Ohio State and Texas face off at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday, September 12, at 6:30 PM CT. This matchup marks the third recent encounter between these teams, with Ohio State having bested Texas in the 2024 CFP Cotton Bowl semifinal, 28-14, and again in last year’s season opener, 14-7. The Buckeyes, preseason No. 1, are visiting the No. 5 Longhorns, with “College GameDay” setting up on campus for the event.
Fans visiting Austin for the game can enjoy a day full of activities. Austin’s downtown skyline rises above Lady Bird Lake, offering canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The city’s warm mid-September weather, usually in the low-to-mid 90s, calls for early outdoor activities and proper hydration.
Here are some local attractions to explore before the game:
Lady Bird Lake — Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Located under ten minutes from DKR, rentals are approximately $20-30 per hour. Paddleboarding or kayaking here provides a picturesque view of the downtown skyline and the Congress Avenue Bridge, known for its bat colony.
Barton Springs Pool
Approximately ten minutes from DKR with an entry fee of $5-9, this spring-fed pool maintains a constant 68 degrees year-round, offering a refreshing escape from the heat.
Mount Bonnell (Covert Park)
About 15 minutes from DKR, visiting this spot is free. A short climb leads to panoramic views of the Colorado River, Lake Austin, and the Austin skyline, best enjoyed in the morning or evening.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Approximate travel time of 15-20 minutes from DKR, this area offers free hiking and mountain biking trails amid limestone canyon terrain, with potential swimming holes when water levels permit.
McKinney Falls State Park
Located about 20 minutes from DKR with an entry fee of around $6, the park features swimming holes and hiking trails along Onion Creek’s Upper and Lower Falls.
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Travel time of 25-35 minutes from DKR, this option is a splurge at $135 per person for a full tour. It includes five ziplines, Texas’s longest line, a hike, and a boat ride.

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