Longhorn Nation,
Historic days are upon us my friends and I thought it would be most appropriate to dedicate this week's edition of the Forty Acres Insider to the epic Longhorn Party taking place on campus this Sunday. The time has come for all great Longhorns to join as one and celebrate a new beginning in the Southeastern Conference and we can't contain our excitement! We can't wait to have the Burnt Orange and White join us back on the Forty Acres for a once-in-a-lifetime, epic SEC Celebration this weekend!So be there or be square y'all! The event, presented by our partners Motorola razr, Still Austin Whiskey, and the University's Extended Campus, is F-R-E-E all day and commemorates The University officially joining the Southeastern Conference effective July 1. For the latest details on the event, please visit our SEC Celebration HQ Page for a full schedule of the day's activities, campus maps, fan guide and more.
a Texas-sized party 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/wq4QIzInaG
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) May 29, 2024
Experience UT beginning at 1 p.m.
We are proud to collaborate with so many campus partners who will open their doors from 1-5 p.m. this Sunday and give fans an opportunity to experience the wonderful exhibits and activities housed right here on the Forty Acres. From exploring the Blanton Museum of Art or the H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports to attending KUT/KUTX "The Cool Down" vinyl happy hour, exciting adventures await you all across campus.You can even beat the heat by taking a swim at the Aquatic Center at Gregory Gym with our friends from RecSports.View the Experience UT Map for a list of all locations that will open their doors.
SEC Ceremony, fireworks, and a live concert from Mr. Worldwide cap off the day!
All eyes will be on the Tower at 8:30 p.m. for the official SEC Ceremony as President Hartzell, Chairman Eltife, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, and myself look forward to ushering in a new era for The University of Texas with all of Longhorn Nation alongside us.The ceremony will be followed by a fireworks show accompanied by our very own Longhorn Band.
Mr. Worldwide will put a punctuation mark on the day with a headlining set on the Tower Stage immediately following the ceremony in what promises to be a can't-miss show. Attendees wanting a premium viewing experience for the SEC Ceremony and concerts can enjoy from the Main Mall with admission on a first-come, first-served basis.Please note that a clear bag policy will be in effect for the Main Mall, and all guests will be screened prior to entry.
Earlier in the day, we're proud to welcome The Spazmatics to get the party started on the Tower Stage at 5:30 p.m.They've been entertaining Longhorns fans for decades, and I can't wait to see fans enjoying their vast catalog celebrating generations of chart-topping hits.
Fans up on the Main Mall can enjoy beverages at the Still Austin Music Lounge or Tito's Tailgate as well as additional food options.
Mr. 305 to the 512 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/ejfkjCOlzl
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) June 12, 2024
Join us on the South Mall and 21st Street for Texas-sized fun
We're bringing the best activities from Texas Football gamedays to the heart of campus as part of the celebration. The fun kicks off at 2 p.m. as 21st Street and the South Mall will open to all fans.You'll find plenty of attractions for the entire family including a ferris wheel, climbing wall, inflatable games, and countless other activations lined down 21st Street. Looking for a bite?We'll have plenty of food trucks available including Rudy's BBQ, Fletcher's Corn Dogs, Tiffs Treats, and more!Our friends at 1883 Provisions Co. are even bringing Big Beertha to serve up ice cold draft beer all day.
Up in the "Six-Pack" area on the South Mall lawn, we've got four unique experiences to enjoy:
Championship Corner
Embark on a journey of Texas Athletics' history dating back to its origins in the 1880's to the modern day highlighting groundbreaking moments and championship success.You can also learn more about many of our greatest traditions including Bevo, Smokey the Cannon, Big Bertha, the history of burnt orange, and more! We'll have over 20 trophies on display as well, including the 2023-24 LEARFIELD Director's Cup and all of our 2023-24 national championship and conference championship trophies.
SEC Village
Visit the SEC Village for plenty of interactive fun including photo ops throughout the day with Texas Cheer, Texas Pom, Hook 'Em, the Longhorn Band, and more! In addition, our head coaches will be signing autographs beginning at 4 p.m. and you won't want to miss picking up the commemorative poster our team has cooked up. We'll have face painters, giant inflatables of past Bevos, and "create-your-own GIF" stations located in this courtyard.There will also be opportunities to learn about the traditions and history of our new conference peers in the SEC Gallery.
Team Shop
Want the first crack at official Texas-SEC co-branded apparel and merchandise?Our friends at the Texas Longhorns Official Team Shop have you covered with an assortment of styles available for launch exclusively at the SEC Celebration.
Beer Garden
Fans looking for a place to quench their thirst and find some shade can enjoy the Beer Garden as the Bevo Beer Barge will be smoking and serving up drafts in a relaxing environment with picnic tables and tailgate games.
Bevo Parade and photo ops with Texas Traditions
And what's a historic celebration on campus without the big guy himself?Bevo XV will be in attendance and make his arrival at 5 p.m. with the Bevo Parade presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.Fans are encouraged to line up on University Avenue just south of 21st Street at 4:45 p.m. to welcome Bevo, the Longhorn Band, Texas Cheer and Pom, and Hook `Em to the SEC Celebration.Following the parade, Bevo will be available for photo ops on the South Mall lawn from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Fans can also get photo ops with Smokey the Cannon and Big Bertha, the world's largest bass drum, beginning at 2 p.m. They will be positioned on both sides of the Littlefield Fountain for all to celebrate.
SEC Network goes LIVE from Texas
As part of our move to the Southeastern Conference, we are excited to welcome our friends from SEC Network to the Forty Acres this Sunday. Beginning at 5 p.m., join co-hosts Laura Rutledge and Peter Burns for SEC Now: Live from Texas for full coverage of the day's activities including insight from Jordan Rodgers, Roman Harper, Paul Finebaum, Marty Smith and Jimmy Dykes. Yours truly and many of our head coaches will be making guest appearances throughout the day, and we'd love to have you join us on national TV!
In addition, SEC Network invites all fans to visit the SEC Open House.Located on the South Mall lawn, you can experience live games, studio programming, photo ops and more with six different rooms that will take you on a journey inspired by the SEC Network's rich history and programming.
Stay hydrated with FREE water
We'll have SEVEN "water monster" locations located throughout 21st Street, South Mall, and Tower Plaza providing FREE water for all fans.You can also bring sealed bottled waters or empty beverage containers to refill throughout the day.We encourage all fans attending to hydrate before, during, and after the event.
Well that's a wrap on getting set for this incredible event.I look forward to seeing so many of you on the Forty Acres celebrating this historic day with us.And by the time you read the next edition of the Forty Acres Insider, we'll be proud members of the Southeastern Conference.
Hook 'Em Horns,
Chris Del Conte
