Texas vs Arkansas DKR Stadium Parking Guide 2026: Austin Game Day
Don't let I-35 construction or strict UT Austin towing rules ruin your game day. This 2026 Texas vs. Arkansas parking guide covers the best $10 budget lots, premium garage pricing, and secret CapMetro transit hacks to get you to Darrell K Royal - Memorial Stadium on time.
July 29, 2026
8 min read
2,495 words
Texas Longhorns vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Parking Guide: DKR Stadium (2026)
Over 100,000 fans will pack Darrell K Royal - Memorial Stadium when the Texas Longhorns host the Arkansas Razorbacks on November 21, 2026. Between major I-35 highway construction permanently altering your route and strict Friday night campus towing rules, "winging it" for parking is a guaranteed game-day disaster.
We go beyond generic campus maps to provide real 2026 local context. If you are driving to Austin, TX, you need to know about specific I-35 construction detours (you must take the lower deck), the permanent closure of the popular Dobie Center Garage, hidden transit hacks like the Hancock Center H-E-B park-and-ride, and exactly where your car goes if you miss the 11:59 PM Friday towing cutoff. Here is your ultimate blueprint to find the cheapest lots, dodge massive post-game gridlock, and reserve your parking near DKR Stadium ahead of time.
How Much Does Parking Cost at DKR Stadium?
If you are wondering how much is parking at Texas football games, the short answer is that official UT Austin game day parking ranges from $10 for budget shuttle lots up to $75 for premium garage access, while secondary market private spots fluctuate based on demand. Texas Longhorns game day parking prices depend entirely on how far you are willing to walk and how fast you want to escape downtown Austin after the fourth quarter.
Here is exactly how much is parking at Darrell K Royal stadium for the 2026 season:
The Budget Options ($2.50 - $10) If you want to save your money for inside the stadium, Lot 26 Park-and-Ride is your best official option at $10 for game day. This lot requires a shuttle ride, but it keeps cash in your pocket. Alternatively, the absolute cheapest strategy is the CapMetro local transit hack. You can buy a $2.50 CapMetro local day pass (just $1.25 per single ride), park off-site for free in north Austin, and ride the bus straight to campus.
The Mid-Tier State Garages ($25 - $40) Most fans aim for the official university parking structures. State Garages A, E, and F cost $40 per event and put you within a comfortable walking distance of the stadium. If you don't mind a longer walk, the Capitol Visitor Garage (Garage J) is only $25.
Premium & Secondary Market Parking ($50 - $109+) Premium proximity parking right next to the stadium, like State Garage G and Lot 24, costs $75. These lots offer immediate stadium access and are prime real estate for tailgating. Because this is a massive SEC rivalry game, secondary market single-game passes for private third-party garages and driveways typically range from $29 to over $109 depending on location. For context, secondary market full 2026 season parking passes start around $775.
ADA Parking Prices Official ADA parking at the East Campus Garage is highly affordable at just $10 (first-come, first-served). If you require specialized accommodations with extra space, Special Accommodation spots in Lot 118 run $50.
2026 DKR Stadium Parking Options & Prices
| Parking Location | Price | Distance to DKR | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Lot 26 (Park-and-Ride / RV) | $10 (Day) / $20 (Overnight) | Free Shuttle to Stadium | Pros: Best value, allows oversized vehicles & overnight parking. Cons: Off-site, no utility or water hookups, portable toilets only. |
| Capitol Visitor Garage (Garage J) | $25 per event | 15-20 min walk | Pros: Cheaper than other state garages, straightforward downtown access. Cons: Requires entering via Guadalupe Street due to 16th Street closure. |
| State Garages A, E, and F | $40 per event | 10-15 min walk | Pros: Pre-paid reservations available, reliable official covered parking. Cons: High demand, subject to severe 90-minute post-game gridlock. |
| State Garage G & Lot 24 | $75 per event | 5-10 min walk | Pros: Very close proximity to stadium, premium tailgating access. Cons: Expensive, no advance reservations for Garage G (pay upon entry). |
| East Campus Garage (ADA) | $10 per event | ADA Shuttle to Gates | Pros: Highly affordable, dedicated ADA cart shuttles directly to gates. Cons: First-come, first-served, strictly requires ADA placard & matching ID. |
Darrell K Royal Stadium Parking Map: Official Garages & Campus Lots
When searching for a Darrell K Royal stadium parking map, looking at a standard campus layout isn't enough. You need to know the specific street closures and routing changes that happen on game day in Austin. UT Austin football game day parking completely transforms the traffic grid around 2139 San Jacinto Blvd.
