The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Eli Young Band kicks off 2026 season of Longhorn City Limits presented by Hollister on September 5
08.24.2026 | Football, Texas Athletics, Longhorn Sports Properties / Learfield
Texas Country legends will be joined by special guest Graham St. Clair Band on the LBJ Lawn prior to the Texas Football’s season opener vs. Texas State.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – One of Texas Football's favorite gameday traditions returns on Saturday, Sept. 5, as Longhorn City Limits presented by Hollister kicks off its 2026 season on the LBJ Lawn. Texas country favorites Eli Young Band will headline the season-opening edition, setting the stage for another memorable year of live music on the Forty Acres before the Longhorns open their season against Texas State. For the eighth-consecutive year, admission is FREE for all Longhorn City Limits concerts throughout the season.
Few bands embody the spirit of Texas country music quite like Eli Young Band. Formed by friends Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, and Chris Thompson while attending college, the band has spent more than two decades building one of the most respected careers in country music. Their breakthrough came with the five-time Platinum smash hit "Crazy Girl," which became the No. 1 country song of 2011 and earned Song of the Year honors at the Academy of Country Music Awards. They followed that success with another chart-topping anthem, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart and earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Known for their authentic songwriting and electrifying live performances, Eli Young Band has amassed multiple No. 1 hits and fan favorites including "Drunk Last Night," "Love Ain't," "Dust," "Always the Love Songs," and "Guinevere." With more than 20 years together as a band, Eli Young Band continues to connect with audiences through songs that have become staples of country music.
"We're excited to welcome Eli Young Band to the Forty Acres as we kick off another season of Longhorn City Limits presented by Hollister," said Chris Del Conte, Vice President and Lois and Richard Folger Athletics Director. "Longhorn City Limits has become one of the best traditions in college football, and Eli Young Band's Texas roots, incredible catalog of hits, and high-energy live show make them the perfect artist to help us start the season. We can't wait to welcome Longhorn Nation back to the LBJ Lawn before cheering on the Horns."
Kicking off LCL on September 5 is Graham St. Clair Band. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Flatland Cavalry, Turnpike Troubadours and Thieving Birds while developing a sound distinctly their own, Graham St. Clair Band has grown into a rising force on the Texas country scene. Their debut album, Roaming Home, has surpassed 500,000 streams, helping introduce a growing audience to the band's signature style. Graham St. Clair Band has also shared the stage with some of Texas country's biggest names, including Randy Rogers Band, Shane Smith & The Saints and Josh Abbott Band, building a reputation as a compelling live act along the way.
The LBJ Lawn will open at 10 a.m. on September 5 with Graham St. Clair Band hitting the stage at 11 a.m. Eli Young Band is scheduled to hit the stage at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Fans will once again enjoy signature experiences at Longhorn City Limits throughout the 2026 season. Located upon entry onto the LBJ Lawn, the Tito's Tailgate at Longhorn City Limits is free to the public for fans 21 and older. Enjoy refreshing Tito's cocktails on tap for purchase, shaded views of the stage performances, tailgating games, and exclusive giveaways while supplies last.
The Bulleit Frontier Lounge returns for another season, offering fans 21-and-up a shaded gathering space featuring specialty cocktails and limited-edition swag. Fans can also enjoy award-winning barbecue from Pinkerton's BBQ, recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the state's premier barbecue destinations.
Concert goers can also enjoy pregame happy hour pricing featuring select $5 domestic and $6.50 premium beers at Longhorn City Limits.
Additional Longhorn City Limits artists and performances for the 2026 Texas Football season will be announced at a later date.
