The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Texas Athletics announces safety measures for 2020 Texas Football home games
Protect Texas Together at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium all season long.
In preparation for the 2020 Texas Football season and in keeping with current state government guidance on sporting event attendance, Texas Athletics is implementing a variety of practices that may be adjusted as directed by evolving medical information to ensure safety at sporting events this fall.
“Our priority is to create the safest gameday environment for our student-athletes, coaches, game officials, fans, staff, and visiting teams,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris Del Conte said. “Our facilities, events, ticketing, marketing, communications and Longhorn Foundation staffs have been working on various scenarios and possibilities throughout the past four months to accomplish our priorities within State of Texas guidelines and in conjunction with medical officials. It is more important now than ever that we remain united as one with our horns held high. Whether you are attending with us in-person on gameday, or engaging with us from afar, your support is the lifeblood of our program. Gamedays at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium are one of the most revered traditions in college sports, and we can’t wait to see the Burnt Orange and White faithful cheering on our teams this fall.”
Texas Athletics is actively working with University leadership, the Big 12 Conference, NCAA, and public health officials on a safe return to competition this fall. These and other precautions undertaken by Athletics are consistent with the Governor’s guidance for the State of Texas.
Fans are asked to do their part by conscientiously practicing physical/social distancing, frequently washing hands, using hand sanitizer, wearing face coverings, and entering the assigned gate on their mobile ticket to ensure the safest possible environment at sporting events throughout the 2020-21 season. All fans should keep a safe distance between their party and other fans while inside and outside of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium
Those fans who are not feeling well or have been in close contact with someone they suspect may be infected should stay home and contact their doctor.
Below are current measures that will be in place at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium for the 2020 season, grouped by topic in alphabetical order. Additional details will be announced in the weeks leading up to the Sept. 12 home opener against UTEP.
Arrival, Gate Entry, and Pedestrian Traffic Flow
We have implemented a number of measures to make arrival and entry to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium a safe experience this season including:
- Fans will be required to enter at the assigned gate listed on their mobile ticket.
- ADA guests and their accompanying seating group may enter at Gates 7, 14, 16, and 27.
- Social distancing markers will be placed at gate entry and strictly enforced to allow for social distancing.
- Clear Bag Policy: A clear bag policy is in effect to enhance existing security measures and expedite venue entry at Texas Athletics events on the Forty Acres.
In order to minimize ingress/egress congestion at gates and section entrances, Texas Athletics has established pedestrian flow guidance to educate fans on how to access their seats in the most efficient manner.
Approved Bags and Items
Prohibited Bags
- Purses
- Diaper bags*
- Cases (camera, binocular, etc.)
- Backpacks
- Printed pattern plastic bags
- Reusable grocery totes
- Mesh or straw bags
- Duffle bags
- Large totes
Bevo Blvd., Smokey’s Midway, and Longhorn City Limits
Texas Athletics pregame activations including Bevo Blvd. presented by H-E-B, Smokey’s Midway, and Longhorn City Limits presented by ATX The Brand will not take place this season. These fan-favorite experiences will return even bigger and better for future seasons. This includes popular elements such as the Stadium Stampede team arrival, Bevo Parade presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, and headlining concerts on the LBJ Lawn. The one-year hiatus will alleviate additional congestion to support social distancing queueing for easier entry into the stadium.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Measures
To help prevent the spread of germs, we are installing Attis Clean hand sanitizer kiosks throughout the stadium including 225 dispenser trees throughout our venues.
Attis Clean exceeds the minimum alcohol concentration guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control to effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and reduce other pathogens present, and is the Official Hand Sanitizer Provider to Texas Athletics.All stadium restrooms, suites, and clubs, as well as the press box and locker rooms will be treated by GermLogic throughout the 2020 season. For additional student-athlete safety, the turf at both Campbell-Williams Field and the Indoor Practice Facility will be treated as well. GermLogic, an Official Corporate Sponsor of Texas Athletics, use the latest in products and technology to combat microbes such as MRSA, Staph, Influenza, as well as the novel Coronavirus. Their solutions will kill up to 99.99% of common illness causing pathogens while physically preventing future growth.
