2025 UT Football Game Day & Tailgating Guide
GUIDE TO TEXAS LONGHORNS' 2025 FOOTBALL GAME DAYS & TAILGATING IN AUSTIN
Hopdoddy is proudly rooted in Austin, where we keep it weird, savor our legendary breakfast tacos, and cheer passionately for our beloved Longhorns! In our quest to foster community spirit, we invite you to experience the electric atmosphere of UT Austin football games. It might seem daunting, but much like our mouthwatering burgers, once you dive into game day, you'll be hooked!
"Come early, be loud, stay late, wear orange." This slogan embodies the fierce pride of the Longhorns' fanbase. With Steve Sarkisian at the helm and a roster brimming with talent, this is an exhilarating time to be a UT Football fan. For freshmen, visitors, and newcomers navigating the vibrant Austin game day scene, Texas football can seem overwhelming. But don't worry— we’re here to guide you into the Longhorns family and the exhilarating atmosphere that surrounds game day in our dynamic city.
UT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2025
As the 2025 season approaches, here's the much-anticipated UT Longhorns football schedule for this year's home games in the heart of Austin:
Additionally, the Longhorns will tackle some exciting away games that fans can look forward to:
· September 6: San Jose State
· September 13: UTEP
· September 20: Sam Houston
· November 1: Vanderbilt
· November 22: Arkansas
· November 28 (Friday): Texas A&M
HOW TO GET TEXAS LONGHORNS FOOTBALL TICKETS
Season tickets have already flown off the shelves, but single-game tickets will be available starting August 11. To be part of the action, consider the Pick 3 Mini Plan available on the Longhorns' website, allowing you to secure tickets to any three UT home games. Remember, Texas Longhorns tickets are hot commodities, so act quickly to avoid missing out!
UT AUSTIN TAILGATE PARTIES BEFORE THE GAME
The UT Austin football schedule is just the beginning of the excitement. Tailgating is the heart and soul of Austin game day—it’s where the magic happens! Arrive early, as UT Austin's parking garages and lots open at 7 AM on Saturdays, and most die-hard fans are on-site the moment the gates swing open. Here are some favorite tailgating spots to soak in the Austin vibe before kickoff:
BEVO BOULEVARD
Bevo Boulevard is a must-visit for every fan's game day agenda. This lively stretch on San Jacinto Blvd., from 20th St. to the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, welcomes everyone: it's a free celebration, no game tickets needed! Here, you can:
- Experience the parade and the arrival of UT's beloved mascot, Bevo
- Welcome the team before they hit the field
- Zip down a thrilling 180-foot zipline
- Savor delicious fare from Austin's best food trucks
- Join in on some exciting games
LONGHORN CITY LIMITS
The title "Live Music Capital of the World" shines through at Longhorn City Limits. This vibrant gathering spot on LBJ Lawn features live music on game day, Texas-themed cocktails, silent discos, carnival games, and even a Ferris wheel! It’s conveniently located near the stadium—making it an unmissable stop before heading inside for the game.
SCHOLZ GARTEN
No tailgate captures the Longhorn spirit quite like Scholz Garten. Opening three hours before kickoff, this historic venue is known for hosting Texas' largest and longest-running tailgate. Enjoy live music, traditional German fare, and local craft beers alongside tailgate favorites. Doors open at 10 AM on game days, so arrive early to immerse yourself in all the Austin-tailgating fun!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE GAME
Now that you're fueled up and ready to go, it's time to head into the Texas Longhorns stadium and enjoy the thrilling football action. Here are some key tips to ensure you're in the loop and fully prepared for an unforgettable game day experience.
STAY COOL
While we're all about the "sunglasses, skate boards, and good vibes," we also mean it in the literal sense: stay cool! Bring a mini fan, slather on sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and hydrate throughout the day! Most tailgating areas at UT lack shade, so be sure to find respite indoors or under a cooling station to stay comfortable amidst the Austin heat.
HOOK 'EM HORNS
You can't be a true Longhorn without mastering the iconic hand gesture. The sign consists of your pinky and index finger raised while your thumb holds down the middle and ring fingers. Created by head cheerleader Harley Clark in 1955, you'll see this symbol everywhere—on merchandise, hats, and stickers. It’s a must for every game day!
