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Austin
Game Day

Next Home Game — Texas State· Sep 5, 2026
172Days
11Hrs
22Min
39Sec
TBATBA

Quick Facts

School

University of Texas at Austin

Stadium

Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

Capacity

100,119

Conference

Big 12

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 — here's where to find your crowd.

West Campus

The epicenter of Longhorn gameday with packed bars, outdoor patios, and burnt orange everywhere

Notable Bars

Gameday central
Walking distance to stadium
Hook Em Horns atmosphere

Sixth Street

Austin's legendary entertainment district with live music, bars, and electric gameday energy

Notable Bars

Live music
Entertainment district
Nightlife

Rainey Street

Trendy bar district with converted bungalows, craft cocktails, and a more upscale pre-game vibe

Notable Bars

Craft cocktails
Bungalow bars
Upscale atmosphere

2026 Football Schedule

Plan your game day around the University of Texas at Austin Texas Longhorns home schedule

Texas StateHome

Sep 5, 2026

TBA· TBA
Ohio StateHome

Sep 12, 2026

TBA· TBA
UTSAHome

Sep 19, 2026

TBA· TBA
at TennesseeAway

Sep 26, 2026

TBA· TBA
Oklahoma (Red River)Neutral

Oct 10, 2026

TBA· TBA
FloridaHome

Oct 17, 2026

TBA· TBA
Ole MissHome

Oct 24, 2026

TBA· TBA
Mississippi StateHome

Oct 31, 2026

TBA· TBA
at MissouriAway

Nov 7, 2026

TBA· TBA
at LSUAway

Nov 14, 2026

TBA· TBA
ArkansasHome

Nov 21, 2026

TBA· TBA
at Texas A&MAway

Nov 27, 2026

TBA· TBA

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

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Austin features hot, humid early-season games transitioning to mild, pleasant fall weather. September can be sweltering with temperatures in the 90s, while November brings comfortable 70s perfect for tailgating. Occasional thunderstorms are possible, especially in early fall.

❄️ Toughest

September

Hot & Humid

92°

High

/

72°

Low

6 rainy days
Hydrate constantly and seek shade. Afternoon thunderstorms can pop up quickly.
⭐ Best Month

October

Warm & Pleasant

83°

High

/

62°

Low

5 rainy days
Perfect football weather! Mornings can be cool, afternoons warm. Light layers recommended.
⭐ Best Month

November

Mild & Comfortable

72°

High

/

51°

Low

5 rainy days
Ideal tailgating weather. Bring a light jacket for evening games drop after sunset.

Game Day Packing List

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for early season
  • Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Light jacket or hoodie for November games
  • Rain poncho for sudden storms
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Burnt orange gear to blend in with Longhorns fans

Best Time to Visit

OctoberNovember

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 — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.

Scholz Garten

0.5 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#1

Atmosphere

Texas institution

Known For

Oldest beer garden in TexasOutdoor spaceLonghorn traditions

Cain & Abel's

0.4 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#2

Atmosphere

College bar classic

Known For

Rooftop patioCheap drinksPacked gamedays

The Tavern

0.6 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#3

Atmosphere

Sports bar

Known For

Giant screensWingsGameday specials

Crown & Anchor Pub

0.5 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#4

Atmosphere

British pub

Known For

Imported beersPub foodGameday atmosphere

Austin Beer Garden Brewing

2.1 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#5

Atmosphere

Craft brewery

Known For

Local brewsOutdoor spaceGameday releases

The Library

0.7 miles from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

#6

Atmosphere

Dive bar

Known For

Cheap drinksPool tablesNo-frills fun
Bar Hopping Guide

Austin Game Day Bar Hopping Guide

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

Interactive Bar Hopping Map7 stops · 2.6 miles

Start

Dutch's Hamburgers

Est. Time

4 hours

Total Distance

2.6 miles

Start Here

Dutch's Hamburgers

Starting point
1
Stop 1First Stop

Dutch's Hamburgers

3009 S University Dr, Austin, TX 76109

TCU institution since the 1950s serving legendary burgers and cold beer. Cash only, arrive early for a table. This is where generations of Horned Frogs fans have started their gamedays with breakfast and Bloody Marys.
Get Directions
8 min walk (0.4 mi)
2
Stop 2

