Longhorn City Limits: Pregame Concerts at DKR Energize Fans Before Kickoff
Longhorn City Limits has become an integral part of the Texas Football gameday experience in recent years. This free concert series takes place on the LBJ Lawn near DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium before home games in Austin. Longhorn City Limits offers fans the opportunity to enjoy live music from popular artists while gearing up for kickoff.
The concert series features a diverse lineup of performers, ranging from country stars to local bands. Past headliners have included Pat Green, Zach Bryan, and other notable musicians. Longhorn City Limits typically begins several hours before game time, allowing fans to soak in the pregame atmosphere and build excitement for the upcoming matchup.
In addition to live music, attendees can take advantage of food and drink options, including discounted beer during happy hour specials. The event's proximity to the stadium makes it convenient for fans to transition from the concert to their seats for kickoff, enhancing the overall gameday experience for Texas Football supporters.
Overview of Longhorn City Limits
Longhorn City Limits is a free concert series hosted by Texas Athletics on game days. The events take place at the LBJ Lawn near DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, offering fans a unique pregame experience.
Historical Significance
Longhorn City Limits began in 2018 as part of Texas Athletics' efforts to enhance the gameday atmosphere. The concert series quickly gained popularity among fans and students alike. It has featured notable country music artists like Pat Green and Midland, as well as up-and-coming local acts. The events have become a cherished tradition, blending Texas' rich musical heritage with college football culture.
The series has grown each year, attracting larger crowds and more prominent performers. It has helped strengthen the connection between the university, its athletic programs, and the vibrant Austin music scene.
Location and Accessibility
Longhorn City Limits takes place on the LBJ Lawn, located at the northeast corner of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. This picturesque setting creates a natural amphitheater that can accommodate up to 8,000 guests. The lawn's sloping terrain provides excellent sightlines for concertgoers.
Access to the concerts is free and open to the public. No tickets are required, making it an inclusive event for both ticket holders and non-ticket holders. The location is easily accessible from campus and nearby parking areas. Concert start times vary but typically begin several hours before kickoff, allowing fans to enjoy the music before heading into the stadium for the game.
Food vendors and merchandise booths are often set up around the perimeter of the lawn. The events also feature special promotions, such as pregame happy hour pricing on select beverages.
Pregame Concerts at DKR
Longhorn City Limits offers free pregame concerts on the LBJ Lawn near DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. These events feature popular musical acts and create an exciting atmosphere for Texas football fans before home games.
Featured Musical Acts
Zach Bryan headlined Longhorn City Limits for the Texas vs. Texas Tech game on September 25, 2025. The acclaimed singer-songwriter drew large crowds to the LBJ Lawn.
Other notable performers have included The Suffers, a Gulf Coast soul band from Houston. These concerts showcase a mix of established and up-and-coming artists across various genres.
Local SXSW bands have also graced the Longhorn City Limits stage, bringing Austin's vibrant music scene to gameday festivities.
Schedule and Timing
Longhorn City Limits events typically begin at 11:00 AM on game days. Live music starts at 12:30 PM, giving fans plenty of time to enjoy the concert before kickoff.
For the Kansas game, the pregame concert followed this schedule:
11:00 AM: Event opens
12:30 PM: Live music begins
6:00 PM: Texas football kickoff
Tito's Tailgate, part of Longhorn City Limits, offers food and drink specials. Fans can enjoy $5 16-oz. domestic beers during happy hour pricing.
These free concerts are open to the public, creating an inclusive gameday experience for all Longhorn supporters.
Happy Hour at Longhorn Nation
Longhorn City Limits offers special pricing and featured drinks during happy hour. Fans can enjoy discounted beverages while getting into the gameday spirit before kickoff.
Special Pricing Details
Happy hour at Longhorn City Limits provides excellent value for fans. Domestic beers are available for $5 per 16-oz serving. This pricing typically runs from when the venue opens until kickoff.
The discounted beverages help create a festive pregame atmosphere. Fans can save money while enjoying drinks with friends and fellow Longhorns supporters.
