How to Fit in at a University of Texas Football Game

In college football, the University of Texas is a perennial top-ten favorite. Their national championships have established them a fan base that extends well beyond the Austin city limits. Thousands of devoted fans gather at Daryl K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium each Saturday to cheer their team to victory. If you have never been to a UT home football game and are given the opportunity, jump at the chance. Join in on the action, experience the energy and partake in UT game day like you are one of the hometown crowd.

Instructions

1. Wear the right colors. The official University of Texas colors are burnt orange and white. Beloved UT Coach Mack Brown coined the phrase, "Come early, be loud, stay late, wear orange." You'll likely be mistaken as a team rival if you wear anything else. Buy official University of Texas clothing online at the University of Texas Co-op Bookstore or online.

2. Know common University of Texas football terminology. The school mascot is a live longhorn named Bevo, while the costumed longhorn that prances up and down the sidelines is called Hook-em. The giant bass drum that you see on the UT sidelines is called Big Bertha, and the cannon that fires after each Texas score is aptly named Old Smokey.

3. Participate in stadium chants. Nothing rattles the Daryl K.Royal Memorial stadium like the roar of the "Texas Fight," chant. One side of the stadium yells, "Texas!" while the other side of the stadium echos back, "Fight!" When it's your turn to yell, follow the crowd and do your part to scream as loud as possible.

4. Sing the school songs. The Texas fight song, commonly called "Texas Fight" and officially named "TAPS," is sung many times throughout UT football games. The school song and official Alma Mater is called "The Eyes of Texas." It is typically sung before and after football games as part of pre-game and post-game festivities. Learn the lyrics to "Texas Fight" and "The Eyes of Texas" at the Mack Brown Texas Football website.

5. Get on your feet. You might have paid top dollar for seats in the stadium, but don't plan on sitting a lot. University of Texas football fans stand as long as there is action on the field. Sit only during timeouts, in between quarters and during half-time.

Tips & Warnings

• "Hook-em" is also the official University of Texas hand sign, made by holding your two middle fingers down with your thumb, while your index finger and pinky finger point towards the sky. This common hand sign resembles the long horns of the famous UT mascot.

• If you don't have burnt orange in your wardrobe, wear white. Avoid colors such as maroon and red. They are the school colors of UT's top rivals, Texas A&M University and Oklahoma University.

Resources

• Buy officially licensed University of Texas clothing.
• Learn the lyrics to "Texas Fight" and "The Eyes of Texas."