Staff will regularly clean all high-touched surfaces with antibacterial spray and wipes at all point-of-sale locations, restroom facilities, bag check location, and other common areas including all indoor and outdoor furniture, high touch point areas (doors, door handles, walls, hand rails, elevator buttons, restroom stall doors/dividers, toilets, sinks, water fountains, arm rests, switches, trash cans, ticket office and will call counters and tables, cell phone charging stations, valet services, parking areas, and elevator/escalator interiors and plazas.
Attendants will be assigned to each restroom throughout the stadium to monitor cleanliness throughout the game.
Suite and stadium attendants will remove trash from hospitality spaces and concourses throughout the game.
Staff working the bag check locations will wear gloves and will utilize wood paint sticks to limit contact with bags.
Club Operations
This season, a number of new measures will be implemented for our club areas at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, including Touchdown Club, Ricoh Stadium Club, Terrace Club, Centennial Suite, and Tito's Texas Club:
- Ticket holders for club areas will have a designated gate for entry that will be specific to your suite/club area. We will use queues to properly social distance elevators and escalators upon entry and departure.
- Chef-attended stations and pre-packaged, upscale grab n’ go food and beverages will be offered. Self-serve buffets will not be available.
- Bars in premium clubs will be spaced appropriately for socially distancing.
- Some seating inside club areas will be removed to increase available space for social distancing.
- We strongly encourage our fans to visit their premium club and return to their outdoor seats with food and beverage to allow all fans equal access to club offerings and amenities.
- All fans are required to wear a face covering inside the premium club areas while not eating or drinking.
- Due to reduced capacity and reseating in our stadium, the Ricoh Stadium Club will be used as an additional premium club area for this year only. Stadium Club access will be offered based on Loyalty Point ranking and for fans displaced from their usual premium club. Food and beverage will be included. Not all season ticket holders that have had Ricoh Club cards previously will have access this year.
- Mobile tickets will be scanned to enter clubs
- Social distancing in food and beverage queues
- Plexiglass barriers at point-of-sale areas and chef-attended stations
- All transactions will be contactless and cashless (credit card only)
- Disposable table coverings will be changed after each gathering
- PPE will be used by all catering staff
Concessions
A number of measures have been implemented to provide a clean and safe experience at our concession locations including:
- To provide the maximum access and social distancing measures, all concessions stands will be operational.
- Face coverings will be required to be worn by all customers and staff at all times; concessions staff will wear gloves.
- Condiment stands on the concourses will be eliminated. Pre-packaged condiments, wrapped straws and napkins will be distributed upon request by staff with each food order.
- Menu offerings will be limited to the most high-demand, fan favorite items for speed of service and efficiency.
- Food items will be wrapped or pre-packaged and offered in easy-to-carry bags along with packaged utensils.
- Attis Clean hand sanitizer will be available on concourses near all concession locations.
- All transactions will be cashless and contactless; credit or debit cards will be accepted, or fans can prepay for orders via the Texas Longhorns mobile app. Google pay and Apple pay will be payment options when ordering and paying via the Texas Longhorns mobile app. Visit TexasSports.com/GoMobile for more information and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
- Plexiglass shields have been installed at all concessions points of sale to protect customers and staff.
- Floor decals have been installed to properly queue lines and maintain social distancing. Fans waiting in line will be asked to maintain at least six feet distance from other customers.
- A regular cleaning schedule with an emphasis on disinfecting commonly touched surfaces with antibacterial spray will be employed.
Contactless Transactions
All transactions for concessions and merchandise locations at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium will be contactless and cashless (credit cards only).
Fans will also have the ability to purchase concessions in-venue via the Texas Longhorns mobile app.
