Austin City Limits Fest Screens Texas vs. Oklahoma Game

A massive crowd gathered at the Big Tent next to the Miller Lite stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival on Saturday after 2:30 p.m., but it wasn't for a musical act. The top-ranked Texas Longhorns were facing off against arch-rivals Oklahoma Sooners, and the festival screened the game in the makeshift beer hall and pizza parlor. Around a thousand people spilled out of the tent.

The Red River Rivalry, a notable game in college football, overlaps with Austin's biggest music festival almost every year. Consequently, feverish fans crowding around giant TVs at the festival to cheer their team on has become a tradition.

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While some might find it ironic that festival-goers would come to the park just to watch TV, many fans see it as an important game and a logical time to take a break and socialize with friends.

Longhorn fan Mac Smith explained that watching the game at ACL is not only a tradition but also a sensible financial compromise. "Every year I come to ACL, I also watch the UT game here and it just makes money sense for me, because I can either spend $350 to go see UT-Oklahoma in Dallas or I can spend that money to come here and watch the game with fellow fans," said Smith.

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Robert and Karin Foster, Texas alums, have also made a tradition out of watching the game in the park. They find it a good way to pass the time before seeing their favorite bands. "Being around the comradery and the occasional commiseration is just a really good time. So we also walk over here just to check in on the game and make sure Texas is winning," Robert Foster said.

Adriana Jimenez and Matias Fragoso, a couple, had differing levels of enthusiasm for the game. Fragoso, a UT alum, was thankful to see his former school play in such a big game. "This is a big year and I think if we can win this game, then we are getting a lot closer to hopefully winning the championship this year," said Fragoso. Jimenez, however, was more reserved. "I support him always and it's fun when they are playing good, and not as much when they are playing bad," said Jimenez. "But he did watch '90-day Fiancé' with me so that is the same I guess."