The Texas Longhorns’ stadium is a perfect example of the saying, “Everything is Bigger in Texas.” As the 5th largest stadium in the SEC, 7th largest in the nation, and 9th largest worldwide, it’s clear this venue is massive.

After more than 20 years of playing at Clark Field, the Texas Longhorns decided it was time for an upgrade. Under the guidance of athletic director L. Theo Bellmont, the University made the move in the early 1920s to build what would become Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns hosted their first game at the new stadium on November 8, 1924.

But what makes this stadium so “big”? Well, for starters, it can hold a whopping 100,119 fans, which explains why it’s one of the largest in the world. Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades to enhance the experience for both players and fans. Originally, it seated 27,000 and cost around $275,000 to build. Two years after it opened, it expanded to 40,500 with a horseshoe-shaped north side. Over time, the stadium continued to evolve, growing larger and more impressive.

You might wonder why it’s named Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. In 1996, the University of Texas honored legendary football coach Darrell K. Royal, who led the Longhorns to three national championships and eleven SWC titles, by naming the stadium after him. The transformation from a modest stadium to one of the largest wasn’t easy—it took years of hard work, dedication, and significant financial investment.

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In September 2018, Texas invested $175 million to expand the stadium’s south-end zone. This upgrade included standard seats, luxury suites, and premium club seating, along with a new video board and other premium features. By the time the project wrapped up in 2021, the Longhorns’ home field had become an even more impressive and stunning venue. Beyond just football, the stadium offers additional amenities, including wheelchair-accessible parking, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and easy entry. The Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Strength Complex and the Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletic Center are also housed within the stadium, providing essential facilities for athletes.

Though it hosts several events, football is the heart and soul of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The largest crowd ever recorded there was 105,213 fans, who packed the stadium to watch Texas face off against Alabama on September 10, 2022. We’re still waiting for another attendance record to be broken this season, but so far, the Longhorns have a strong 4-0 record, defeating UTSA, LA-Monroe, and Mississippi State at home, and Michigan Wolverines on the road.

The stadium will come alive again on October 18, 2024, when the Texas Longhorns take on Georgia. Will they stay undefeated, or will something else unfold? We’ll have to wait and see!

While you wait for the big game, if you’re interested in how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) impacts college football, check out the latest episode of the Think Tank podcast. It’s a great way to explore the business side of the game!