If you are figuring out where to park for Texas Longhorns vs Arkansas 2026, here is the breakdown of the official campus layout.
The Main State Garages (A, E, F, G) State Garages A, E, and F are the heavy hitters. They cost $40 and require a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium gates. They offer excellent, reliable covered parking, and you can book them via LAZ Parking. However, because thousands of fans use them, you must prepare for severe post-game gridlock. Once the game ends, APD initiates forced one-way traffic reversals. You will sit in your car.
Garage G is the premium option at $75 and is only a 5-10 minute walk. It puts you right in the middle of the tailgating action, but you generally have to pay upon entry, and it fills up incredibly fast.
Capitol Visitor Garage J & Guadalupe Routing Garage J is located south of campus near the Texas State Capitol. At $25, it is a great overflow option. It requires a 15-20 minute walk, which helps you burn off those stadium hot dogs. Crucially, 16th Street is heavily restricted or closed on game days. You absolutely must enter this garage via Guadalupe Street. Do not rely on your GPS if it tells you to cut across 16th.
The Dobie Center Garage Warning If you have an old guide telling you about the best free street parking near DKR stadium Austin or recommending the Dobie Center Garage—ignore it. Finding free street parking near campus on an SEC game day is virtually impossible and usually results in a tow. More importantly, do not plan to park at the Dobie Center Garage—it permanently closed for construction in May 2024.
Game Day Timelines & Street Closures What time do parking lots open UT Austin football? For the vast majority of games, parking lots open at 7:00 AM. If the Texas vs Arkansas game gets slated for an early 11:00 AM kickoff, lots will open at 6:00 AM.
Traffic control points and one-way conversions go live at 5:00 AM on game day. The biggest disruption is San Jacinto Blvd. Avoid it entirely. San Jacinto Blvd is completely closed to through-traffic from Dean Keeton to MLK starting at 5:00 AM and remains closed until well after the game ends.
Buy Texas vs Arkansas Parking Passes: Reserve Guaranteed Spots
With over 100,000 roaring fans descending on a dense urban grid bordered by the chaotic I-35 corridor, rolling up to campus without a reservation is asking for trouble. If you want a stress-free Saturday, you need to buy Texas vs Arkansas parking pass 2026 inventory ahead of time.
While you can pre-pay for official State Garages A, E, or F, they come with a massive drawback: the post-game trap. Because Austin Police Department forces one-way traffic reversals to flush the campus, getting out of these massive concrete structures can take up to 90 minutes. You are essentially held hostage in a stairwell of idling cars.
This is where the private secondary market becomes the best off-campus parking Texas football fans can find. By booking a private driveway or a spot in a small third-party commercial lot, you can strategically park west or north of campus. This allows you to walk to the game, enjoy the tailgates, and then walk back to your car and drive away in the opposite direction of the main bottlenecks.
Prices for these private spots typically run from $15 to $75+, making them competitive with—and often cheaper than—official university lots. Do yourself a massive favor and find parking for Texas Longhorns Football vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Football using Prked. You lock in a guaranteed spot, you get exact directions to the driveway, and you skip the 90-minute garage wait.
I-35 Construction & UT Austin Towing Rules: Read Before You Drive
Generic campus guides won't tell you this, but driving to DKR Stadium has fundamentally changed in 2026. If you are searching for I-35 construction road closures DKR stadium or wondering how do I get to DKR stadium during I-35 construction, you need to read this carefully.
2026 TXDOT I-35 Construction Alert Massive highway overhauls have permanently altered stadium access. First, the 15th St onramp to Northbound I-35 is permanently removed. You cannot use 15th Street to quickly jump back on the highway heading north toward Round Rock or Waco after the game.
Second, if you are arriving via I-35 South from the north (coming from Dallas, Temple, or Georgetown), the upper deck no longer serves the university exits properly. You MUST take the lower deck to exit at MLK Blvd. If you get stuck on the upper deck, you will bypass the stadium entirely, get flushed into downtown Austin traffic, and have to navigate a maze of one-way streets to get back north to campus. Stay right, take the lower deck split.
Towing Rules UT Austin Football Game Weekend What happens if my car gets towed on UT campus on game day? It is a nightmare you want to avoid. The university is ruthless about clearing the campus for tailgating and VIPs.
Standard campus garage restricted street parking must be completely cleared by 11:59 PM on the Friday before the game. Do not leave your car overnight on Friday thinking you secured a great spot for Saturday morning.
If you accidentally leave your car in restricted lots (like Lots 15, 18, 19, or 26), A&A Wrecker and Recovery begins towing strictly at 12:01 AM. They line up the tow trucks at 11:45 PM and sweep the campus the second midnight hits.
