AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas-Ohio State football game is officially completely sold out, but fans do not need a ticket to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium to experience the biggest sports weekend Austin has seen in years.
From free tailgates with Longhorn and Buckeye legends to live music and massive watch parties, the city is packed with budget-friendly ways to join the football frenzy.
The historic matchup is bringing fans to Central Texas from across the country, and local businesses are ready for the influx. The new, Kevin Durant-backed Austin Sports Club just opened its doors downtown. While fans inside that venue will pay to eat and drink, there are plenty of other places across Austin to catch the action entirely for free.
If you cannot get into the stadium on Saturday night, here is how you can experience the game day energy on a budget.
Friday Night: Meet Football Legends
The game day excitement starts before Saturday even arrives. On Friday night, fans can head to Victory Lap in West Campus for the Athletes First Tailgate Tour.
The free event begins at 5:30 PM and features appearances by legendary players, including Texas greats Vince Young and Colt McCoy, alongside Ohio State national championship quarterback Cardale Jones. The event is free for fans aged 18 and older.
“You get to see the great legend, Vince Young and Colt McCoy,” said Jaiden Adams, a junior at UT Austin.
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Saturday Morning: ESPN College GameDay
On Saturday morning, the national spotlight shifts directly to the UT campus. ESPN’s iconic College GameDay pregame show will broadcast live from the LBJ Lawn.
The broadcast officially begins at 8:00 AM. However, fans looking for a front-row seat in the famous spectator pit will need to wake up early—the before-sunrise rush opens at 5:30 AM.
Saturday Afternoon: Free Concerts and Watch Parties
A few hours after the GameDay crew wraps up, the exact same spot on the LBJ Lawn transforms into a major concert venue for Longhorn City Limits. Texas country legend Robert Earl Keen and the genre-bending group Shinyribs will entertain fans on the Forty Acres before the game.
Once the game kicks off, the concert lawn shifts into a massive, free community watch party.
UT Austin junior Quinlan Collins says the campus environment has plenty to offer students who do not have tickets.
“Yeah, 100%. I feel like there’s always somewhere to go,” Collins said. “Plus, before the games, there’s so many tailgates around campus, as well as friends hosting watch parties. Even if you don’t have a ticket to the game, 100%, everyone in Austin is out celebrating the Longhorns.”
Buckeye Headquarters: Ohio State Watch Party
Fans who would rather leave the burnt orange behind can wear their scarlet and gray to the official Ohio State game watch party.
Co-hosted by Ohio State alumni clubs from across Texas, the Buckeye meetup takes place at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on West Sixth Street. The event starts at noon on Saturday and is free to attend.
Between the campus fan zones and new downtown venues, the massive influx of football fans is providing a major boost to Austin businesses as the city prepares for a historic weekend.