Be A VIP
Meet UT legend Brian Orakpo at CultureMap Austin's Tailgate event
Brian Orakpo played for UT from 2004-2008.
CultureMap is gearing up for The Tailgate, the can’t-miss game-day bash of the season, landing Thursday, September 25, at Austin's Distribution Hall.
Go VIP to unlock early entry, a private bar, and the ultimate fan experience: an exclusive meet-and-greet with UT legend and four-time Pro Bowler Brian Orakpo.
The Houston native was an All-American linebacker for the Longhorns from 2004-2008, helping them finish 10th in the nation at defense and secure their fourth national championship, in 2005. He scored Big 12 Player of the Year in 2008 before being drafted 13th overall by the Washington Commanders in 2009.
Orakpo played 10 seasons total in the NFL, remaining with Washington through 2014 before moving to the Tennessee Titans in 2015. He retired in 2018.
Even if you're not a football fan, Orakpo might be a familiar face. He appeared in several Geico "Caveman" commercials and opened a franchise of Gigi's Cupcakes in Bee Cave in 2018 with Titans teammate Michael Griffin.
Attendees of The Tailgate will enjoy a range of experiences showcasing local sports and local food. Savor sports-inspired bites from your favorite restaurants like Loro, Casa Bianca, Tommy Want Wingy, and more; sip on premium cocktails; bid on memorabilia from Texas sports legends; and enjoy plenty of game-day fun.
Following up on the success of last year’s Ultimate Wing Showdown, readers will get to vote for their favorite taco joint of 2025 in CultureMap's Top Taco Tournament (coming soon). The winner will be revealed at the party.
We'll continue to keep you up to date on all things Tailgate-related in a special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.
Lock in $60 VIP tickets, while they last, for the all-access experience and meet-and-greet. General Admission tickets start at $35.
Get your tickets now before they sell out, and we’ll see you on September 25.
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The Tailgate is sponsored by FLIGHT by Yuengling, Mizzen+Main, Antone's Famous Po' Boys, NXT LVL Events, and more to be announced.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri