Texas football fans invited to free 2026 Fan Day with open practice, autographs

Austin, Texas — Texas Athletics has invited Longhorns supporters to mark their calendars for Saturday, April 18, 2026, when the program will host its annual Football Fan Day inside Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. Admission is free, and the centerpiece of the event will be the team’s only open practice of the year, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the squad’s spring preparations.

Gates will open in the morning, with the open practice scheduled to run through the early afternoon. Following the on-field session, players and coaches will be available for autographs and photos along the stadium concourse, allowing attendees to meet the roster face-to-face and collect signatures on everything from jerseys to commemorative posters.

The athletics department encourages fans to arrive early, as seating for the practice will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the lower bowl. Concessions will be open, and merchandise kiosks will be stationed outside the stadium for those looking to pick up 2026 team gear.

Parking in surrounding campus lots will be complimentary for the day, and UT shuttle buses will run regular loops from distant garages to ease congestion. No tickets are required; however, attendees are asked to register online at TexasSports.com/FanDay to help organizers estimate attendance and to receive real-time updates on schedule changes.

Texas Athletics stresses that Fan Day is a family-friendly event, with youth activities—including face painting and a photo station with mascot Hook ’em—planned on the south plaza. The department also reminds visitors that standard stadium policies on bag size and prohibited items will be enforced.

With the 2026 season on the horizon, Longhorns enthusiasts will get their lone public glimpse of the squad before fall camp begins, making April 18 a can’t-miss date on the Texas football calendar.