatio Seating

What to Order

Tavern Burger & Shiner Bock

Little Woodrow's

2.1 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#3

Atmosphere

Lively Sports Bar

Known For

Buffalo WingsFrozen BeerMultiple TVsOutdoor Space

What to Order

Buffalo Wings & Frozen Beer

Lustre Pearl

1.4 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#4

Atmosphere

Laid-Back Rainey Street

Known For

Craft CocktailsFood TrucksOutdoor PatioBungalow Bar

What to Order

Craft Cocktails & Food Truck Bites

Crown & Anchor Pub

0.5 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#5

Atmosphere

Relaxed British Pub

Known For

Imported AlesFish & ChipsPub GrubCampus Crowd

What to Order

Fish & Chips & Imported Ales

Haymaker

1.8 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#6

Atmosphere

Hip East Austin Hangout

Known For

Craft CocktailsSmash BurgersEast Austin VibeElevated Pub Food

What to Order

Smash Burger & House Cocktail

Bar Hopping Guide

Austin Game Day Bar Hopping Guide

The best order to hit Austin's top bars on game day β€” optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.

Interactive Bar Hopping Map5 stops Β· 1.9 miles

Start

Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Est. Time

4–5 hours

Total Distance

1.9 miles

Start Here

Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

1
Stop 1First Stop

Scholz Garten

1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

The most iconic Longhorn gameday destination in Austin β€” open since 1866, this legendary beer garden is packed with burnt orange fans, live music, and frozen margaritas hours before kickoff. No Texas gameday is complete without starting here.
Get Directions
5 min walk (0.3 mi)
2
Stop 2

Crown & Anchor Pub

2911 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78705

A beloved British-style pub right near campus with an excellent beer selection and a welcoming crowd. More relaxed than Scholz Garten but equally packed with Longhorn faithful on gameday.
Get Directions
7 min walk (0.4 mi)
3
Stop 3

The Tavern

922 W 12th St, Austin, TX 78703

Legendary campus bar with a massive patio and rowdy Texas crowds. The Tavern Burger and a cold Shiner Bock are the mandatory order β€” fuel up here before the second half of the crawl.
Get Directions
10 min walk (0.6 mi)
4
Stop 4

Lustre Pearl

97 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

Rainey Street's most iconic bungalow bar β€” outdoor patio, food trucks, and a laid-back Austin vibe that's a perfect contrast to the campus energy. Craft cocktails and a more relaxed crowd make this a great mid-crawl breather.
Get Directions
9 min walk (0.6 mi)
5
Stop 5Final Stop

Haymaker

2310 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

End the crawl at this hip East Austin bar with elevated pub food and craft cocktails. The smash burger and house cocktail are legendary β€” the perfect final stop before heading to the Forty Acres.
Get Directions

End Point

Haymaker, 2310 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

Pro Tip

Scholz Garten is the sacred starting point β€” it has been serving Longhorn fans since 1866 and predates UT itself. Grab a frozen margarita to-go (it's legal in Austin!) and walk between stops. Learn 'The Eyes of Texas' and 'Texas Fight' before you arrive β€” you'll hear them constantly. Hook 'Em Horns at every stop.

Fan Culture

Austin Game Day Traditions

What makes Texas Longhorns game day unique β€” the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.

The Eyes of Texas

After every game

Texas's iconic alma mater "The Eyes of Texas" is sung by the entire stadium after every game β€” win or lose. The song dates to 1903 and is one of the most recognized fight songs in college football. Fans lock arms and sway,000 voices fill the Forty Acres.

"The Eyes of Texas" has been sung after every game since 1903 β€” over 120 years of unbroken tradition.

Hook 'Em Horns Hand Sign

Throughout every game and all gameday festivities

The iconic "Hook 'Em Horns" hand sign β€” index and pinky fingers raised β€” is the universal symbol of Texas Longhorn pride. Fans flash it constantly throughout the game, in photos, and across Austin on gameday. It was introduced by head cheerleader Harley Clark in 1955.

The Hook 'Em sign has been flashed by presidents, celebrities, and 100,000 fans at every Texas game since 1955.

Longhorn Band March

2 hours before kickoff

The University of Texas Longhorn Band β€” one of the largest in the nation β€” marches from the band hall to Darrell K Royal Stadium two hours before kickoff. Fans line the route to cheer them on play "Texas Fight" and "The Eyes of Texas" through the streets of campus.

The UT Longhorn Band has over 400 members and is one of the most storied marching bands in college football.

Bevo the Longhorn Mascot

Every home game on the sideline

Bevo, the massive Texas Longhorn steer, stands on the sideline at every home game living symbol of Longhorn football. The current Bevo XV weighs over 1,800 pounds and is escorted by the Silver Spurs, a longstanding student organization dedicated to his care.

Bevo has been the Texas mascot since 1916 β€” the current steer weighs nearly a ton and commands the sideline.

Texas Fight Song

After every Texas score

"Texas Fight" is the rousing fight song played by the Longhorn Band after every score and throughout the game. The entire stadium erupts in the chant "Texas Fight! Texas Fight! And it's goodbye to A&M!" β€” a direct nod to the historic rivalry with Texas A&M.

"Texas Fight" directly references the rivalry with Texas A&M β€” a tradition that has outlasted the teams being in the same conference.

Scholz Garten Pre-Game Ritual

3-4 hours before every home kickoff

Scholz Garten, open since 1866, is the oldest operating business in Austin and the sacred pre-game gathering spot for Longhorn faithful. Alumni, students, and fans pack the legendary beer garden hours before kickoff for frozen margaritas, brisket tacos, and live music.

