The long-awaited return of the fierce rivalry between Texas A&M and the University of Texas has driven ticket prices to unprecedented levels, setting a new record for college football. For the first time in 13 years, the Aggies and the Longhorns will face off, and fans are eagerly lining up to witness this historic matchup. As the teams prepare to clash at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field, the prices for tickets have skyrocketed, making this game the most expensive college football event ever recorded—by a wide margin.
Tickets for this high-stakes game, which is part of the resumption of the rivalry, are now averaging $1,072 per seat, according to the online ticket marketplace TickPick. This staggering figure not only makes it the most costly college football game in history, but it also surpasses the prices of any regular-season NFL game. In comparison, the previous record-holder for the highest average ticket price in college football was the 2023 Michigan-Ohio State game, another fierce rivalry, which had an average ticket price of $763. This current Texas A&M-UT matchup is, therefore, commanding ticket prices that are 40% higher than the previous record.
For those hoping to snag a seat to the game, prices are steep. The lowest-priced ticket for the Saturday night game, including fees, is listed at $743 on SeatGeek and $742 on TickPick. This is a staggering 160% higher than the “get-in” price for the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, which also takes place on the same day. For fans looking for premium seating, the most expensive tickets, with fees, are priced at over $5,000 each, putting a premium on what is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated games of the season.
Kickoff for the highly anticipated showdown between the No. 3 Texas Longhorns and the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies is set for 7:30 p.m. EST. Fans around the country will be tuning in to watch the game, as it will be broadcast live on ABC. The rivalry between these two Texas powerhouses has deep historical roots, and this game is poised to reignite the passion of both fanbases.
Historically, the rivalry between the Longhorns and Aggies dates back to 1894, with the two teams meeting every year from 1915 to 2011. The series has long been one of college football’s most storied rivalries, and the clash of these two teams has often been a highlight of the Thanksgiving season. However, in 2011, the rivalry was put on pause when Texas A&M left the Big 12 Conference to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This move marked the end of their annual meetings, and the two teams have not faced each other since.
That all changed this year, as Texas also made the move to join the SEC, paving the way for the renewal of the Lone Star Showdown. Though the game isn’t taking place on Thanksgiving Day, the return of this historic rivalry is a nod to Texas football traditions. Of the 118 times the teams have met in history, 64 of those games were played on Thanksgiving, making this a return to a beloved holiday tradition for many fans.
As Texas A&M hosts the game, the university has planned a full weekend of events and activities that will highlight the intensity of the rivalry. A standout event, the “Ruck Across the Brazos,” will see participants from both schools carrying a single football from Austin to Kyle Field, crossing the Brazos River along the way. This unique event will kick off on Friday and is sure to add an extra layer of excitement to the weekend’s festivities.
Additionally, the traditional “yell practice” at Texas A&M, where the school’s Yell Leaders teach students chants before the game, will take place earlier than usual, at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, rather than at midnight. A concert featuring Texas country music icons Pat Green and Randy Rogers Band will follow the Yell Practice, providing a celebratory atmosphere ahead of the game.
On game day, fans can also look forward to a BBQ cook-off at Kyle Field before the game kicks off. A pre-game parade will also feature the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, and the beloved school mascot, Reveille, a rough collie. These events will add to the festive and competitive spirit surrounding the game, making the weekend an unforgettable experience for all involved.
As the two teams prepare to square off, the rivalry’s rich history looms large. The University of Texas holds the all-time series lead with 76 wins, 37 losses, and 5 ties against Texas A&M. However, the Aggies will be looking to make a statement and prove themselves on the national stage. The return of this legendary rivalry is a major event in the world of college football, and all eyes will be on Kyle Field as these two Texas powerhouses reignite their bitter competition.
In conclusion, the return of the Texas A&M-UT football rivalry has already become one of the most highly anticipated events of the season. With ticket prices reaching record highs, this game is not only setting financial benchmarks but also promising to deliver an unforgettable spectacle on the field. Whether it’s the historical significance, the exciting game-day activities, or the intense competition between the two teams, this matchup is sure to live up to the hype. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of this Thanksgiving tradition, and the rivalry between the Longhorns and Aggies will undoubtedly continue to be one of the most thrilling and expensive rivalries in college football history.
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