AUSTIN, Texas — With tailgates kicking off Friday night ahead of Saturday’s matchup between Texas and Ohio State, students and fans said they’re getting ready for the atmosphere — and the heat — inside the stadium.
Students said avoiding the sun during the game can be difficult, so they’re planning to stay hydrated after hearing about heat-related medical incidents reported during last weekend’s game.
“Oh, it gets crazy. It gets loud. It gets rowdy. We get really into it,” said Owen Lowe, a UT Austin student.
Ryan Koo, also a UT Austin student, said, “It’s going to be electric. I mean, number one versus number four, I mean we’re number one no matter what.”
Friday night, big ticket holders and students celebrated ahead of the game with a tailgate at the LBJ Lawn, while also focusing on hydration. Some fans said last weekend’s heat led to people needing medical attention.
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“There were multiple people I heard going to the ER. A lot of them didn’t even last to the halftime show because of how hot it was,” said Allison Chabarria, a UT Austin student.
Austin-Travis County EMS reported 13 medical incidents after the game, including three that were heat-related.
UT Austin Athletic Director Chris Del Conte said in the Texas Athletics newsletter, The Forty Acres Insider, that there will be 19 “free water monsters” located throughout the stadium Saturday. Del Conte also posted on X to concerned fans that he and his staff will talk about more options than last Saturday’s game.
Students attending the EA Sports Ultimate Tailgate asked how they’re preparing for the heat. Lowe said, “A lot of water and Liquid I.V.”
Koo added, “Yeah, same here. Lots of water. That’s going to be your best savior right there.”
Texas Athletics was contacted to confirm any improvements or upgrades expected for fan safety on Saturday, but there was no response by publication time.