Football season in Austin is about a lot more than four quarters at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. On game day, the entire city comes alive in burnt orange, from tailgates and traditions around the University of Texas campus to restaurants, bars and local favorites throughout Austin.

Whether you're traveling to Austin to cheer on the Texas Longhorns, visiting for a big SEC matchup or simply looking for the full UT football experience, a game weekend is the perfect excuse to make a trip out of it.

For a stay that combines easy access to game-day Austin with a quieter place to unwind, make Hotel Viata your home base. Located in West Lake Hills, Hotel Viata offers a Hill Country retreat just minutes from the energy of downtown and approximately 5.9 miles from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Spend Friday settling into the hotel, Saturday soaking up the Texas football atmosphere and Sunday recovering with brunch, pool time and treatment at Spa Viata.

Here's how to plan the perfect UT football weekend in Austin.

Friday: Check In & Kick Off the Weekend

Check Into Hotel Viata

Start your Austin football weekend by escaping the bustle of the city and settling into Hotel Viata.

Set among the hills of West Lake Hills, the hotel offers a relaxed alternative to staying directly on campus or in the heart of downtown Austin. Guests can enjoy resort-style amenities, Hill Country views and plenty of space to slow down before the excitement of game day.

Spend the afternoon by the pool, settle into your room or schedule a treatment at Spa Viata before heading out for the evening.

With downtown Austin approximately eight miles away, Hotel Viata makes it easy to experience the city while still having a peaceful retreat to return to at the end of the day.

Dinner & Drinks at Laurel Restaurant

No need to venture far for your first taste of Austin.

Head to Laurel Restaurant for dinner and drinks at Hotel Viata. Perched above the Hill Country with canyon views and country breezes, Laurel pairs Italian-inspired cuisine with Texas flair.

Enjoy a seasonal dinner, handcrafted cocktails and, weather permitting, dining on the restaurant's pet-friendly patio. Laurel serves dinner daily from 5 to 10 p.m., with the Laurel Bar open until 10 p.m.

It's an easy way to ease into the weekend before Saturday's early start.

Saturday: Game Day in Austin

Before the Game: Experience Texas Football Culture

If you've never experienced a Texas Longhorns game day in Austin, prepare for the city to turn burnt orange.

UT football game day starts well before kickoff. Fans gather around campus for tailgates, food, drinks, music and plenty of Longhorn spirit. Whether you're joining a traditional tailgate or simply walking around campus and taking in the atmosphere, give yourself time to experience game day before heading into DKR.

One of the biggest pregame stops is Bevo Boulevard, located along San Jacinto Boulevard near the stadium. The free pregame experience features food, games, entertainment, meet-and-greets and more.

You can also walk along Guadalupe Street, better known as The Drag, to explore the shops, restaurants and unmistakable college-town energy surrounding the University of Texas campus.

And don't be surprised if you find Longhorn football on everywhere you go. On UT game day, Austin bars and restaurants throughout the city get in on the action, making it easy to find a place to grab a drink, watch pregame coverage or celebrate after the final whistle.

Game-Day Tips for DKR

Before heading to the stadium, keep a few things in mind:

• Arrive early. Game-day traffic around the University of Texas campus can be significantly heavier than a typical Austin weekend.
• Plan your parking ahead of time. UT has specific football parking restrictions, street closures and traffic changes on game days. Check the latest information before you leave Hotel Viata.
• Give yourself time to explore. Don't make the stadium your only stop. Walk around campus, experience the tailgates and take in the traditions before kickoff.
• Check the schedule before you go. Kickoff times can vary, particularly later in the season. The official Texas Longhorns football schedule is the best place to confirm the latest game time and opponent.

Game Time at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium

Then it's time for the main event.

Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is home to Texas Longhorns football and one of the defining experiences of a UT football weekend. From the crowd and traditions to the energy inside the stadium, game day is an experience even beyond the final score.

Hotel Viata is approximately 5.9 miles from DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, giving guests a convenient West Austin home base without staying directly in the middle of the campus crowds.

Sunday: Recover Like a Local

After a full day of football, tailgating and cheering on the Longhorns, Sunday is all about slowing down.

And this is where Hotel Viata really shines.

Slow Morning + Brunch at Laurel

There's no reason to rush out of bed.

Start Sunday with coffee and a leisurely brunch at Laurel. Weekend brunch is served from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., making it easy to sleep in after a late night or enjoy a relaxed morning before your next Austin adventure.

Take your time. You've earned it.

Recharge at Spa Viata

Turn your post-game recovery into a full wellness day at Spa Viata.

Choose from massages, facials and body treatments, then take advantage of the spa's sauna, steam room and relaxation spaces. Spa guests also have access to the hotel's pool, whirlpool and fitness center, making it easy to spend the better part of the day unwinding.

After a full Saturday of football, a massage or facial might just be the best play of the weekend.

Pool Time

If you're visiting Austin during the early part of football season, don't be too quick to pack your swimsuit away.

Hotel Viata's year-round heated pool and hot tub offer a relaxing place to spend a Sunday afternoon. During warmer months, settle into a cabana, grab a poolside bite or simply enjoy the Hill Country setting before heading home. Explore Hotel Viata's pool & cabanas.

Make More of Your Austin Football Weekend

Coming to Austin for the game doesn't mean you have to spend the entire weekend around the stadium.

One of the best parts of staying at Hotel Viata is having access to Austin's outdoor experiences, neighborhoods and local shopping while still returning to a peaceful Hill Country retreat.

Take in the View at Mount Bonnell

Add a little Austin scenery to your weekend with a visit to Mount Bonnell, one of the city's classic viewpoints overlooking Lake Austin.

It's a great option for an early morning outing or a quick stop before heading to your next Austin adventure.

Get on the Water at Lady Bird Lake

For a different side of Austin, spend some time on Lady Bird Lake.

Rent a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard from Rowing Dock and enjoy the water while taking in the Austin skyline and surrounding scenery.

Shop South Congress

Spend an afternoon exploring South Congress Avenue, one of Austin's most recognizable shopping and entertainment districts.

Browse local boutiques, pick up a pair of Texas-inspired boots and stop for a bite or drink along the way.

Be sure to check out Austin favorites like Maufrais, Allen's Boots and Kendra Scott for a distinctly local shopping experience.

Where to Stay for a UT Football Weekend in Austin

Planning a trip around a Texas Longhorns game? Hotel Viata offers a different way to experience UT football weekend.

Instead of staying directly on campus, retreat to the hills of West Lake Hills after the excitement of game day. With resort-style amenities, Laurel Restaurant, Spa Viata, a pool and convenient access to Austin attractions, Hotel Viata gives you the best of both worlds: Austin football energy when you want it and a peaceful Hill Country escape when you don't.

From Friday dinner and Saturday tailgating to Sunday brunch and spa time, your UT football weekend can be about more than the game. It can be a weekend in Austin. Book your stay today!