How to Tailgate in Texas

Posted by Realty Austin on Friday, September 24th, 2010 at 11:03am.

In Austin, tailgating is not just a good time; it's a sport.

So get your best grillers, your endurance drinkers, and your favorite koozies ready! This tailgating season is going to be the best, most intoxicating pre-game partying and post-game celebrating, so much so that most Austinites lay low the night before game day to save up the necessary energy to be able to  tailgate. It's a weekend-long process: there's "prepartory" (the day before game day), "victory" (the day of game day), and "recovery" (the day after game day). That is what it means to tailgate in Austin, Texas. You better go all out, or go home. No downtime, no A/C, and definitely no whining. Here's what to expect on game day this Saturday when UT plays UCLA:

No free parking near tailgating zone (which is basically North of 15th and west of I-35)

So, take cabs or the bus. It's even better to get dropped off south of the T-zones and walk. Traffic is horrible on game days.

Heat!

Unless your tailgate has an indoor facility, you better wear a sweat-proof getup. It's always fun to wear a maskot suit, but never fun to follow through.

College student, alums, and family

They're a rowdy bunch, but they make the games feel like a huge party

Zoned-off areas

Be careful; tailgaters paid a lot of money to get the spot you're standing in. They might ask you to leave. Respect the rules of tailgating, be courteous to other tailgates, and tailgate responsibly. :)

Legal PI

In Austin, you can legally walk with an open container in any designated tailgate zones, but only on game days. Any other day and it would be illegal. (Definitely makes up for the stadium not selling alcohol.)

No bathrooms

Goes along with the A/C and paid tailgating zones -- sometimes your friend's tailgate has restrooms, and sometimes they don't. Make sure you have a "7/11" backup plan (know where the convenience stores are on each block near tailgating zones and make a "7/11 run" for sodas when you gotta go).

The Eyes of Texas

At tailgating events, everyone knows the words to the song The Eyes of Texas. Make sure you're not the only one mumbling the tune. Click here to find the lyrics to The Eyes of Texas.

Cowboy Boots

Even in this heat, UT students and Longhorns fans will be wearing a staple of Texas, cowboy boots. Just try not to think of how sweaty their boots get. Ewww...

If you have any other Texas tailgating traditions that you'd like to share, please add them to the comment section below. And have a great game day this Saturday! Go Longhorns! Hook 'em! \m/

---

---

Leave a Comment

Your Name * Your Email * (private)

Website

Comment *