Cash-to-Card Kiosks have been added for fans who do not have credit cards or mobile wallets to be able to exchange cash for Mastercard® prepaid cards that can be used anywhere credit and debit cards are accepted (inside and outside of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium).
The Cash-to-Card Kiosks are located on the concourse outside Sections 3, 8, and 25.
Box offices will have hand washing stations and Attis Clean hand sanitizer. Staff will also be equipped with face coverings, gloves, and plexiglass coverings in front of widow sellers.
Event Staff Training and Support
Texas Athletics will conduct multiple event staff training sessions in advance of the home opener to support all safety measures.
Fan Services information booths will be provided on the North, West, and East Sides of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium to support any questions upon arrival.
Guest ambassadors will be added to the gate entrance and exterior areas to help ensure fans have a great experience accessing the stadium.
All gameday staff will be screened prior to entry to support health and safety measures for all fans and staff. Staff will also be required to wear face coverings.
Face Covering Requirements
All fans and staff will be required to wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth completely (except for children under the age of two). Face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing and fans are asked to keep a safe distance between their party and other fans while inside and outside of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Fans must continue to wear face coverings while cheering on the Horns in the stands.
Frank Denius Family University of Texas Athletics Hall of Fame
The Frank Denius Family University of Texas Athletics Hall of Fame, located inside Gates 14 and 16, will not be accessible this fall including gamedays during the 2020 season.
In-Stadium Adjustments
Texas Athletics has implemented several additional policies and measures this season to keep our fans safe in the stands and our student-athletes, staff, and game officials safe on and off the field including:
- Expanding the team area benches on the field will provide additional protection for our student-athletes and team personnel
- Texas Cheer, Texas Pom, and Hook ‘Em will continue to be part of gamedays this season; megaphones will not be utilized.
- Bevo and Smokey the Cannon will remain in their traditional locations on the south end of the field
- Eliminating all on-field gameday elements including marching band performances, on-field recognitions, and Hook ‘Em Herd.
- No physical premium item giveaways to prevent additional touchpoints between fans and staff. Fans who have the Texas Longhorns mobile app and have Football notifications turned on can receive exclusive prizes, giveaways, and opportunities including “5 FREE Wings” from Pluckers Wing Bar when the Longhorns win. Other in-game digital opportunities will be added including Tiff’s Treats Delivery via text-to-win.
- Suspension of Longhorn Moments on-field experiences and seat upgrade opportunities for the 2020 season
- Longhorn Network will broadcast Texas Gameday pregame and postgame shows live from a new location in the southeast corner of the stadium.
Longhorn Band
In consultation with university leadership, the faculty of the College of Fine Arts, band leadership and Athletics, the Longhorn Band will not perform at the Sept. 12 vs. UTEP game. Their participation for future home games will be determined at a later date as more case studies are analyzed on ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
- Consultation with Dr. Amy Young revealed that there is not yet good research or even well understood case studies of the COVID risks associated with instrumentalists performing in close proximity, when outdoors. A laboratory study of aerosolization from musical instruments is underway at the University of Colorado and the University of Maryland.
- The LHB faculty and staff will not know until later this week how many LHB students are willing and available to perform this season.
- The band under the best-case scenario will have to be reduced to not more than 60 performing musicians, and it is yet to be determined whether a well-balanced band can be assembled from available student musicians.
- There’s little more than a week before Sept. 12 to rehearse a reduced band while complying with strict social distancing protocols; the LHB would normally rehearse several weeks in advance of the opening game.
- Special customized PPE for instrumentalists, and their instruments, is on order but not yet received. There is no experience with these materials and the band needs time to experiment to learn how to manage them.
Maps
New 2020 Football maps:
Merchandise
To provide a safe shopping experience for all, new measures have been implemented at The Texas Longhorns Official Team Shop locations including:
- A maximum of 10 people will be permitted in the east and west stores at one time including Team Shop staff.
- Face masks or face coverings will be required to be worn by all customers and staff at all times.
- Attis Clean hand sanitizers available at entrance/exit and at checkouts.
