Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium isn't just an active game-day venue, it's a massive piece of University of Texas property that draws visitors year-round, from tourists taking photos to students cutting through campus to curious fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the field during the off-season. Whether you were arrested during a chaotic game-day incident or cited for wandering into a restricted area on a quiet Tuesday in June, criminal trespass charges at DKR Stadium are more common and more serious than most people expect.
What Is Criminal Trespass Under Texas Law?
Under Texas Penal Code § 30.05, a person commits criminal trespass when they enter or remain on property without effective consent after receiving notice that entry was forbidden, or after being told to leave and failing to do so.
This applies year-round, not just during football season. In fact, off-season trespass cases at DKR are increasingly common, arising from situations like:
Game Day Scenarios
- Rushing the field after a game
- Sneaking into restricted areas (VIP sections, press boxes, suites, or locker room tunnels without credentials)
- Re-entering the stadium after being ejected
- Climbing barriers or fences to reach restricted zones
Off-Season Scenarios
- Entering the stadium or practice facilities during closures for renovations, maintenance, or private events
- Climbing fences or barriers to take photos or videos when the stadium is closed to the public
- Wandering into restricted athletic facilities adjacent to the stadium (indoor practice fields, locker rooms, training centers)
- Ignoring posted signage during non-event hours indicating the property is closed
- Remaining on the property after security or UT police issue a verbal warning during a tour, event setup, or unrelated campus visit
- Filming or content creation attempts (a growing trend among social media creators trying to get stadium footage without authorization)
Because DKR sits on active university property with ongoing security monitoring, UT police patrol and monitor the area year-round, not just on Saturdays in the fall.
What Are the Penalties for Criminal Trespass in Texas?
Criminal trespass is generally charged as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000, or both.The charge can be enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor (up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine) if the trespass occurred in a habitation, the person had a prior trespass conviction on the same property, or some aggravating factors apply, such as possessing a weapon during the offense.
Whether it happens during a game-day celebration or an off-season photo attempt, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record one that can affect employment, professional licensing, and university disciplinary standing for students.
Why These Cases Are Taken Seriously — Regardless of Season
Some people assume off-season trespass at an "empty" stadium is a low-stakes situation, but Travis County prosecutors and UT officials often treat it seriously because of some of the following factors:
- Liability and safety concerns: Empty stadiums still have hazards (scaffolding, construction equipment, unsecured areas during renovations)
- University property protections: UT actively protects its athletic facilities from unauthorized access, especially given ongoing renovations and equipment investments
- Security precedent: Allowing repeated minor trespassing can create larger security vulnerabilities the university wants to avoid
- Content creation incidents: Social media-driven trespassing (climbing fences for photos/videos) has become a specific enforcement focus for UT police
Possible Defenses to Criminal Trespass Charges
Every case depends on its specific facts, but common defense strategies include:
- Lack of proper notice: Was there clear signage or a verbal warning indicating the property was off-limits?
- Consent: Did someone with authority (event staff, university personnel) give permission to be there?
- Mistake of fact: Did you reasonably believe the area was open to the public?
- Ambiguous boundaries: Off-season cases sometimes involve unclear property lines between public campus areas and restricted athletic facilities
- Insufficient evidence of identity: Especially relevant in group incidents or large gatherings
An experienced attorney can pursue dismissals, reduced charges, deferred disposition, or pretrial diversion, particularly for first-time offenders, helping protect your record from a lasting conviction.
Arrested at DKR Stadium — Game Day or Not? Don't Wait to Get Legal Help
Whether your arrest happened during a packed Saturday game or a quiet weekday when the stadium was closed for renovations, criminal trespass charges carry real consequences that can follow you well beyond the incident itself. If you or your student has been cited or arrested for criminal trespass at DKR Memorial Stadium, it's important to speak with an experienced Austin criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Will Mitchell today for a free, confidential consultation. We understand how these cases unfold in Travis County courts and whether it's football season or the middle of summer, we're here to protect your record and your future.