If you wake up and your car is gone, do not panic and assume it was stolen. Towed cars are relocated to Lots 106, 110, 111, 112, or 115. You will need to hike out to these outer lots (mostly on the east side of I-35) to retrieve your vehicle, and you will be paying a hefty impound fee.
Best Way to Get to DKR Stadium: CapMetro, Shuttles & Uber Zones
For many fans, the best way to get to DKR stadium Austin is to simply leave the car behind. Whether you are using rideshare apps or public transit, getting dropped off requires knowing exactly where the university allows vehicles to stop.
Where is the Uber drop off for Texas Longhorns football games? You cannot just tell your driver to pull up to the stadium gates. The official rideshare drop-off and pick-up zone (for both Uber and Lyft) is strictly located on the south curb of Dean Keeton St. between Robert Dedman Dr. and Red River St. (Lot 40).
If you enter "DKR Stadium" into your rideshare app, it will automatically route your driver to this exact zone. Be aware that because of the massive volume of traffic, all rideshare trips to and from this zone incur a $2 event surcharge. After the game, walk straight back to Dean Keeton to request your ride, but expect heavy surge pricing.
Lot 26 UT Shuttle Schedule If you park in the budget-friendly Lot 26, you don't have to walk the massive distance across campus. The Lot 26 Park-and-Ride offers a free round-trip shuttle to the stadium. The shuttles begin running 3 hours before kickoff and continue running until 1 hour after the game ends. Where does the Lot 26 shuttle drop off at DKR? It drops fans off right near the primary stadium entry gates, making it incredibly convenient for older fans or families with young kids.
The CapMetro Local Day Pass Hack Does CapMetro run special buses for Texas football games? Yes, but you can also use their standard routes to execute the best parking hack in Austin.
Instead of fighting downtown traffic, drive to the Hancock Center H-E-B (located at 41st St and I-35). Park your car there for free (park out toward the outer edges of the lot, away from the grocery store doors). Open the CapMetro app and buy a $2.50 local day pass. Walk to the transit stop on the edge of the shopping center and board the Southbound #10 bus.
This bus drops you directly at Dean Keeton & San Jacinto, just a few blocks from the stadium. After the game, you hop back on the Northbound #10, cruise past the miles of deadlocked cars on San Jacinto, and arrive back at your free parking spot in minutes. It completely skips downtown post-game traffic.
DKR Memorial Stadium ADA Parking & RV Tailgating Rules
When dealing with oversized vehicles or accessibility needs, generic parking passes won't cut it. You need specific accommodations for DKR Memorial stadium ADA parking and RV tailgating.
Where is the ADA parking for Darrell K Royal stadium? True ADA parking is highly accessible and affordable at the East Campus Garage for just $10. Because San Jacinto is closed, entry to the East Campus Garage is restricted to Comal Street starting 3 hours before the game.
This garage operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and you strictly require a valid state-issued ADA placard and a matching ID. Do not try to use a relative's placard if they are not in the vehicle; attendants check IDs. Once parked, there are dedicated ADA cart shuttles that run from the garage directly to the stadium gates.
If you need a larger space for wheelchair van deployment or specialized needs, "Special Accommodation" parking is located in Lot 118 and costs $50.
Texas Longhorns RV Tailgating Rules Lot 26 Can I park my RV overnight at UT Austin for a football game? Yes, but your options are tightly restricted. For RVs, State Lot 26 (Park-and-Ride) is the absolute go-to.
It is incredibly affordable: RV parking here costs $10 for game day or $20 for overnight (you can arrive starting Friday at 6 PM). It is one of the best tailgating atmospheres outside of the immediate stadium footprint.
However, you need to manage your expectations regarding amenities. While Lot 26 provides plenty of portable toilets and the free shuttle to the stadium, it offers absolutely no utility or water hookups. You are dry camping on asphalt. You must bring your own generators (follow noise guidelines) and pack out your own trash.
If you want a guaranteed spot for your standard vehicle without dealing with strict campus regulations, make sure to secure your Texas Longhorns Football vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Football parking early. Hook 'em!
Book Event Parking Now
Skip the parking stress. Reserve your spot before it sells out.
Find Parking for This EventFrequently Asked Questions About Texas Longhorns vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Parking
Where is the best place to park for the Texas vs. Arkansas game?
The best place to park for the Texas vs. Arkansas game depends on your budget, with State Garages A, E, and F offering a great balance of proximity and reliable official parking for $40. These garages are a 10-15 minute walk to DKR stadium and can be pre-booked via LAZ Parking. If you want to save money, State Lot 26 is the best value at $10 and includes a free direct shuttle to the stadium.
