Word of the wise: Never come between a Texan and their football. Spend fall in Austin, TX and you’ll soon find out why. The University of Texas has some of the most dedicated football fans on the planet. Luckily, they are also some of the friendliest fans. So get your boots on, bring your appetite, and get ready for some real Texas football!

Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, located in Central Austin, is home to the University of Texas Longhorns. Fans gather there religiously on Saturdays during football season. The stadium has a seating capacity of 100,119, making it the largest football stadium in the state, and 5th largest in the NCAA. Even so, tickets to Longhorns games are consistently sold-out. The University has plans to expand on the stadium to accommodate even more fans over the next few years. The stadium will eventually hold 112,000 fans!

Tailgating outside of Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium is a long-held tradition that has been perfected by Longhorn fans. Each weekend, hundreds of fans gather outside of the stadium on game day to engage in a pre-game ritual that involves grilling, drinking, and preparing for the upcoming game. For some, that means painting their face burnt orange; for others it means a healthy does of heckling as fans from the visiting team walk by.

It’s no secret that tailgating is an important part of Longhorn football. Some would even argue it is as important as the game itself. Here are few simple things to know about tailgating at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium:

No public bathrooms: Tailgating takes place in designated lots outside of the stadium, thus, bathrooms are not available. It’s best to plan ahead and find a place within walking distance to use the restroom if need be, or make friends with someone who has a bathroom built in to their trailer.

Prepare for heat: Austin temperatures hover around the 80s and 90s (even during the fall). Know that if you are going to be tailgating during the afternoon hours, it will get hot. Prepare by bringing plenty of cold water along with any cool-down devices like fans, and of course, dress comfortably. This is not the time to be wearing your tallest heels or clothing that cannot be removed in layers.

Parking is limited and/or expensive: Parking on game day can be a real pain. Its best to use an alternative form of transportation like a bus or taxi, or better yet, walk or bike. Those living in neighborhoods near the stadium are at a real advantage in this department!

Follow these tips for a great tailgating experience!