- Entrances and exits will be monitored and controlled by Event Staff.
- Select merchandise racks have been removed to create more space inside the east and west Team Shop store locations to provide a safer experience
- All transactions will be contactless and plexiglass shields have been installed at the checkout to protect customers and staff. Customers will self-swipe their credit cards and credit card machines will be sanitized after each use.
- To minimize contact, customers will be asked to bag their own merchandise at checkout and dispose of any item hangers in a receptacle.
- Floor decals have been installed to properly queue lines and maintain social distancing at checkout. Shoppers will be asked to maintain at least six feet distance from other customers.
- A regular cleaning schedule with an emphasis on disinfecting commonly touched surfaces with antibacterial spray will be employed.
- Fitting rooms will not be available during the 2020 season.
Mobile App
All fans attending games are encouraged to download the official Texas Longhorns mobile app on their smartphones. Through the Texas Longhorns app, available on Apple and Android devices, your game tickets can be conveniently accessed and managed. Visit TexasSports.com/GoMobile for more information and answers to some of the most frequently asked ticket-related questions. The app will be updated with a brand new user-friendly interface and new features mid-August. All fans are encouraged to activate push notifications for important in-venue gameday messaging and exclusive content such as discount offers, in-stadium contests, and more. In addition to managing your game tickets, there are several new gameday enhancements available on the app this season including:
- View the official Texas Football Gameday Program. The digital programs replace the printed versions handed out in previous seasons
- Order food and beverage items in advance from select concession locations around DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. The items can be paid for via the app and picked up at pre-selected times.
- Receive special promotions and coupons exclusive to fans attending games at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium
- Participate in Texas Longhorns Bar Trivia, polling, and other games for online interaction with other fans at the game
Parking
Parking in official Texas Football gameday lots and garages on the University of Texas campus will be restricted to ticketholders and staff with permits.
If available, non-priority parking may be available for purchase in state garages and may be purchased online.
Parking lots will open at 7 a.m. on gamedays (6 a.m. for 11 a.m. kickoffs). No overnight parking is permitted.
View ADA parking accommodations here.
New Rideshare Location
Fans who use Rideshare options to travel to/from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium can use the new designated airport-style rideshare dropoff/pickup location on the south curb of Dean Keeton between Robert Dedman Dr. and Red River St. Look for the rideshare signage along the way.
Social Distancing Markers and Signage
Social distancing markers will be placed around the stadium in areas where lines may form such as restroom facilities, concessions, and merchandise locations.
Additional wayfinding and safety signage will be added to support queuing at exterior gates, seating section entrances, and parking/transportation areas.
Suite Operations
This season, a number of measures have been implemented in our suite areas at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium:
- Suite holders will have a designated gate for entry that will be specific to your suite area. We will use queues to properly social distance elevators and escalators upon entry and departure.
- Food catering will be in-suite service only. There will not be self-service buffets this year. A full suite menu will be available for preorder, which will include an in-suite buffet option as well as a la carte items. A more limited menu will be offered in suites for day-of-game orders.
- Texas Athletics will provide hand sanitizer in each suite.
- Food and beverages will be self-served inside each suite from their private service counter unless a server is specifically requested to perform these duties.
- Fans are required to wear a face covering upon entering the stadium and in all common areas. Fans are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering inside the suites while not eating or drinking.
- Suite-to-suite visits will not be permitted. Suite patrons must remain in their ticketed suite throughout the game
- Access to other suite areas with suite tickets is not permissible this season (no access to east, west, or north via 9th level as previously allowed).
- Elevators will be marked appropriately for social distancing
- All transactions in the suite areas will be contactless (credit cards only)
- No suite attendants unless specifically requested, which will result in an additional fee.
- Servers will enter suites only for setup or upon request of the suite guests/request to replenish food and beverages.