Crown & Anchor Pub

2911 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78705

British pub with imported beers and authentic pub fare. The outdoor patio fills with Longhorns fans, and the fish & chips are legendary. Great spot to pace yourself with quality food and craft beers.
Get Directions
5 min walk (0.3 mi)
3
Stop 3

The Library

3413 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705

Classic dive bar on The Drag with cheap drinks, pool tables, and no-frills fun. Cash speeds up service. This is where students and alumni mix for shots and beer before the walk to DKR Stadium.
Get Directions
6 min walk (0.3 mi)
4
Stop 4

Cain & Abel's

2313 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705

Legendary rooftop patio with views of campus and the stadium. Cheap drinks, packed gameday atmosphere, and the perfect spot to rally before kickoff. The rooftop is where the Hook Em Horns chants echo.
Get Directions
7 min walk (0.4 mi)
5
Stop 5

The Tavern

922 W 12th St, Austin, TX 78703

Sports bar with giant screens, wings, and gameday specials. Multiple rooms and patios mean there's always space. The wings are some of the best in Austin, and the Longhorn energy is electric.
Get Directions
15 min walk (0.7 mi) or rideshare recommended
6
Stop 6

Austin Beer Garden Brewing

1305 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704

Massive outdoor brewery with house-made beers and food trucks. The Hell Yes! Helles and other gameday releases are brewed on-site. End your crawl here with local craft beer under the Texas sun.
Get Directions
10 min walk (0.5 mi) from Cain & Abel's
7
Stop 7Final Stop

Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

2139 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78712

Home of the Texas Longhorns since 1924. Capacity 100,119. Arrive 30 minutes before kickoff to hear 'The Eyes of Texas' and see Bevo on the sideline. One of college football's most iconic venues.
Get Directions

End Point

Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium

Pro Tip

Start at Dutch's 4 hours before kickoff for breakfast and burgers. The walk from Cain & Abel's to DKR Stadium is only 10 minutes — time it so you arrive 30 minutes before kickoff to hear 'The Eyes of Texas' and see Bevo on the sideline.

Fan Culture

Austin Game Day Traditions

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

"The Eyes of Texas" Alma Mater

After every game

After every game — win or lose — the entire stadium stands and sings "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You." Players face the crowd, fans lock arms, and the song echoes through DKR Stadium. It's one of college football's most powerful post-game rituals, dating back to 1903.

A 120-year-old tradition that unites every Longhorn

Hook 'Em Horns Hand Sign

All game long

The iconic two-fingered hand sign — index and pinky extended — is flashed by every Longhorn fan at every score, every big play, and every photo. Created in 1955 by head cheerleader Harley Clark, it's recognized worldwide symbol of Texas pride.

The most recognized hand sign in college football

Bevo the Longhorn Mascot

All home games

Bevo, a massive Texas Longhorn steer, stands on the sideline at every home game. The tradition dates to 1916, and Bevo XVI is the current mascot. Fans love getting photos with Bevo before the game — arrive early to catch him near the south end zone.

One of college football's most iconic live mascots

Texas Fight Song & Big Bertha

After every score

"Texas Fight" is belted out after every score, led by the Longhorn Band and Big Bertha — the world's largest bass drum at 54 inches in diameter. The drum's thunderous boom can be felt in your chest from across the stadium.

Big Bertha is the world's largest bass drum

Smokey the Cannon

After every score

A cannon fires after every Longhorn touchdown and field goal, sending a plume of smoke into the Austin sky. The boom rattles the stadium and sends the crowd into a frenzy. It's been a DKR tradition for decades.

The cannon boom you feel in your chest

The Longhorn Band March-In

45 minutes before kickoff

The Longhorn Band — one of the largest in the nation — marches into DKR Stadium before kickoff playing "Texas Fight." The procession through the stadium is electric, and fans line the concourse to cheer them in.

One of the largest college bands in America
Fuel Up Before the Game

Best Game Day Food in Austin

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

$$Open Game Day

Franklin Barbecue

World-Famous BBQ · 1.8 miles from stadium

The most celebrated BBQ joint in America and an Austin gameday pilgrimage. Aaron Franklin's brisket — with its perfect smoke ring and buttery bark — is worth the legendary line. Arrive by 8 AM on gamedays; they sell out by noon. Bring a cooler and make it a tailgate.

