A University of Texas at Austin Football Game

So, last week began college football season (and all the men of America rejoiced)! During college football season, I am always nostalgic about college and the great city of Austin, Texas. While there are many amazing things to see and do in Austin (many of which I will cover in upcoming posts), I wanted to focus now on college football because attending a University of Texas football game is an experience that should not be missed.

First of all, the Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium is awesome. It is huge and loud and really just personifies the State of Texas. The stadium opened in 1924, but has obviously undergone numerous renovations. It now seats over 100,000 people and trust me, it is always packed. It is smack dab in the middle of campus, so people stream in from all over the campus and the city (and, let's be honest, the state) to attend the games.

And the games are SO MUCH FUN (even when the Longhorns lose). There is a great mixture of students, alumni and "townies." Everyone is dressed up in their best burnt orange and cowboy hats. And everyone is psyched about the game. There is definitely a good bit of tailgating that goes on, but for Longhorn fans the game is really the main event.

UT also has a ton of great traditions associated with its football games. Bevo, the mascot, happens to be a true Texas longhorn and is escorted onto the field by the Silver Spurs, a student organization. Though Bevo really does not do much, he is always there to represent the school. Every once in a while he makes a "mess" on the other teams' sideline, but that is just good fun. There is also Smokey the Cannon, a (you guessed it) cannon which is shot every time Texas scores any points. Smokey is handled by the Texas Cowboys, another student organization. Yet another student organization brings out a Texas flag that covers the entire field during pre-game. Supposedly, this is the World's Largest Texas flag. The most important tradition throughout the game, though, is flashing your "hook 'em horns" pretty much every 5 minutes.   

So the big question is, how do I purchase a ticket? Your best bet may be through StubHub or another reputable ticket agent if there is not much time before the game. The more official way is through TexasBoxOffice.com. However, if you want these tickets you do have to buy them way in advance.

TIP: Before game day, stop on Guadalupe Street -- the "Drag" -- and buy some Texas garb. Not only will you fit in but wearing burnt orange will get you in the spirit as well. Plus you will have a great souvenir to remember your trip (once you wash out the beer of course). Be aware though that the games are usually quite hot, so keep this in mind when packing. This may not be the best day to try out your new wool pants.

I think that attending a University of Texas at Austin football game is a great way to spend a day (or evening) in Austin. I also think this recommendation not only applies to UT -- attending a Michigan game in Ann Arbor, an LSU game in Baton Rouge or a Notre Dame game in South Bend, Indiana would probably provide you the same unique experience. But, since I am a Texas Ex, I am recommending Texas!

HOOK 'EM HORNS!!!!!

Darell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium
2100 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78712
(512) 471-4602
http://www.texassports.com/