The University of Texas at Austin will do away with the school's Orange vs. White spring football game in favor of a fan day, according to athletic director Chris Del Conte.
Speaking at his annual town hall at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium last week, Del Conte announced that a "Texas Football Fan Day" will be held on April 26 in lieu of the usual spring football game. Fans will be invited to purchase discounted merchandise from the team's store, take pictures and get player autographs.
According to The Daily Texan, Del Conte said that a conversation with head football coach Steve Sarkisian figured heavily into the decision, as Sarkisian wanted his players to be in top form once the regular season begins after having played a record 16 games last season.
At the town hall, Del Conte also weighed in on how the school will handle roster limits and scholarships given the recently finalized $2.8 billion settlement between the NCAA and current and form athletes that will pave the way for athletes to be paid.
The Texan reported that 466 more athletes across 15 of the University’s 19 sanctioned programs will receive full scholarships.
“This is the University of Texas, we’re good at everything,” Del Conte said. “When you look at this list and it says, you can go from beach volleyball from six to 19 (scholarships) by God, we’re going to 19. … (In) every single one of those sports, our obligation, my obligation, is the funding of the highest level.”