Featured Drinks and Discounts
Several signature drinks are featured during happy hour. The Horns Up Bourbon Lemonade is a popular choice, combining bourbon with refreshing lemonade.
Tito's Vodka, an Austin-based brand, offers special Tito's Tailgate cocktails. These drinks showcase local spirits at attractive happy hour prices.
Beer enthusiasts can choose from a selection of domestic and craft options. The $5 pricing on domestic beers provides an affordable way to kick off gameday celebrations.
Tailgating Traditions
Tailgating is an integral part of the Texas Longhorns football experience. Fans gather hours before kickoff to celebrate, eat, drink, and build excitement for the game.
Forty Acres Festivities
The University of Texas campus transforms on game days. Fans set up tents, grills, and tables across the Forty Acres. Popular spots include San Jacinto Boulevard and the LBJ Library lawn.
Longhorn fans often arrive early in the morning to claim prime locations. Many bring elaborate setups with TVs, sound systems, and custom decorations.
Food is a central focus, with barbecue and Tex-Mex favorites like brisket and queso common sights. Drinks flow freely, from beer to signature cocktails.
Tailgate Initiatives by Texas Athletics
Texas Athletics has launched official tailgating areas to enhance the pregame experience. Longhorn City Limits is a free concert series held before each home game on the LBJ Library lawn.
The series features both local and nationally-known musical acts. Past performers have included Third Eye Blind, Nelly, and Charley Crockett.
Texas Athletics also organizes Bevo Boulevard, a street festival along San Jacinto. It includes food trucks, games, and appearances by the Longhorn Band and Texas spirit squads.
These initiatives aim to create a festive atmosphere and draw fans to campus earlier on game days.
Exclusive Venues
Longhorn City Limits offers fans access to premium spaces with unique atmospheres and craft beverages. These exclusive areas provide elevated gameday experiences for concert-goers and football fans alike.
Still Austin Music Lounge
The Still Austin Music Lounge brings local flavor to Longhorn City Limits. This intimate venue showcases Austin's vibrant music scene in partnership with Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Fans can enjoy live acoustic performances by up-and-coming Texas artists. The lounge features specialty cocktails made with Still Austin's small-batch whiskeys.
Comfortable seating and bistro tables create a relaxed environment to mingle before the main concert. The space has a 150-person capacity, offering an exclusive feel.
Deep Eddy Lounge Atmosphere
Deep Eddy Lounge provides a laid-back setting inspired by Austin's beloved swimming hole. The indoor-outdoor space offers respite from the Texas heat on game days.
Oversized windows frame views of the stadium and campus. Rustic wood finishes and leather seating evoke a Hill Country vibe. Fans can watch pre-game coverage on large screens throughout the lounge.
The bar serves Deep Eddy vodka cocktails along with local beers and wines. Light bites from Austin food trucks are available to complement the drinks menu.
Cocktail Garden Experience
The Cocktail Garden brings a touch of sophistication to tailgating. This open-air space features lush landscaping and twinkling lights for ambiance.
Mixologists craft inventive drinks using fresh herbs and fruits grown on-site. The garden bar offers an extensive selection of premium spirits and locally-brewed beers.
High-top tables and lounge seating areas encourage socializing. Live DJ sets provide a soundtrack as fans gear up for kickoff. The Cocktail Garden can accommodate up to 300 guests, making it ideal for larger groups.
Food and Dining
Texas football gamedays offer a mouthwatering array of food options for fans to enjoy before and during Longhorn City Limits concerts. From classic barbecue to innovative local fare, the culinary scene caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
Barbecue and Southern Delicacies
Texas barbecue takes center stage at Longhorn City Limits. Stubb's Bar-B-Q, a renowned Austin institution, often sets up shop near the concert area. Their tender brisket and flavorful ribs draw long lines of eager fans. Pinkerton's BBQ, recognized as a Top 50 BBQ Joint by Texas Monthly, also makes appearances, serving up their famous beef ribs and jalapeño cheese sausage.