Must order: Brisket by the pound with jalapeño cheddar sausage
$Open Game Day

Juan in a Million

Tex-Mex Breakfast · 2.1 miles from stadium

Austin's most iconic breakfast taco spot and a gameday morning institution. The Don Juan taco is massive — stuffed with eggs, crispy potatoes, bacon, and melted cheese. Cheap, fast, and the perfect fuel before a long day of Hook Em Horns. Cash only.

Must order: Don Juan breakfast taco — egg, potato, bacon & cheese
$Open Game Day

Torchy's Tacos

Taco Joint · 0.8 miles from stadium

Austin's beloved taco chain started food trailer and became a Texas institution. The Trailer Park taco — fried chicken, green chiles, and queso on a flour tortilla — is the ultimate gameday bite. Multiple locations near campus mean no long waits.

Must order: Trailer Park taco (fried chicken, green chiles, queso)
$$Open Game Day

Stubb's BBQ

BBQ & Live Music Venue · 1.5 miles from stadium

Legendary Austin BBQ joint and outdoor music venue that hosts live bands on gameday afternoons. The pulled pork sandwich is outstanding, and the outdoor amphitheater atmosphere is unlike anything else in college football. Combine great food with live Texas music.

Must order: Pulled pork sandwich with jalapeño coleslaw
$$Open Game Day

Kerbey Lane Cafe

All-Day Diner · 0.9 miles from stadium

Austin's beloved 24-hour diner with a West Campus location perfect for gameday brunch. The gingerbread pancakes are a cult classic, and the queso is some of the best in Texas. Open all night for post-game crowds too — a true Austin institution.

Must order: Gingerbread pancakes with queso on the side
$Open Game Day

East Side King Food Truck

Asian Street Food Truck · 1.3 miles from stadium

Paul Qui's legendary food truck serves bold Asian street food that's become a gameday staple for adventurous Longhorn fans. The beet fries are unlike anything else in Austin — crispy, colorful, and addictive. Park on East 6th and grab a bite before heading to the stadium.

Must order: Beet Fries with kewpie mayo & Thai basil

Best Neighborhoods for Bar Hopping

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

West Campus

The epicenter of Longhorn gameday with packed bars, outdoor patios, and burnt orange everywhere

  • Gameday central
  • Walking distance to stadium
  • Hook Em Horns atmosphere

Sixth Street

Austin's legendary entertainment district with live music, bars, and electric gameday energy

  • Live music
  • Entertainment district
  • Nightlife

Rainey Street

Trendy bar district with converted bungalows, craft cocktails, and a more upscale pre-game vibe

  • Craft cocktails
  • Bungalow bars
  • Upscale atmosphere
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

Lot 38 / DKR North LotOpens 5 hrs before kickoff

Premier tailgate zone adjacent to the stadium. RVs, tents, and burnt orange eye can see.

West Campus (The Drag)Opens All day

Guadalupe Street bar patios and outdoor tailgates. The epicenter of Longhorn pre-game energy.

Scholz Garten Beer GardenOpens 4 hrs before kickoff

Texas's oldest beer garden hosts massive outdoor tailgates with live music and Longhorn traditions.

Parking & Transit Tips

  • Purchase official UT parking passes at texassports.com — sell out months in advance for big games.
  • West Campus parking garages on San Jacinto Blvd fill up by 8 AM for noon games.
  • Arrive 3+ hours early — I-35 and MLK Blvd back up significantly on game days.
  • CapMetro Park & Ride lots offer free shuttles from multiple locations around Austin.

Rideshare Drop-off

Uber/Lyft drop-off on San Jacinto Blvd near the stadium. The Drag drop-off popular for pre-game bar hopping.

Shuttle Service

CapMetro runs free game day shuttles from multiple Park & Ride locations to the UT campus.

Where to Stay

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

AT&T Hotel & Conference Center

$$$
0.3 miles from stadium
  • On-campus location
  • Steps from DKR Stadium
  • Full-service amenities
Closest hotel to the stadium. Books out 4–6 months in advance for big games.

Omni Austin Hotel Downtown

$$$
1.8 miles from stadium
  • Rooftop pool
  • Walking distance to 6th Street
  • Upscale amenities
Great for the full Austin experience. Book early for Oklahoma and Texas A&M weekends.

Courtyard Austin University Area

$$
0.8 miles from stadium
  • Walking distance to West Campus bars
  • Free parking
  • Modern rooms
Best mid-range option near campus. Book 2–3 months in advance.

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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