Texas Longhorns football game day guide from a KXAN insider

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Despite the many construction zones around the University of Texas campus ahead of the first home football game of the season, Longhorn fans will descend upon DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

KXAN Traffic Anchor Erica Brennes will be one of those fans. As our resident Austin traffic expert, whose husband happens to be in charge of BEVO, Brennes has gone to dozens of games and we wanted to get her advice on getting game day ready.

Come early, be loud, wear burnt orange and stay late. Parking garages will be open by 6 a.m. for the 11 a.m. kickoff against San Jose State University.

What if you don't have tickets to the game? You will still have a lot of fun! All of the activities along BEVO Boulevard, at Smokey's Midway and Longhorn City Limits is free. Three hours before kickoff, fans line up along San Jacinto Boulevard near the south entrance of BEVO Blvd (close to Gate 1) to watch BEVO's arrival with the cheerleaders, members of the band, football team and more.

Smokey's Midway is along Deloss Dodds Way on the north side of the stadium. That's where you'll find the ferris wheel, carnival games, a giant slide and more, and it's all free. You can grab food and drinks at Hook 'Em Hangout on the northwest side of the stadium.

What if you need more burnt orange? No problem. You can shop brands like Mizzen + Main, Stewart Simmons, Kendra Scott, Lucchese, Stetson and more at Big Bertha's Bazaar and on BEVO Blvd. Those pop-up shops can be really helpful, especially if you accidentally forget your clear bag!

Free music at Longhorn City Limits on the LBJ Lawn can be enjoyed before and after the game this Saturday. The LBJ Lawn is on the Northeast corner of the stadium. After the game, Cory Morrow takes the stage!

Should you take the whole family? You know your kiddos best, but there are a lot of free kid-friendly game day activities. Keep in mind it will be hot, it will be crowded, it can get loud and you will likely do a lot of walking. While strollers and umbrellas aren't allowed inside the stadium, they can be utilized in the pre- and post-game festivities.

You can really make a whole day of Longhorns Football home games. The University of Texas has put together a helpful and extensive game day guide.

The KXAN Morning News Team will be live at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium on Friday morning.