AUSTIN, Texas — Longhorn fans packed the Forty Acres hours before Texas’ Saturday night game against Ohio State, braving a hot, sunny day to tailgate outside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
The atmosphere around Austin was “electric,” with fans arriving early to set up for one of the most anticipated games of the season.
“Dude, it’s pretty insane. I’m really nervous. I feel like there’s a little nervous energy in the air, but it’s also just pretty fun,” Texas fan Will Baizer said.
Some tailgaters said they got started as early as 6:30 a.m., with Baizer saying he had been out since 7 a.m. But the heat quickly became part of the day’s challenge.
“We changed clothes three times, had plenty of water. A lot of water, a lot of trips to the restroom,” a group of Texas fans said.
The heat concerns followed last weekend’s game against the Texas State Bobcats, when 13 people were taken to the hospital by Austin-Travis County EMS.
Despite the evening kickoff, fans remained wary of conditions. By 4 p.m., a photo taken by CBS Austin showed the field at DKR was 150 degrees.
Fans from both teams said they were taking precautions while keeping the pregame energy high.
“Picking your tailgate spot is really important, so you’ve got to get the shade, but you know, you’ve gotta get some water in there, you know. But a few dozen tricks,” Baizer said.
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Ohio State fan Eric Montgomery emphasized hydration and eating in the heat.
“You gotta stay hydrated. I mean, the heat is real, and you gotta make sure that you’re eating so that you are absorbing that hydration,” he said.
UT Athletics said it had 19 free water monsters around the stadium for fans inside. Austin-Travis County EMS also had additional units at Saturday’s game as a precaution.
Next Saturday, the Longhorns will be back at DKR when UTSA comes to town for what is expected to be another hot game.