As many other programs hold their annual spring games, Texas has decided — for the first time in head coach Steve Sarkisian’s five-year tenure — not to do so.
Typically, a program’s spring game is an intrasquad scrimmage held at the end of spring practice with free admission to the public. After the game, the team takes a roughly two-month break to prepare for summer practices.
In its place will be Texas Football Fan Day, a series of events running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in and around Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Staying in line with the tradition of the spring scrimmage, all events are free to the public.
Texas’ Reasons for No Spring Game
Athletic Director Chris Del Conte announced the decision during his annual town hall in late February, explaining that he and Sarkisian made the call for reasons related to player health and load management.
Del Conte said Sarkisian wanted his players to be as healthy as possible after a grueling 16-game season, which was the longest in program history.
Recently, Sarkisian has also emphasized the need to integrate an influx of new players. This offseason, Texas signed the top-ranked recruiting class in the country, according to 247Sports, bringing in 25 freshmen and nine transfer portal additions.
“That development starts at the beginning of spring ball, where we’ve really got to build the foundation of understanding the whys of what we do,” Sarkisian said at a media availability. “From how we practice, to the drills that we do, to the foundational aspects of the offense, the defense, the special teams. The challenge for us as a coaching staff is to grow quickly.”
The Agenda
The day begins at 9 a.m. with the Team Shop Fire Sale, where fans can shop exclusive gear previously reserved for athletes and staff, including Longhorn legend Kevin Durant’s Nike signature shoes, authentic jerseys and other apparel. Texas Athletics says this will be the largest team shop sale in its history.
At 10 a.m., food trucks, craft beer and rides will open up on DeLoss Dodds Way, similar to what is available on game day. Inside the stadium, kids aged 12 and under can participate in combine-style drills, such as quarterback challenges and the 40-yard dash.
Player autograph sessions begin at 12:15 p.m., with one complimentary poster provided per fan, but the burnt orange faithful will not be able to bring outside items to be signed.
From noon to 2 p.m., Bevo XV and Smokey the Cannon will be available for photos, along with Texas cheer and pom squads.
Fans can also get their pictures taken with Sarkisian and some of the hardware his program accrued last season: the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl trophy from Texas’ nail-biting 39-31 victory over Arizona State in double overtime, the Golden Hat trophy from the Longhorns’ 34-3 win over Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry and the Lone Star Showdown trophy from the 17-7 win over Texas A&M at Kyle Field.
Gates open at 10 a.m., and free parking is available beginning at 8 a.m. in the San Jacinto and Manor garages. More information is available at TexasSports.com.
