Whether you’re looking for a new adventure or reliving the glory days of your college years, a soccer-focused weekend in Austin promises a great time for everyone. Most home games are played on Saturday, but if you arrive on Friday, you can enjoy a long weekend.
Day 1 – Scholz Garden
Check in at the Residence Inn Austin-University Area (1200 Barbara Jordan Boulevard, 512-469-7842). Located about three miles north of the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the Residence Inn is close enough to be convenient without being in the middle of the Longhorn football craze. Plus, it’s hidden behind a Home Depot, so maybe it will be a while longer before other fans discover this hotel. The hotel is a mid-priced property that does all the basics: clean rooms, free hot breakfast, comfortable beds, and friendly staff.
Outside, you will find a large swimming pool and a cozy fireplace surrounded by large cushioned chairs.
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On the first night, the University of Texas students might want to visit one of their old places. Generations of Longhorn fans have flocked to Scholz Garten (1607 San Jacinto Boulevard, 512-474-1958) to drink beer, gobble up some schnitzel and talk about sports. The food gets mixed reviews, but the camaraderie and sense of history are hard to beat. The restaurant / bar was founded in 1866, and has long been a favorite hangout for state legislators. You never know who you might bump into (or what you might hear).
The large outdoor beer garden is a great place to catch up with old friends over a few beers.
Day 2 – Game Day
Most home games are in the late afternoon or evening, so you’ll probably have plenty of time to relax before the game. After enjoying your complimentary breakfast, you can work out in the hotel’s small gym, which includes treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights. Fall weather in Austin varies widely, so you can take a dip in the pool if it’s hot enough.
If you plan to participate in the traditional tradition of closely following, now is your chance to prepare. If you’re a fashionista and need tongs or other grilling equipment, the Home Depot is within walking distance of the hotel. If you need meat or snacks, there is a HEB grocery store (1801 East 51st Street, 512-474-2199) just a few blocks away. Of course, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cooking something, you can always show up at any of the parking lots around the stadium and join the party.
No one is a long time stranger at a UT party (although a few established fans actually have bracelets to identify their people – stay away from them).
Regardless of your drinking / tailgating plans, it is wise to have a big pre-game lunch. Former UT students may find it tempting to head to Chuy’s or Trudy’s before the game, but you’ll end up waiting for hours. Fortunately, there is an excellent burger joint near the hotel: Smashburger (1200 Barbara Jordan Boulevard, Building 3, Suite 380, 512-872-2926). They only use Angus beef that has never been frozen. Both the burgers and fries are top-notch.
After a nap at the hotel, you should be ready to play. Try to get to the stadium at least 30 minutes before kick-off. The pre-game warm-up is often accompanied by music, and you can have a chance to assess how your favorite players look.
As of press time, Jerrod Heard and Tyrone Swoopes are still vying for the starting quarterback position. They were essentially co-quarterbacks in the 2015 season, with Swoopes in short-yardage situations.
If the Longhorns win, that’s when the serious party begins. Your options are to quickly retire to your hotel or join in the festivities. Most revelers after the game flock to 6th Street. You may want to check out our safety tips before heading there. If you’re looking for a bar that’s in the middle of the action but not too crazy, BD Riley’s (204 East 6th Street, 512-494-1335) is a good choice. The Irish pub generally draws a slightly older crowd that can handle its liquor. If you want a place that’s a little wilder, try Lavaca Street Bar (405 Lavaca Street, 512-469-0106), which is a few blocks away in the 4th Street Warehouse District.
Day 3 – Trudy’s and Lady Bird Lake
Depending on how much fun you had the night before, you may be more than willing to wait a moment for breakfast. Trudy’s original location (409 West 30th Street, 512-477-2935) will certainly be crowded, but you can wait for your table at the great bar and have a coffee or Bloody Marys. The crumb plate may not cure a hangover, but it is a deeply satisfying dish, if you like a spicy breakfast. Eggs are mixed with serrano peppers and tomatoes and topped with a cheese mix, and served with potatoes and refried beans.
To clear your head even more, a relaxing hike at Lady Bird Lake is a good way to wrap up the trip. Paid parking is available in the Austin American-Statesman parking lot at 305 South Congress Avenue. However, there are also free spots next to the South 1st Street Bridge and along Riverside Drive. On the south shore near 1st Street, the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue draws a steady stream of blues fans and curious tourists. The off-leash dog park is also in the same area.
While the entire trail is 10 miles long, you can follow a loop just one mile long by crossing to the north side of the lake on Lamar Boulevard and then back to the south side on 1st Street. Along this gentle stretch of the lake, you can see kayakers, runners, turtles, and many birds.
If you’re staying long enough to re-whet your appetite, you’re within walking distance of several restaurants, especially Threadgill’s World Headquarters (301 West Riverside Drive, 512-472-9304). In addition to serving great comfort food, Threadgill’s is packed with Austin musical memorabilia dating back to the era of the cosmic cowboy.