Tailgating
Tailgate Guys At-Home Tailgating Packages
Tailgate Anywhere Package
Longhorn Nation, need to celebrate gameday at home? Texas Athletics and Tailgate Guys have partnered to bring the tailgate to your backyard! If you live within 50 miles of the Austin, Dallas or Houston markets, Tailgate Guys will deliver a tailgate package to your home. You can choose from two different packages including home delivery, setup, and all of your other tailgate needs as well as catering package add-ons. To reserve your At-Home Tailgating Package or for more info, call 512-300-0382 or email UT@TailgateGuys.com.
Public tailgating in and around the University of Texas campus will be prohibited for the 2020 season including Tailgate Guys turnkey tailgating packages.
For Tailgate Guys questions, please call 512-300-0382 or visit TailgateGuys.com.
Tickets
Tickets for 2020 Texas Football games will be allocated to renewed season ticket holders who have opted in for the 2020 season in Longhorn Foundation Loyalty Point order. Season ticket allotments for each account are limited to the equal to the priority limit for the AT&T Red River Showdown game versus Oklahoma. Please see below for limits:
Priority Ticket Limits for 2020
| Total Annual Gift to Longhorn Foundation | Priority Tickets |
| $75,000+ | 12 tickets |
| $50,000 - $74,999 | 10 tickets |
| $25,000 - $49,999 | 8 tickets |
| $10,000 - $24,999 | 6 tickets |
| $50 - $9,999 | 4 tickets |
| Non-Members with Season Tickets | 2 tickets |
Texas Athletics is making every effort to keep season ticket holders as close to their 2019 season ticket locations as possible. A representative will reach out to season ticket holders in August with more information on specific seat locations for the 2020 season.
Mobile Ticketing
- To offer greater convenience and safety, mobile-only ticketing will provide contactless entry to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium for all 2020 Texas Football games.
- Season ticket holders will access tickets through the Texas Longhorns App supports on Apple and Android devices, and available for download via the App Store and Google Play. Tickets will also be available to download and store on your digital wallets.
- To expedite entry and ensure the best possible gameday experience, fans should download their tickets prior to arrival and enter through the gate shown on their mobile ticket.
- Visit TexasSports.com/GoMobile for more information and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Tickets are going to be sent to season ticket holders digitally on or around Sept. 2. Before then, Texas Athletics will send out additional detailed educational assets including ticket download instructions, how to transfer tickets, and how to scan in on gamedays.
- If you have any ticketing issues on gameday, you can visit the Gate 8 Box Office beginning 4 hours prior to kickoff on September 5 (3 hours prior at subsequent games). Texas Athletics will also provide a dedicated area to support mobile ticketing questions inside the Bellmont Hall lobby at Gate 4 and at Gate 32. These gates will open 2 hours prior to kickoff in conjunction with stadium gates opening. Any ticket transactions on gameday will be contactless (credit cards only).
| Location | Function | Box Office Open Time |
| Gate 4 | Mobile ticketing support | 2 hours prior to kickoff |
| Gate 8 | General ticket issues and mobile ticketing support | 4 hours prior to kickoff on Sept. 5; 3 hours prior to kickoff for remaining games |
| Gate 32 | UT Student ticket-related support | 2 hours prior to kickoff |
Group Tickets, Mini Plans, and Single-Game Tickets
Currently, there will be no Group Tickets, Mini Plans, or single-game ticket sales for the 2020 Texas Football season.
UT Students
UT students who purchase The Big Ticket will receive access to all 2020 Texas Football games. Seating is general admission and students may sit in groups no larger than 10 people. Unavailable seats will be marked accordingly. Students with the Longhorn Foundation Student Membership will receive priority entry at all home games.
To purchase The Big Ticket or for more information, visit TexasSports.com/BigTicket.
Cell Phone Charging Stations
Please charge your phone before arriving to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. For your convenience, phone charging stations are located near Gates 1, 8, 16, 25, 29 and 30 as well as the Terrace Club, and Touchdown Club. A regular cleaning schedule with an emphasis on disinfecting commonly touched surfaces with antibacterial spray including Cell Phone Charging Stations will be employed.