Scholz Garten has been serving Longhorn fans since 1866 β€” it predates the University of Texas itself.
Fuel Up Before the Game

Best Game Day Food in Austin

Top spots to eat before or after the game β€” ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.

$$Open Game Day

Scholz Garten

Beer Garden & Texas Classics Β· 0.3 miles from stadium

4.5 (4312 reviews)

Open since 1866, Scholz Garten is Austin's most iconic gameday food destination. The brisket tacos and frozen margaritas are legendary. Thousands of burnt orange fans pack the outdoor beer garden hours before kickoff.

Must order: Brisket Tacos
Get Directions
$Open Game Day

Torchy's Tacos

Tacos & Tex-Mex Β· 0.8 miles from stadium

4.6 (6841 reviews)

An Austin original and a Longhorn gameday staple. The Trailer Park taco β€” fried chicken, green chiles, and queso β€” is one of the most beloved bites in Texas. Multiple locations near campus make it easy to grab before the game.

Must order: Trailer Park Taco
Get Directions
$$$Open Game Day

Franklin Barbecue

Texas BBQ Β· 1.4 miles from stadium

4.8 (9203 reviews)

Widely considered the best BBQ in America. Lines form before dawn, but the melt-in-your-mouth brisket is worth every minute. A true Austin pilgrimage for serious gameday food lovers β€” plan ahead and arrive early.

Must order: Brisket
Get Directions
$Open Game Day

Juan in a Million

Breakfast Tacos Β· 2.1 miles from stadium

4.7 (5127 reviews)

Home of the legendary Don Juan taco β€” a massive breakfast taco stuffed with eggs, potato, bacon, and cheese. The ultimate early-morning gameday fuel. Cash only, but the line moves fast and the tacos are worth it.

Must order: Don Juan Taco
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Craft Burgers Β· 1.1 miles from stadium

4.5 (3876 reviews)

Austin's premier craft burger destination with fresh-ground beef and creative toppings. The Magic Shroom burger with truffle aioli is a gameday favorite. Multiple locations near campus and South Congress.

Must order: Magic Shroom Burger
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Stubb's BBQ

BBQ & Live Music Β· 1.6 miles from stadium

4.4 (7234 reviews)

Austin's most famous outdoor music venue also serves outstanding BBQ. The pulled pork plate with jalapeΓ±o cornbread is a gameday classic. The outdoor amphitheater atmosphere makes it one of the most unique pre-game spots in the country.

Must order: Pulled Pork Plate
Get Directions

Best Neighborhoods for Bar Hopping

The top districts in Austin for game day bar crawls and nightlife.

West 6th Street

Austin's premier entertainment district with upscale bars and rooftop venues. The heart of Longhorn gameday culture with massive crowds and burnt orange everywhere.

Rainey Street

Historic bungalows converted into bars and restaurants. Unique Austin atmosphere with outdoor patios and food trucks. Popular with younger crowds.

The Drag (Guadalupe Street)

Campus-adjacent strip with student bars and restaurants. Walking distance from the stadium with authentic college gameday energy.

Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Austin GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Texas Longhorns football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

Tailgate Zones

LBJ LawnOpens TBD

Premier tailgate destination on the north side of the stadium. Thousands of Longhorns gather here with elaborate setups. Arrive very early for spots.

San Jacinto Garage LotsOpens TBD

Large parking area east of the stadium. Popular with RV tailgaters and large groups. Requires parking pass.

Intramural FieldsOpens TBD

Grass tailgate area with relaxed atmosphere. Popular with alumni groups and families. More space than LBJ Lawn.

Parking & Transit Tips

  • Parking passes are required for most lots and sell out quickly through Texas Athletics.
  • Parking is expensive ($40-$100) β€” plan ahead and purchase passes early.
  • Free Park & Ride shuttles run from satellite lots β€” a great alternative to driving.
  • Arrive 4+ hours early for premium spots near the stadium.
  • Consider rideshare to avoid parking hassles entirely on big SEC game days.

Rideshare Drop-off

Rideshare drop-off is located at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and San Jacinto Blvd. It's a 5-minute walk to the stadium.

Shuttle Service

Free CapMetro shuttles run from downtown Austin and satellite parking lots starting 3 hours before kickoff. Return shuttles run for 2 hours after the game. UT Shuttle routes also serve the stadium.

Where to Stay

Top hotels near Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium for game day weekend

The Driskill

$$$$
from stadium
  • Historic luxury hotel in downtown Austin. Walking distance to West 6th and Rainey Street. The premier gameday hotel. Book 6-12 months in advance.
Historic luxury hotel in downtown Austin. Walking distance to West 6th and Rainey Street. The premier gameday hotel. Book 6-12 months in advance.

Hotel Ella

$$$
from stadium
  • Boutique hotel near campus with Southern charm. Walking distance to The Drag and stadium. Excellent gameday location.
Boutique hotel near campus with Southern charm. Walking distance to The Drag and stadium. Excellent gameday location.

Fairmont Austin

$$$
from stadium
  • Modern luxury hotel downtown with rooftop pool. 15-minute rideshare to stadium. Great for exploring Austin nightlife.
Modern luxury hotel downtown with rooftop pool. 15-minute rideshare to stadium. Great for exploring Austin nightlife.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Austin game day bar crawls

Know Austin's Bar Scene Better Than Anyone

Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, and discover where Texas Longhorns fans drink on game day.

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