Skip to main content
NCAA FBS

Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial StadiumAustin, Texas

Texas

👥
Capacity
100,119
🏆
Conference
SEC
📅
Opened
1924
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

📖About Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium

Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium stands as a monument to Texas football and to the state's veterans. Located on the Austin campus, it's one of the largest stadiums in the country and hosts one of college football's most passionate fan bases.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1924 as Texas Memorial Stadium to honor Texans who served in World War I, it was renamed in 1996 to honor legendary coach Darrell Royal, who won 3 national championships with the Longhorns.

Major Renovations

1972Upper deck construction increased capacity significantly
1999North end zone enclosed
2008$27M Godzillatron video board installed (largest at the time)
2025South end zone renovation completed for SEC debut

Notable Moments

Dec 6, 1969Game of the Century: Texas beat Arkansas 15-14 for national title
Jan 4, 2006Vince Young's Rose Bowl run, though played in Pasadena
Oct 19, 2024First SEC home game vs Georgia

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The west side provides shade for afternoon games. Student sections (formerly south end zone) are among the loudest. Premium seating in the new south end zone opened in 2025.

Parking Tips

Campus parking is extremely limited. State lots and downtown garages fill fast. Consider rideshare or the MetroRail to UT campus. Tailgating on 23rd Street and San Jacinto.

Game Day

Experience "Big Bertha" (the world's largest bass drum) and the Hook 'Em Horns hand sign. Bevo (live longhorn mascot) parades before kickoff. Post-game, visit Sixth Street for nightlife.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Scholz Garten

$$

Classic German biergarten since 1866. Traditional gathering place for Longhorn fans with classic gameday atmosphere.

📍 0.5 miles1607 San Jacinto Blvd

💡 Try the Reuben fries. Outdoor seating transforms into a tailgate.

Crown and Anchor Pub

$$

Popular sports-watching spot near campus. Great burgers and comfortable atmosphere.

📍 0.3 miles2911 San Jacinto Blvd

💡 Chili cheese fries are legendary. Arrives early on gameday.

Posse East

$

Underrated bar with affordable pitchers and surprisingly good food menu. Many TVs for watching games.

📍 0.4 miles2900 Duval St

💡 Try the sheriff sandwiches and Mexican plates.

🍽️Restaurants

Pluckers Wing Bar

$$

Austin original since 1995. Famous for wings with creative sauces and dry rubs.

📍 0.5 miles2222 Rio Grande St

💡 The West Campus location is the original. Gameday favorite for students.

Hole in the Wall

$

Classic dive bar since 1974 with good service and Texas-style chili.

📍 0.4 miles2538 Guadalupe St

💡 Great live music venue too. A Drag institution.

Texas Chili Parlor

$

Austin classic for chili lovers. Multiple heat levels and a casual atmosphere.

📍 1 mile1409 Lavaca St

💡 Order the chili "XXX" if you dare.

🏨Hotels

AT&T Hotel and Conference Center

$$$

Premier on-campus hotel steps from the stadium. Longhorn-themed luxury and quiet rooms.

📍 0.5 miles1900 University Ave

💡 Books up fast. The courtyard is a great spot for meeting fellow fans.

🎭Attractions

UT Tower & Littlefield Fountain

$

The iconic 307-foot tower glows orange after victories. The fountain offers a grand view of the Capitol building.

📍 0.4 miles2400 Inner Campus Dr

💡 The Best photo spot on campus. See the tower lit up at night after a win.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

Manor Garage

$40
Garage📍 0.2 miles

💡 Closest public parking to the stadium. Sold on a game-to-game basis.

🏢

Brazos Garage

$40
Garage📍 0.5 miles

💡 Good alternative if Manor is full. Straight walk to the North end zone.

🅿️

East Campus Lots

$20
Lot📍 1 mile

💡 Cheaper option east of I-35 with a dedicated shuttle to the stadium.

🎉

23rd Street Tailgate

Varies
Tailgate📍 0.2 miles

💡 Popular tailgating area. Street parking is first-come, first-served.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium? Share it with us.

🔥Rivals

Stadiums Near Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.