Longhorns-LSU Game Is Hottest Ticket In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — It's being called the hottest ticket in town. No, it's not the local stop for the play "Hamilton," but today's match-up at Texas Memorial Stadium pitting the Texas Longhorns against the LSU Tigers.

Darren Rovell of The Action Network reports the lowest price for a pair of tickets from StubHub is $994. That's not a typo: Nearly $1,000 for a pair of college football tickets. The hype is heightened in that the Longhorns are in the rare position of being a hometown underdog in this clash of Titans, with LSU favored by a touchdown ahead of the game, Rovell explained.

And yet, prices are based on the market. Ticket broker SeatGeek puts the average price of a single ticket at $569. Again, that's not a typo. SeatGeek officials say it's the highest price they have ever seen for a Longhorns game — or any ticketed event in Austin, CBS Austin reported.

The kickoff for the big game starts at 6:30 p.m. The Longhorns are ninth-ranked in their division against the visiting LSU Tigers ranked 6th. It's anyone's guess what will happen, but one thing's for sure: It's gonna be a humdinger.

Expect traffic delays

Those driving around the Darrell K. Royal Stadium should expect delays as football fanatics arrive in search of parking. Those not attending the game might to avoid the area altogether to avoid headache and frustration in negotiating around the motoring masses.

Related story: Lyft Offers Texas Longhorns Fans Safe Travel To Football Games

In that same vein, Longhorns officials urge game fans to get there early, providing a link on Twitter directing to designated student sections for the game and information for LSU:

Remember to stay hydrated

Austin-Travis County EMS medics are less interested in the big game as they are about your safety. Those visiting might be unaware of the scorching heat of a Texas summer, prompting medics to issue tips on taking precautions to avoid heat stroke. This goes during the game and before as sports fans partake in tailgate parties and other festivities before kickoff.

To help ensure fans' safety, medics posted a graphic containing safety tips and predicted temperatures from the National Weather Service. Give it a glance before heading out, and stay hydrated. Folks, the local temperature is expected to reach 100 degrees today. So please take heed:

The Austin Police Department routinely urges residents and visitors alike to safeguard personal belongings in their vehicles. This advice is heightened in light of big crowds seen as mother lode for thieves practicing their nefarious trade. Watch:

Where to watch

Those not lucky to score tickets can still watch the game as the gridiron drama unfolds in this marquee match-up. The website burntorangenation.com outlines a number of ways to watch the Longhorns-LSUgame:

TV: ABC

Time: 6:30 p.m. CST

Radio: Texassports.com. Broadcasts are also available on Sirius 132, XM 199, and App Ch. 953

Online Streaming: WatchESPN

Longhorn City Limits: Rob Baird (3:30 p.m.) and Midland (5:00 p.m.)

Other places for game watching

Patch also got emails from merchants alerting to their football-watching accommodations. Here are some of the best spots to watch the game:

• EAST AUSTIN HOTEL
  • Enjoy football four days a week at East Austin Hotel, all season long! The watch parties will be featured at all three of the hotel’s restaurant and bar concepts, so NFL and NCAA fans will have the option to pick their experience.
    • Monday Night NFL: Every Monday indulge in wing specials beginning at 6 p.m. at all three food & beverage concepts and catch the NFL games projected at The Upside rooftop bar & lounge’s outdoor patio.
    • Thursday Night NFL: Kick off happy hour at all of East Austin Hotel’s restaurant and bars—Sixth and Waller, Pool Bar and The Upside—starting at 3 p.m. featuring $2 off appetizers, $2 off house cocktails and wines by the glass, and $1 off draft beer. NFL games will be shown at the Pool Bar.
    • College Game Day (a.k.a. Saturday): Saturday matinee game? Take a dip in the pool and watch day games at Pool Bar with fellow Longhorns. If it’s an evening game, head upstairs to The Upside.
    • NFL Sunday Funday: Pool Bar game viewings continue through Sunday Funday, in addition to Sixth and Waller for those who want to escape the heat and watch inside. Sit back and enjoy the NFL games with $2 cans of Pearl, $2 off Bucks with your choice of spirit, wing specials, and fried cheese curds.
  • Pricing:
    • Watch Parties: Free + open to the public
    • Pool Passes are also still available Monday-Thursday ($10) and Sundays ($15)

Where to fuel up before the game or celebrate a win:

• THE CARILLON
  • The Carillon is the perfect place to enjoy the finer things and fuel up before cheering on the Texas Longhorns. Only a brisk 15-minute walk to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the refined, yet casual dining destination on the UT Austin campus offers dishes like the Silver Fern Farms Ribeye that will fill you up before the game. Afterwards, celebrate the winning touchdown with the True Freshman crafted with Tito’s Vodka, Bacardi Dragon Berry, blackberry & cherry puree, fresh berry syrup and cherry bitters, perfect for the nostalgic college vibes.

SCHOLZ GARTEN

A perennial favorite stop for football fans, Scholz Garten at 1607 San Jacinto Blvd. is celebrating the milestone game in grand style. The eatery — which has the distinction of being the longest-running beer garden in the entire nation — opened at 11 a.m. on Saturday for a pre-party of Texas-sized proportions. They beckon guests to join them for a pre-party at the historic site for what's being billed as the "longest-running and largest tailgating in Texas" DJ Island Time will spin tunes from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Steep Cats will take the stage from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

GROWLER USA

Head on out to the Growler at 609 W. 29th St. to watch the game and lift a glass (or three). With 100 taps of craft beer satisfying every conceivable palate, Growler USA is a popular neighborhood pub not far from the UT-Austin campus. This ain't your run-of-the mill beer served here but hand-crafted nectar served by friendly (and helpful) staffers amid a welcoming environment. A variety of craft beer, draught wine, ciders hard and soft root beers, cold-pressed coffee and other hand-crafted beverages are offered. If you normally drink common swill and unsure what to order, don't be shy in asking for advice from the knowledgeable bartenders who can even provide you with a sample before you commit. "It’s been proven that people who drink macro beer have lower GPAs and enjoy everything less," Growler officials write on their website. "Or if it hasn’t been proven, it oughtta be. So if you need an idea for your graduate thesis, there you go." Humor! We'll drink to that.