How much is game day parking at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium?
Game day parking at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium officially ranges from $10 for budget shuttle lots up to $75 for premium garage access. State Lot 26 offers park-and-ride access for $10, State Garages A, E, and F cost $40, and the premium State Garage G runs $75. On the secondary market, private third-party spots and driveways fluctuate between $15 and $109 based on demand.
Is there free parking near DKR stadium on Texas Longhorns game days?
You can find free parking for Texas Longhorns game days by parking off-site at the Hancock Center H-E-B and utilizing local transit. Once you park for free at Hancock Center, simply buy a $2.50 CapMetro day pass and take the Southbound #10 bus directly to the intersection of Dean Keeton & San Jacinto. This hidden transit hack is the best way to avoid expensive garages and massive post-game gridlock.
Where is the official rideshare pickup and drop-off zone at DKR?
The official rideshare pickup and drop-off zone for DKR stadium is strictly located on the south curb of Dean Keeton St. between Robert Dedman Dr. and Red River St. in Lot 40. If you use a rideshare app, simply set your destination to 'DKR Stadium' and it will auto-route to this specific Uber/Lyft zone. Keep in mind that trips to and from this area will incur a $2 event surcharge.
What time do parking lots and tailgates open for the Texas vs. Arkansas game on Nov 21?
Official stadium parking lots open at 7:00 AM for standard game days, or 6:00 AM if the Texas vs. Arkansas game is scheduled for an 11:00 AM kickoff. Traffic control points and one-way road conversions go live even earlier at 5:00 AM. Arriving when the lots open is highly recommended to secure the best tailgating spots before the crowds arrive.
How does the I-35 construction affect driving and parking for the Texas vs. Arkansas game?
Major I-35 construction will force southbound drivers to use the lower deck to exit at MLK Blvd, as the highway layout has been permanently altered. The construction has also permanently removed the 15th St. onramp to Northbound I-35. You should factor in these specific detours when planning your route to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to avoid severe delays.
Where is the best cheap parking for a Texas Longhorns game in Austin?
The best cheap parking for a Texas Longhorns game is State Lot 26, which costs just $10 for game day access. It operates as a park-and-ride facility, providing a free round-trip shuttle to the stadium starting 3 hours before kickoff until 1 hour after the game. For an even cheaper route, you can buy a $2.50 CapMetro local day pass and park off-site.
What are the ADA parking options and shuttle routes at DKR stadium?
The East Campus Garage serves as the primary ADA parking location for DKR stadium at a highly affordable rate of $10 per event. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and ADA cart shuttles run directly from the garage to the stadium gates. Be aware that ADA entry to the East Campus Garage is restricted to Comal Street starting 3 hours before the game.
Are there park-and-ride shuttles to DKR stadium for the Arkansas game?
Yes, there are official park-and-ride shuttles to DKR stadium available from State Lot 26. For $10 per game day, you can park in Lot 26 and take the free round-trip shuttle that runs continuously from 3 hours before kickoff until 1 hour after the game ends. This is one of the most efficient ways to avoid downtown traffic.
What happens if my car is left in a UT restricted lot on the Friday night before the game?
If your car is left in a UT restricted lot like 15, 18, 19, or 26 on Friday night, it will be towed strictly starting at 12:01 AM on game day. A&A Wrecker and Recovery handles the towing and will relocate your vehicle to Lots 106, 110, 111, 112, or 115. Standard campus garage and restricted street parking must be completely cleared by 11:59 PM on Friday to avoid this.
Can you tailgate at the REVELxp turnkey spots for the Texas vs. Arkansas game?
Turnkey tailgating is incredibly popular for the Texas vs. Arkansas game, but premium traditional tailgating access is primarily located near State Garage G and Lot 24. While turnkey operators handle set-up in designated zones around the stadium, bringing your own setup to premium lots like Lot 24 will cost you $75 for a game day spot.
How do I buy a pre-paid parking pass for the Texas Longhorns vs. Arkansas game?
You can buy a pre-paid parking pass for official UT parking at State Garages A, E, or F via LAZ Parking to guarantee a space. If official lots are full, secondary market single-game passes are available ranging from $29 to $109 depending on the distance to the stadium. Purchasing in advance is highly recommended as drive-up spots sell out quickly.
Is street parking available near UT Austin on game days?
Street parking near UT Austin is extremely limited on game days, as standard campus restricted street parking must be completely cleared by 11:59 PM on the Friday before the game. Towing is strictly enforced starting at 12:01 AM. Instead of risking a tow, it is much safer to reserve a spot in a State Garage or use a park-and-ride lot like Lot 26.
