Texas Football Hosts Annual 'Fan Day' Event on April 18

Longhorns fans get access to open practice, autographs, and more at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Texas Longhorns football practice, with sharp planes of orange, white, and gray representing the players and action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the energy and movement of a Texas Longhorns football practice, capturing the team's preparation for the upcoming season.Austin Today

The Texas Longhorns football team is hosting its annual 'Football Fan Day' event on April 18, giving fans a chance to watch an open practice, get autographs from players, and take photos with the team and mascots. The event features a street festival, trophy displays, and other fan-friendly activities leading up to the on-field action.

Why it matters

Texas Football Fan Day is a long-standing tradition that allows the Longhorns' passionate fan base to connect with the team and get an early look at the squad before the upcoming season. With changes to the offseason training schedule and the potential for a longer season due to the expanded College Football Playoff, this year's event takes on added significance as fans look to get excited about the team's prospects.

The details

The Fan Day festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with a 'Football Fan Day Street Fest' featuring Smokey's Midway, Bevo Boulevard, and photo opportunities with trophies like the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and Red River Rivalry Golden Hat. Bevo XV and Smokey the Cannon will also be available for fan photos from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The open practice starts at 11 a.m., with fans able to sit in sections 13-32 of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. After practice, players will sign autographs around 1:15 p.m., and fans can take photos on the Campbell-Williams turf with the coaching staff and mascots.

  • The Football Fan Day event takes place on April 18, 2026.
  • The open practice begins at 11 a.m. on April 18.
  • The autograph session for players starts around 1:15 p.m. on April 18.

The players

Steve Sarkisian

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team, who has been experimenting with the format of the spring showcase event to best engage the fan base while also keeping the team fresh for the upcoming season.

Bevo XV

The current live mascot of the Texas Longhorns, who will be available for fan photos during a designated time window.

Smokey the Cannon

The cannon mascot of the Texas Longhorns, who will also be available for fan photos during a designated time window.

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What they’re saying

“The evolution of the Texas spring football experience will get a new chapter April 18 with a day full of fan-friendly events, including an open practice for fans to watch.”

— Billy Gates, Author

What’s next

Fans will have to arrive early to secure the best seats for the open practice, as seating is first-come, first-served. The team will also hold summer conditioning and training camp in August before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Texas Football Fan Day provides an exciting opportunity for the Longhorns' passionate fan base to connect with the team, get an early look at the squad, and build anticipation for the upcoming season. The event's evolution reflects the program's efforts to balance fan engagement with the team's preparation needs in the changing college football landscape.