SAN ANTONIO — Alamo Bowl action returns to San Antonio Thursday when the No. 21 Texas Longhorns take on the No. 12 Washington Huskies at the Alamodome.
The game routinely draws crowds of nearly 60,000, though lingering travel chaos is expected to give the local team an even bigger homefield advantage. Here's what you should know if you're heading to the matchup:
When does it start?
The game kicks off at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.
Are tickets still available?
They sure are! Thousands of seats are still open for the taking, starting at $55. Buy here.
Where can I park?
The city says free parking will be available at City Tower Garage (117 West Commerce) between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., but keep in mind that you'll have to show your ticket to the parking garage attendant upon entering.
Rideshare drop-off and pick-up will be in Lot D, at the corner of Montana and 500 Tower of Americas Way.
There will also be VIA Park & Ride service departing from the Crossroads location on the northwest side, near I-10 and Loop 410. It will operate starting at 5 p.m. three hours before kickoff and cost you $2.60 roundtrip. Returning service will last for one hour after the end of the game. Find more information here.
Otherwise, you can click here for information on parking at the Alamodome.
What can't I bring?
The Alamodome has some strict policies about what is and isn't allowed. Bags must be no bigger than 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches unless they're clear, in which case the limit is 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.
As far as what items aren't allowed, you'll be turned away if you have any of the following:
- Weapons.
- Outside food or drinks.
- Noisemakers.
- Laser-pointers.
- Flags with poles.
- Helium balloons.
- Tobacco products.
- Pets, with an exception for service animals.
How else can I watch the game?
Staying home to avoid the chaos? You can catch the 2022 Valero Alamo Bowl on ESPN.
How have the teams fared this season?
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led the nation in passing yards this season and leads the No. 12 Huskies (10-2) in the Alamo Bowl against No. 21 Texas (8-4).
Penix chose to stay in college for the bowl game and the 2023 season instead of heading for the NFL. Another big game from the transfer from Indiana could create a lot of buzz for himself and the Huskies for next season.
"These guys, they score a lot of points, they throw it around man, clinic with coach DeBoer, but the the Michael Penix and those receivers, they do a heck of a job," said UT coach Steve Sarkisian. "Their ability to rush the passer defensively and create havoc on the quarterback are issues. But they can score they score on everybody. It doesn't matter. The helmet doesn't matter who they're playing. They go score and you got to be prepared to to make sure you're playing four quarters and score collectively against them because they can do it at a high high level."
The Huskies are on a six-game win streak heading into their first bowl since 2019. Another win and another big game from Penix likely sets up the quarterback and the Washington program for a lot of buzz heading into 2023.
"I do know what Michael does and he doesn't a high level and being around college football for many years, he does as good as anyone I've ever seen," said Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer. "His ability to to be accurate. He's got a cannon for an arm. He's a great leader, great person, high character guy who came in and instantly brought life to our team. Our stadium became electric because of the big plays he's made. Taking an offense that was near the bottom of FBS a year ago, and pretty much with everyone else around him, for the most part, be in the same people to be one of the top two offensive in the country in most categories. A lot of that credit is due to what Michaels done for us."
Texas made key strides in coach Steve Sarkisian's second season. After a 5-7 finish in 2021 that included the longest losing streak in 65 years, the Longhorns finished third in the Big 12 and were in the mix for a berth in the conference championship game in late November.
Unlike Washington, Texas has seen an exodus of several top players before the bowl game.
Bijan Robinson, who led the Big 12 in rushing with 1,508 yards and 18 touchdowns, opted out of the bowl game to get ready for the NFL. So did the Longhorns' second-leading rusher, Roschon Johnson, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who tied for the team lead with 10 tackles for losses and also had four sacks.
"I feel for our players because they love this place, but yet they have a future to think about too. So that's that's that's how we go about it," Sarkisian said.
Texas is 3-1 in Alamo Bowl matchups dating back to 2010.
What have the coaches said about the game?
Steve Sarkisian used to coach Washington, and got nostalgic ahead of the game.
"My time at Washington was one that I will never forget. Special time, special place, that place was incredible. The fan base was incredible. I don't take it lightly. You know, you evolve as a coach, obviously, as you go through all of it and in the end, man, you hope you leave a place better than what you found it and I think that we did that. DeBoer has done a fantastic job with that program," Sark said. "I'm appreciative of all the people there. You know, they're great people, the University of Washington and much respect for everybody there."
Sark even coached Washington in this game. In 2011, his Huskies fell in a 67-56 shootout against a Baylor team led by Robert Griffin III.
"I'll never forget watching RG III and that that whole crew, that was a great game. You know, I think that's what the beauty of the Alamo bowl is. It's like, you know, I know we're not New Years 6 game but, man to get to top 20 teams battling at a high level on a national stage and man, this is what it's about. So great opportunity for us, the University of Texas, great opportunity, I'm sure for coach DeBoer and his program at the University of Washington, and what a deal for the Alamo Bowl to get these two teams. Are you kidding me?"
Texas didn't have all the success they wanted to this season, but don't expect Sark and his Longhorns to take this game for granted.
"At the end of the day, there's high expectations with what we do, and our players are appreciative of the opportunity that we have," Sarkisian said. "To play the University of Washington and all that they've accomplished this season, and a team that... a couple plays here or there and they're in the College Football Playoff. This is a great challenge for us, and a great bowl game for us, a great opportunity."
His counterpart at UW, Kalen DeBoer, is also ready to kick this bowl game off.
"Coach Sark, he's got some history with UW as you've heard," DeBoer said. "Just appreciative of what his part is in our history. Looking forward to the great challenge to play UT. We know that they've had, as you look at their schedule and their season, they've had some great wins and continue to seem to be projecting onward and upward, so we're looking forward to the great challenge."
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