AUSTIN, Texas — We now know who will play a free concert during the University of Texas at Austin's "SEC Celebration" later this month.
In late May, when UT first announced its plans to throw a "Texas-sized party" to celebrate its official entry into the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the university teased a music lineup that would feature a headlining performance by a "global superstar." On Wednesday, Longhorn fans learned that headliner will be Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull.
"What a historic day and moment for Texas," Chris Del Conte, Vice President and Folger Family Athletics Director, said. "We are so excited to welcome the burnt orange faithful back to the Forty Acres to celebrate Texas with all of our traditions, pride and passion. This is an amazing moment in time for the University, Athletics and the city of Austin as we join the SEC, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a giant party, and we can’t wait for Pitbull to put a punctuation mark on an incredible day."
More on the SEC Celebration
UT's "SEC Celebration" will include interactive games and activities starting at 2 p.m. on June 30, including a Ferris wheel, a giant slide and more. The event will also be the first time Longhorn fans can purchase Texas x SEC co-branded merchandise.
Fans can also take pics at various photo ops, learn more about the SEC at the "SEC Village" and see some treasured UT artifacts at the "Championship Corner." There will also be food trucks on site, as well as two places to grab a cold drink: the Still Austin Music Lounge on the Tower Plaza and Big Beertha on 21st Street.
Live music will start at 5:30 p.m. on the Tower Stage, in front of the UT Tower. The music lineup will finish with a 9 p.m. headlining performance by Pitbull.
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the SEC Network will be broadcasting from the Main Mall, in front of the tower, and at 8:30 p.m., the official SEC Ceremony will be held at the Tower Stage. The event will feature leaders from both the SEC and UT and will "mark a historic moment" as the Longhorns are officially welcomed to the conference. Fireworks will follow.
The fun isn't exclusive to the Main Mall and 21st Street. There will also be free activities for fans to enjoy at UT's museums and centers – including the Blanton Museum of Art, LBJ Presidential Library and Texas Science & Natural History Museum – from 1 to 5 p.m.
Parking for the SEC Celebration will be free in designated UT parking garages and surface lots beginning at 11 a.m.
Background on UT's move to the SEC
Back in July 2021, the sports world was abuzz with rumors that UT and bitter rival, the University of Oklahoma, were considering leaving the Big 12 Conference for the SEC. On July 27, 2021, the two schools officially submitted a joint letter to join the SEC starting in 2025.
Roughly a week later, the conference voted to extend membership to the schools. Both UT and OU accepted.
Then, in February 2023, the Associated Press reported that UT and OU would be heading to the SEC a year earlier than originally planned after Big 12 officials cleared the way for the programs to exit in 2024.
Below is the 2024 Texas Football regular season schedule, including the return of the Longhorns' rivalry game against Texas A&M University:
- Aug. 31 – vs. Colorado State University
- Sept. 7 – at University of Michigan
- Sept. 14 – vs. the University of Texas at San Antonio
- Sept. 21 – vs. the University of Louisiana Monroe
- Sept. 28 – vs. Mississippi State University
- Oct. 12 – vs. OU at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas
- Oct. 19 – vs. the University of Georgia
- Oct. 26 – at Vanderbilt University
- Nov. 9 – vs. the University of Florida
- Nov. 16 – at the University of Arkansas
- Nov. 23 – vs. the University of Kentucky
- Nov. 30 – at Texas A&M