Which State of Texas parking garages are open for Longhorn football fans?
Longhorn football fans can park in State Garages A, E, F, G, and the Capitol Visitor Garage (Garage J) during game days. The Capitol Visitor Garage costs $25 per event, Garages A, E, and F cost $40, and Garage G costs $75. Pre-paid reservations are available for A, E, and F via LAZ Parking.
How early should I arrive to Austin to find parking for the Nov 21 game?
You should plan to arrive in Austin right when stadium lots open at 7:00 AM to secure the best parking for the Nov 21 game. Traffic control points and one-way road conversions begin at 5:00 AM, so navigating the roads early helps you avoid the worst of the congestion. Arriving early also gives you plenty of time to enjoy the pre-game tailgates.
Can I leave my car overnight in a UT parking garage after the game?
Overnight parking is not permitted in most standard campus restricted lots, but you can legally leave your vehicle overnight at State Lot 26. This park-and-ride lot allows oversized vehicles and overnight parking starting Friday at 6 PM for a fee of $20. Make sure to clear any standard campus garage spaces before the towing cutoffs.
Is there a shuttle from the downtown Austin parking garages to DKR stadium?
There is no official free shuttle directly from the downtown Austin state parking garages to DKR stadium. However, you can park at the Capitol Visitor Garage (Garage J) for $25 and take a straightforward 15-20 minute walk to the stadium. Alternatively, you can use a $2.50 CapMetro local day pass to catch a bus from downtown to the campus area.
What is the closest parking garage to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium?
State Garage G and Lot 24 are the closest official parking facilities to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, requiring only a 5-10 minute walk to the gates. Because of their close proximity and premium tailgating access, these locations cost $75 per event. Advance reservations are not accepted for Garage G, so you must pay upon entry.
Where can I park an RV or oversized vehicle for the Texas vs. Arkansas game?
You can park an RV or oversized vehicle in State Lot 26 for the Texas vs. Arkansas game. This lot allows oversized vehicles and offers an overnight parking rate of $20 starting Friday at 6 PM. Keep in mind that this is an off-site park-and-ride lot with portable toilets, but it does not offer utility or water hookups.
Is there a shuttle from the CapMetro rail stations to the Texas Longhorns stadium?
While there isn't a dedicated football-only rail shuttle, you can easily use a $2.50 CapMetro local day pass to transfer from the rail to local bus routes that service the stadium. One of the best transit hacks is taking the Southbound #10 bus directly to the intersection of Dean Keeton & San Jacinto, which drops you off right near the action.
How far is the walk from the San Jacinto Garage to DKR stadium?
The walk from the San Jacinto Garage area to DKR stadium is typically less than 10 minutes, making it a highly desirable location for fans. However, keep in mind that San Jacinto Blvd is completely closed to through-traffic from Dean Keeton to MLK from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM on game day, so you will have to walk around the road closures.
Where to park if the official UT Austin parking garages are sold out?
If official UT Austin parking garages are sold out, you can look for private third-party garages and driveways in the surrounding neighborhoods, which typically cost between $15 and $75+. Another excellent backup plan is to park for free at the Hancock Center H-E-B and use a $2.50 CapMetro day pass to bus into the stadium area.
Are there any major road closures around UT Austin for the Nov 21 football game?
Yes, there are several major road closures around UT Austin for the Nov 21 football game, including the complete closure of San Jacinto Blvd to through-traffic from Dean Keeton to MLK between 5:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Traffic control points and one-way conversions go live at 5:00 AM, and 16th Street is also closed, affecting access to the Capitol Visitor Garage.
Can you reserve parking in advance near DKR using apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero?
You can reserve parking in advance near DKR stadium using various secondary market parking apps, where single-game passes generally range from $29 to $109. For official UT parking, you should use LAZ Parking to pre-book spots in State Garages A, E, and F. Reserving ahead of time is the best way to secure a spot before prices fluctuate on game day.
What is the best route to avoid I-35 traffic when going to the Texas vs. Arkansas game?
To avoid severe I-35 traffic delays during the Texas vs. Arkansas game, drivers arriving via I-35 South from the north must use the lower deck to access MLK Blvd due to TXDOT construction. Alternatively, the absolute best way to dodge highway gridlock is to utilize the Hancock Center H-E-B park-and-ride transit hack, letting the CapMetro bus deal with the traffic.
Book Event Parking Now
Skip the parking stress. Reserve your spot before it sells out.
Find Parking for This EventTags:
Event Parking