WEAR BURNT ORANGE & WHITE
Dressing in burnt orange and white is not just a tradition; it’s essential for blending in with the sea of Longhorn fans. Being the only person in a crowd of 100,000 not wearing Texas colors is a surefire way to feel out of place! Luckily, you can find a plethora of UT Austin apparel showcasing these vibrant colors and logos all around the city, so stock up before gameday!
The origins of these colors trace back to 1885 when students picked up ribbons for a baseball game. The main colors available? Orange and white. Officially adopted by 1900, the shades have shifted over the years, but the current burnt orange is synonymous with pride in Austin.
TOUCHDOWNS WITH BEVO AT UT AUSTIN
Proudly marching into DKR Texas Memorial Stadium, Bevo the Texas Longhorn steer serves as a symbol of UT Austin pride. His name derives from "beeve," reflecting his heritage. Currently, Bevo XV reigns supreme, entering games with a smoky haze while enjoying his celebrity status from behind the southern end zone.
During games, Bevo munches on his favorites and poses for photos with fans, bridging the connection between tradition and the vibrant game day atmosphere in Austin.
BIG BERTHA & SMOKEY THE CANNON
Longhorns know how to make noise. While cheering is expected, nothing escalates the sound quite like Big Bertha, the world's largest bass drum, weighing in at 500 pounds and stretching 9.5 feet across. It takes a team of five to operate this beloved symbol!
Then there’s Smokey the Cannon, a replica of a Civil War artillery piece. Smokey III fires four 10-gauge blank shotgun shells to amp up excitement, echoing at kickoff and throughout the game, setting the tone in the lively atmosphere of Austin.
SING ALONG TO "TEXAS FIGHT!"
Join in on the “Texas Fight!”—no one cares if you sing off-key; it’s all about the spirit! This beloved fight song plays after touchdowns. Make sure to memorize these lyrics as you celebrate with fellow fans:
Texas Fight! (to a fast tempo version of Taps)
Texas Fight, Texas Fight, and it’s goodbye to A&M. Texas Fight, Texas Fight, and we’ll put over one more win. Texas Fight, Texas Fight, for it’s Texas that we love best. (YELL) Give 'em hell! Give 'em hell! Go Horns go!
And it’s goodbye to all the rest!
(YELL) Yea Orange! Yea White! Yea Longhorns! Fight! Fight! Fight! Texas Fight! Texas Fight! Yea Texas Fight! Texas Fight! Texas Fight! Yea Texas Fight!
The Eyes of Texas are upon you, all the livelong day. The Eyes of Texas are upon you, you cannot get away. Texas Fight, Texas Fight, for it’s Texas that we love best. (YELL) Give 'em hell! Give 'em hell! Go Horns go! And it’s goodbye to all the rest!
POST-GAME CELEBRATING WITH HOPDODDY
The celebration doesn’t end when you exit the stadium! If you’re searching for great things to do in Austin after the game, head to Hopdoddy, a local favorite that combines amazing food with a lively atmosphere. Our location at the Triangle shopping center is just a few miles north of the stadium, perfect for enjoying a satisfying post-game meal. Indulge in our signature burgers, crispy fries, refreshing margaritas, and decadent shakes that will elevate your Austin game day experience.
Want to explore the nightlife? Our Plaza Saltillo restaurant, conveniently located near 5th Street and vibrant bars, serves as the perfect pit stop for delicious burgers and drinks after celebrating a Longhorn victory. With cold drinks, mouthwatering burgers, and good vibes, we’re here to keep the festivities going after a triumphant game!
ENJOY AUSTIN!
After a day filled with football festivities, take a moment to explore the local culture and unique attractions that Austin has to offer. Visit iconic landmarks like the Texas State Capitol, stroll through the historic South Congress district, or catch some live music at local venues. No matter what you choose, you will experience the warm hospitality and energetic spirit that make Austin such a special place.
Enjoy the game and the camaraderie that comes with it in the heart of Austin! Go Horns!
