The University Tower of the Main Building, rising 307 feet above Austin, stands as a symbol of identity and a timekeeper of tradition for The University of Texas at Austin. Built at a cost of $3 million in 1936, the 27-story Tower was designed in a modified Spanish Renaissance style by one of America's foremost architects, Paul P. Cret of Philadelphia. The Tower was one of over 30 buildings on campus designed and built after oil was discovered on West Texas University land in the early 1920's.
Although the Tower was originally intended to house the Mirabeau B. Lamar Library, the interior of the structure was renovated and assigned to several University-supporting services in the summer of 1977 when the Lamar collection was moved to the Perry-Castenada Library. Currently, the University President, Admissions Office, Registrar, and Business Manager are among the offices located in the structure.
Throughout the past 65 years, the Tower has stood as a symbol of the campus of The University of Texas at Austin for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the University community.
Tower Victory Lights
The use of the Tower lights to celebrate Longhorn victories was originated by Dr. Carl Eckhardt, superintendent of buildings and grounds and professor of mechanical engineering in 1939. Eckhardt placed orange filters over the lights, and when the idea was lauded, special orange lights were installed. The lighting schedule follows:
1. Complete Tower Orange:
a. On nights a NCAA national team championship is won in any sport.
b. On nights of football victories over Texas A&M.
c. On nights a basketball tournament championship is won in the NIT.
2. Observation and Column Decks Orange:
a. On nights of football victories other than those involving Texas A&M.
b. On nights on which a Big 12 championship is won in any team sport.
c. On nights of baseball or basketball victories in the Big 12, NCAA, or NIT tournaments.
d. Annual Commencement, Honors Day, and upon the occasion of the inauguration of the president of The University of Texas at Austin.
e. On March 2, April 21, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
3. Observation and column decks alternating orange and white:
a. On nights of a tie for NCAA or Big 12 championship in any team sport.
b. On nights of tie football games.
Other special occasions for the use of the Tower lights are determined by the president of the University.
Tour Schedule
Tours are conducted each Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 10am and 5pm, and begin on each hour. Each tour lasts 1 hour, with approximately 35 minutes reserved for viewing from the Observation Deck. No tours are conducted on holidays or at times when the University is closed.
Tickets & Reservations
Reservations can be made at the Texas Union Information Center in the Texas Union Building, located at the corner of 24th and Guadalupe St. or by calling 512-475-6633, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 5pm. Tickets are $3.00 per person, payable in cash, by check, by MasterCard or Visa, or by money order.
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