A close-up view of the custom wooden deck at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, showcasing the natural wood finish and open space with stadium seating and the scoreboard in the background.

University of Texas Stadium Custom Deck Project

ByBarrett Criscoe

Best Austin Handyman got to work on something different this time. We built a custom deck inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium for the 2024 season opener.

The project gave us access to build inside one of Austin’s most recognizable venues. We constructed a wood deck that provides standing and seating space for fans during games. The location offers a direct view of the field and handles heavy foot traffic on game days.

The Build

We used pressure-treated lumber rated for outdoor and high-traffic use. The deck sits in the stadium’s upper section with metal railings that meet stadium safety codes. The open design keeps sightlines to the field clear.

Construction happened during the offseason to meet the September deadline. Stadium builds come with their own challenges – limited access windows, coordination with UT facilities, and working around existing infrastructure. The deck had to integrate with the stadium’s layout without blocking walkways or emergency exits.

Why This Project Matters

DKR Stadium opened in 1924 and now seats over 100,000 fans. It’s the seventh-largest stadium in the country and the biggest in the Big 12. Getting to work on a venue this size showed us what’s possible when you scale up residential deck techniques for commercial projects.

The deck uses the same fundamentals as backyard builds – proper joist spacing, secure ledger attachment, and code-compliant railings. The difference is in scale and foot traffic requirements.

Commercial Projects

Commercial projects like this require different materials and engineering than residential decks. Load calculations matter more when you’re expecting crowds instead of a family cookout. We worked with structural engineers to verify the design could handle game-day capacity.

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The timeline was tight. Stadium renovations don’t wait, and missing a season opener isn’t an option. That meant careful planning and backup materials in case of delays.

Planning Your Deck Project

Whether you’re building in a stadium or your backyard, proper planning matters. Here’s what goes into a successful deck:

Structural Requirements: Your deck needs to support the intended use. A small sitting area has different load requirements than a space for gatherings. We calculate weight capacity based on how you’ll use the space.

Material Selection: Pressure-treated pine works for most Austin decks. Composite materials cost more but require less maintenance. Cedar looks good but needs regular sealing in Texas heat.

Permitting: Austin requires permits for decks over 30 inches high or attached to your home. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. We handle permit applications as part of the project.

Timeline: Most residential decks take 1-2 weeks to build once materials arrive. Larger or custom projects take longer. Weather delays happen, especially during Austin’s unpredictable spring and fall.

Ready to build your deck? Best Austin Handyman handles projects from basic backyard decks to custom builds. We’ll help you figure out what works for your space and budget.

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