Southern comfort foods complement the barbecue offerings. Fans can indulge in crispy fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and buttery cornbread. These hearty dishes provide the perfect fuel for a day of tailgating and cheering on the Longhorns.
Local Food Standouts
Austin's vibrant food scene is well-represented at Longhorn City Limits. Food trucks line up near the LBJ Lawn, offering a diverse range of cuisines. Torchy's Tacos brings their famous "Damn Good" tacos, while Hopdoddy serves up gourmet burgers made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. Arlo's food truck offers plant-based burgers and "chickn" sandwiches that satisfy even die-hard meat lovers. For dessert, Amy's Ice Creams scoops out their unique flavors, including the gameday special "Burnt Orange Crush."
Postgame Activities
Longhorn City Limits keeps the excitement going after the game with engaging entertainment options. Fans can unwind and celebrate victories or find solace after defeats through music and local talent showcases.
Live DJ Sets and Silent Disco
Live DJ sets pump up the energy as crowds exit DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Popular local DJs spin a mix of current hits and classic tunes to keep spirits high. The highlight for many is the silent disco experience. Participants don wireless headphones, allowing them to dance to their preferred music channels without disturbing others. This unique offering creates a visually entertaining scene as onlookers observe dancers moving to music only they can hear.
Spotlight on Local Talent
Austin's rich music scene takes center stage during postgame activities. Up-and-coming local bands and solo artists perform on a dedicated stage, giving fans a taste of the city's diverse musical landscape. These performances often feature genres ranging from country and rock to indie and electronic. The spotlight on local talent provides a platform for emerging artists to gain exposure while treating fans to authentic Austin sounds.
Involvement and Leadership
Chris Del Conte and Texas Athletics have played crucial roles in shaping Longhorn City Limits. Their vision and leadership have transformed pregame concerts into a beloved tradition for Longhorns fans.
Chris Del Conte's Vision
Chris Del Conte, the Folger Family Athletics Director, spearheaded the creation of Longhorn City Limits. He envisioned a free concert series that would enhance the gameday experience for fans.
Del Conte aimed to create a family-friendly atmosphere outside DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. His goal was to attract both die-hard fans and casual attendees, boosting overall engagement.
Under Del Conte's guidance, Longhorn City Limits has grown into a popular pregame event. It now features prominent artists and draws large crowds before each home game.
Athletics Administration's Role
Texas Athletics has been instrumental in organizing and executing Longhorn City Limits. The department handles logistics, artist bookings, and promotional efforts.
They collaborate with sponsors like Still Austin Whiskey Co. to secure funding and enhance the event's offerings. This partnership allows for special promotions, such as discounted beverages during pregame happy hours.
The athletics administration ensures the concerts align with the university's values and traditions. They curate a diverse lineup of performers, appealing to various musical tastes within the Longhorns community.
Cultural Impact and Recognition
Longhorn City Limits has become a cultural phenomenon, blending Texas music and football traditions. The concert series has gained attention for its unique approach to gameday entertainment.
Music and Football Crossover
Longhorn City Limits bridges the gap between music and sports, creating a unique fan experience. The series features prominent Texas country artists like Pat Green, known for songs that capture the essence of Texas culture. This fusion of music and football highlights the state's rich cultural heritage.
The concerts attract both sports enthusiasts and music lovers, expanding the appeal of gameday events. By showcasing local talent, Longhorn City Limits supports the Texas music scene and provides exposure for emerging artists.
National and Local Media Coverage
The innovative pregame concert series has garnered significant media attention. Local Austin outlets regularly cover Longhorn City Limits events, highlighting upcoming performances and fan reactions.
National publications have also taken notice. Billboard magazine featured an article on the University of Texas' approach to enhancing gameday experiences through music. This coverage has helped raise the profile of both the concert series and Texas Football.
The success of Longhorn City Limits has drawn comparisons to other major music events in Austin, such as ACL Festival and South by Southwest. While not as large in scale, it has carved out its own niche in the city's vibrant music scene.
