Your Gridiron Getaway: Experience College Football The Texas Way

Down, set, hut! Everything’s bigger in Texas, and if you know anything about football, you know that Texas is football country. Whether it's the Friday night lights at the local high school, a powerhouse showdown at the college level, or a gridiron battle between NFL teams, football is pure passion here. And if you’re planning a weekend away in Brenham, TX, you’ll be in prime position to watch several local college football teams duke it out with their opponents. 


We’ve compiled a complete guide to a college football weekend, from the perfect tailgate to the best homebase for your adventure. Let’s dive in.

A football player is running with a flag that says 12th man on it.

Welcome to Football Country

Brenham is right in the sweet spot for any football fans looking to hop between different colleges. We’re just 55 minutes away from Texas A&M University in College Station, home of the 12th Man and SEC Saturdays. UT Austin and the University of Houston are both about an hour and a half away, with Baylor sitting two hours away in Waco. Even TCU up in Fort Worth isn’t out of reach, if you’re willing to make a longer haul.


Want to know the best part about staying in Brenham? Ant Street Inn, our property, is a go-to spot for fans traveling in for these games. We don’t require a two-night minimum stay (except for the month of October), making us the perfect stopping ground for a weekend football excursion. Our location gives you a back-road route to College Station that’s perfect for skipping the crowds, as well as an easy drive down Highway 290 to get to Austin or to Houston via the Beltway. 


All this access ensures that you can wake up, enjoy a warm breakfast at our onsite restaurant, and still make kickoff.

A group of football players are standing on a field with a mascot.

It’s not true Texas football without a tailgating party. You’ll see fans firing up the smokers early in the morning, cooking some of the best brisket, ribs, and jalapeno poppers you’ve ever had, among others. If you’re heading to Kyle Field stadium to watch the Aggies, you’ll quickly be immersed in their traditions, from the Yell Leaders to a fan base that stands the whole game. It’s more than a tailgate, it’s a ritual.


Over at UT Austin, you’ll find everything entrenched in deep-rooted Longhorn loyalty. From BBQ to tacos on the grill, there’s all sorts of delicious items being served up. And don’t be surprised if you see a few fans sneaking in a game or two of cornhole during the process. Houston and Baylor continue the hardcore football spirit of Texas with their own collective tailgates, with several Cajun dishes being served over at Houston, and some fans arriving by boat (yes, really) to the Baylor tailgates.

Tailgating: Where the Party Starts

A football shaped sign that says this house yells tcu go frogs

Once you’ve entered the stadium, prepare yourself for four quarters of emotional highs and lows. Texas A&M’s Kyle Field is one of the largest stadiums in the country, ranking near the top in total crowd volume. Especially when the Aggies are in a tight game, you’ll see the place turn electric. 


At UT, the “Texas Fight” song’ll get your blood pumping, and when their mascot Bevo takes the field, you’ll be reminded of just how deep the Longhorn tradition runs. Baylor and Houston bring gritty teams and high energy, sure to thrill. And yes, it is 3.5 hours away, but TCU in Fort Worth is a must-see for those who bleed purple like we do.


Not looking to battle stadium crowds? No problem, Brenham has several great spots to catch the game, from local sports bars to our favorite brewery and biergarten. Guests often gather here to watch away games together in a relaxed atmosphere. Or, if you prefer a quieter experience, kick back and catch your favorite team from the comfort of your elegant room at Ant Street Inn.

The Stadiums: Noise, Nachos, and Nail-Biters

A table topped with cupcakes and a sign that says hook em horns

Texas Football Highlights

In case you haven’t been keeping track, here are some recent highlights within our state programs: Texas A&M has consistently ranked near the top of the SEC with their defense, sending several players to the NFL. UT has seen a resurgence over the years, even going to the SEC championship and semifinals in the College Football Playoffs in 2024. Baylor’s always a force to be reckoned with, surprising everyone with a 2021 Big 12 championship, while Houston constantly plays with a chip on their shoulder, making every game worth watching. And, of course, we can’t forget about TCU! Always competitive, TCU is always a force to be reckoned with, making it as far as the National Championship in 2023.


Trust us, you’ll never catch a dull game here when the college football season kicks off.

Stay at Ant Street Inn

If you’re considering chasing the college football scene across Texas this fall, base your trip in Brenham. Here at Ant Street Inn, we put you within a short drive of all the SEC and Big 12 matchups you could hope for. Plus, after the clock hits zero, skip the crowds and drive back to a relaxing escape. 


Did we mention we are also a top rated wedding destination? Plan the Texas wedding of your dreams during your stay at our historic boutique hotel. Pick from 15 uniquely furnished rooms that truly embody the elegance of a bygone era.


Pro Tip: Planning a wedding? Consider booking your big day during a bye week or away game for your favorite team. Yes, even brides plan around football in Texas!


So, what are you waiting for? Start preparing now for your gridiron getaway, because let’s be honest: Saturdays are for football.