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Texas Football Ticket Demand Surges to Record Levels

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 4:55 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

AUSTIN, Texas - February 5th, 2026 - The University of Texas at Austin is experiencing a surge in football season ticket demand unlike anything the program has seen in its storied history. Athletic Director Chris Del Conte revealed today that the waitlist for season tickets is "massive," signaling a potent combination of existing fan loyalty and heightened national interest spurred by the Longhorns' recent move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Del Conte's comments, originally made to ESPN in 2024, continue to resonate as the program prepares for its third season as a member of the SEC. Initial reports indicated season ticket deposits exceeding 80,000, a figure now dwarfed by current demand. While exact numbers remain closely guarded, sources within the athletic department suggest the waitlist has ballooned to over 120,000, encompassing fans from across Texas and a significantly broader national footprint.

This isn't merely an incremental increase; it's a fundamental shift in the program's ticketing landscape. Historically, Texas football has been a strong draw, but the move to the SEC has clearly unlocked a new level of enthusiasm. The SEC's national profile, coupled with Texas's established brand and historic success, is proving to be a powerful combination. The SEC consistently dominates television viewership for college football, and being part of that conference elevates Texas's visibility and appeal to fans across the country.

"The energy around the program is palpable," says longtime Longhorn fan and season ticket holder, Sarah Miller. "It feels different this year. There's a real excitement about competing against Alabama, Georgia, and LSU week in and week out. It's not just about winning; it's about being part of the most competitive conference in college football."

The financial implications of this surge in demand are substantial. Increased ticket revenue will allow the athletic department to invest further in facilities, coaching staff, and player development. This creates a positive feedback loop, potentially enhancing on-field performance and further fueling fan interest. However, the unprecedented demand also presents challenges. The university is actively exploring options to accommodate as many fans as possible while maintaining a positive game-day experience. Discussions are underway regarding potential expansions to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, though any significant renovations are years away.

Beyond the stadium capacity issue, the athletic department is also carefully managing the secondary ticket market. Efforts are being made to curtail scalping and ensure that tickets reach genuine fans at fair prices. This includes stricter enforcement of ticket transfer policies and collaborations with reputable ticket exchange platforms.

The SEC's impact extends beyond ticket sales. Merchandise sales have also seen a significant uptick, and hotel occupancy in Austin is projected to increase during home game weekends. The university is working closely with the city of Austin to manage the influx of visitors and minimize disruptions to local residents.

Interestingly, the success of other SEC programs experiencing similar surges in fan engagement (such as Oklahoma State following their SEC entry) highlights a conference-wide phenomenon. The SEC is demonstrably attracting a broader and more passionate fanbase, benefitting all its member institutions.

Texas opened its SEC schedule in 2024 with a road game against Wyoming, and faced immediate challenges adjusting to the new conference's physicality. While the first season was a learning experience, the Longhorns have clearly begun to adapt, with increased recruiting success focused on SEC-style players. The 2025 season saw improvement, and expectations are high for a championship run in 2026. The program's ability to consistently compete at the highest level will be crucial in sustaining this unprecedented level of fan support.

The influx of attention also extends to recruiting. Coaches are reporting a significant increase in interest from top high school prospects, drawn by the prospect of playing in the SEC and the national exposure that comes with it.

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