Moody Center - Texas Longhorns (WBB)

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57

Moody Erwin Center 2001 Robert Dedman Dr Austin, TX 78712

Texas Longhorns website Moody Center website

Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 11,313

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Texas Basketball Excellence

Imagine what happens when you have your team’s biggest fan design the ideal sports arena for your favorite team. Taking into account food options, fan services, and sightlines, you construct the perfect facility, and that is exactly what the University of Texas did when Matthew McConaughey helped design Moody Center in 2018. Arguably the biggest Texas sports fan there is, McConaughey was deeply involved in the venue’s creation. The result? One of the best college basketball areas in America, especially for women’s basketball.

Food & Beverage   5

Texas is known for great food, and Austin itself is a bustling center of culinary expansion in the region, so it comes as no surprise that Texas basketball games give you a wide variety of food options from local restaurants. And while prices may be high compared to some sports facilities, the quality is top-notch. A sample of the various options you can find here include BBQ short rib sliders ($14), tacos ($15), Trisha Yearwood’s Party Nachos ($25), sopapillas ($8), and local ice cream ($6-$8). Drinks include beer ($8-$18.75), soda ($4-$5), cocktails and spirits ($16-$35), and even a rotating wine and champagne menu that constantly changes ($17+).

Atmosphere   5

The arena has all the modern touches you’d expect at a brand-new NBA stadium. Modernized suites, HD screen scoreboards, and a standing-room only sky deck are some of the features you can enjoy while you’re in Moody Center. The grand entrance features the Longhorn logo hanging above as you walk in, and a massive fan store sells every sort of Texas fan gear you could possibly need. Perhaps what makes this women’s basketball experience best, however, is how they manage the arena capacity – while the upper-most level is not usually open for women’s basketball games, the team has come up with an ingenious way to hide the empty seats that are not in use. Large projector screens are extended down to cover those seats, and instead show a constant flow of game statistics, fan engagement, and advertisements for UT events and games – this adds yet another layer of excellence for the hardcore fan who likes to follow the sport beyond the score. The pre-game intros also include laser lights and pyrotechnics, giving you the big-game feel college basketball deserves, but rarely serves up.

Neighborhood   5

Texas basketball plays in the heart of downtown Austin – the city center is visible from the arena’s outside patios, so you are right there in the middle of one of the most vibrant and quickly growing cities in the nation. The airport is a bit of a drive, however, depending on traffic.

For great food you can’t skip The Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the Congress Bridge, famous for its thousands of bats that fly out every night, as well as Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake. Finally, for a hotel, look for Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport as two options that are great, due to their proximity to the airport and to major highways that lead to downtown.

For sports fans, Moody Center’s location right near the other athletic facilities on campus is great for watching multiple games in a day, with softball, tennis, and baseball located right down the street.

Fans   5

Texas fans are among the most hardcore in all of college sports. Women’s basketball is no different, as games routinely feature completely packed arena seating. To make it more impressive, the fans are incredibly sport knowledgeable; they know every player and every chant for each situation. Team colors are a must for the wardrobe, and even the hardcore folks come decked out head to toe in Longhorn gear. On top of that, the hospitality is impressive – fans here are welcoming and kind to visitors.

Access   5

Moody Center enjoys the luxury of being quite literally one block from the nearest interstate highway – located off exit 235 on I-35, the facility is refreshingly easy to access. The Manor and Trinity Street Garages are your closest options for parking, with numerous other garages and lots also open for fans to park for varying prices.

Return on Investment   5

Tickets for Texas Women’s Basketball are incredibly affordable, starting at just $9. Simply taking into account the quality of Moody Center and the fact the team is one of the best in the nation, you’re getting a top-tier basketball experience in a modern facility for low cost. Parking is also plentiful in various lots and garages right next to the arena.

Extras   3

The facility boasts countless championship banners and retired player numbers in the rafters, and graphics all over the main concourse showcase the history of Texas basketball over the years.

Just outside the Northwest Lobby in the main concourse is a copy of the original drawing that Matthew McConaughey drew with Charles Attal when they were designing the arena.

Before the game starts, fans can enjoy the various sponsor and fan activations outside the main entrance of the facility, as well as activities for kids.

Final Thoughts

Texas Women’s Basketball is one of the top programs in the nation lately, and their arena experience reflects that. Texas fans are known for their loyalty and fervor, and Moody Center was perfectly designed to capture and embrace that love for their home team. Without a doubt, this is one of the top women’s basketball experiences in the entire country, and skipping it would be a grave disservice to the sport.