This Labor Day weekend the University of Texas Football will kick off for their first game of the season against Louisiana Tech, which means it is time for tailgating. As a proud Texas Ex, I have spent many years exploring the cities many tailgate options and I am excited to share my guide to the top spots from hotels to bars to official university hangouts! Make sure to follow these three key rules: Come Early, Be Loud, Wear Orange! Hook’em Horns!
Texas Alumni Center: The Texas Alumni Center is right across from the football stadium, air-conditioned and has food plus a full bar of beverages for purchase. The Texas Cheerleaders make an appearance here each game day to lead chants prior to kick-off. Texas Exes members and non-members are welcome to join the tailgate. The price for non-member is $10, while members can access the tailgate for free with one free gust and additional guests at $5 each.
Hotel Ella Fancy Tailgate: Kick your tailgating up a notch with tickets to the Fancy Tailgate at Hotel Ella, located off of MLK Boulevard less than a mile from the stadium. The tailgate includes a buffet by Goodall’s Kitchen, specialty cocktails, beer, and wine, with shuttles to & from the stadium, live music and pre-game broadcasts on the historic Hotel Ella front lawn. Tickets for adults are $60, 13-18-year-olds for $25, and those under 13 are free to enter.
Parlor & Yard: This West Sixth Street bar is great for tailgating and watching away games. They have a large patio with TVs and games like cornhole. You’ll probably run into buddies from college, as this is a popular spot for Texas Exes to hangout.
Cain and Abels: Cain and Abels is a popular campus bar + grille located in West Campus near the University of Texas. College students know them for their dollar beer Tuesdays, but on game days you will also find deals like their giant Texas Teas with 5+ different types of liquor.
Scholz Beer Garten: Sholz Garten is the oldest operating business in Texas, founded in 1866. It is a great spot to tailgate and to watch the University of Texas games. They claim fame as the largest and longest-running University of Texas tailgate party in the city, and the party begins as early as 11 am.
Longhorn City Limits and Bevo Blvd: Last year the University of Texas added Longhorn City Limits and Bevo Boulevard as top tailgate spots right outside the DKR Football Stadium. These tailgates are free to the public– game tickets are not required for entry. Longhorn City Limits hosts performing artists each week before the game, and this year’s talent ranges from the local band: Drew Fish Band to country stars like Jack Ingram and Midland. Last year, they had Ghostland Observatory and Ludacris.
