AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte was recently honored as the Austinite of the Year by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, a recognition he sees as a reflection of the institution and the city, rather than a personal accolade.
In a wide-ranging interview with KVUE's Bryan Mays, Del Conte discussed his role, the athletic department's achievements and his vision for the fan experience at Texas sporting events.
"The honor of being the athletic director here is you get to serve 600 student-athletes, 52,000 students and 500,000 living alumni and the great state of Texas," Del Conte said. "With that comes a lot of responsibility."
Under Del Conte's leadership, Texas won the Directors' Cup, which is awarded to the best overall collegiate athletic program, three out of the last four years. He credits the success to the foundation laid by his predecessors and the collaborative effort of coaches and student-athletes.
"We were always knocking on heaven's door, but we finally broke through," Del Conte said. "It's a tribute to our coaches and student-athletes. They understand the importance of being well-rounded."
Del Conte emphasized his commitment to attending every home contest for all sports, not just high-profile events. His dedication extends to the department's focus on creating a memorable experience for fans at all Texas athletic events.
"We're asking them to spend their discretionary income with us," Del Conte said. "We try to keep eight or nine of our items $3 or lower because we're saying come spend time with us."
Del Conte has also encouraged his staff to innovate, implementing ideas like drone shows, mariachi bands, and color-changing lights to enhance the game-day atmosphere. He's also prioritized customer service, personally responding to fan inquiries and complaints.
On the topic of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, Del Conte expressed enthusiasm for the format, noting it will make late-season games more meaningful and give more teams a chance to compete for the national title.
As for Austin's potential to support other professional sports franchises like Austin FC, Del Conte remained focused on the university's role in the community.
"I just know it supports the University of Texas and it's just been voted the best college town in America," Del Conte said. "I'd like to keep it burnt orange and white."