Light the Tower

Since 1937, the UT Tower has been lit to celebrate the academic and athletic accomplishments of Longhorn students, faculty, staff and alumni, and mark University milestones, illuminating the Tower on the Austin skyline.

Latest Tower Lighting

March 2, 2026

Texas Independence Day

The UT Tower will shine with burnt orange lights Monday, March 2, 2026, to celebrate Texas Independence Day. The holiday commemorates the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence and formation of the Republic of Texas in 1836. “For the proudest of Texans, it’s the most important day of the…

See All Lighting Updates

Lighting Configurations

Tower illustration of White lighting configuration

White Tower

Completely white lighting is the Tower’s everyday configuration.

Tower illustration of White with Orange Top lighting configuration

White Tower with Orange Top

An orange top on the Tower celebrates Longhorn football’s regular season and bowl game victories and other events at the President’s discretion.

Tower illustration of Orange lighting configuration

Orange Tower

The orange Tower marks some of the UT community’s highest points — special academic achievements by our students and faculty, staff accomplishments, UT’s birthday, Commencement, Texas Independence Day, conference and club team championships, and other occasions at the President’s discretion.

Tower illustration of Orange #1 lighting configuration

Orange Tower with No. 1

This special lighting celebrates the Longhorns’ National Championship wins and other events at the President’s discretion.

Tower illustration of Special lighting configuration

Orange Tower with Special Effects

Fireworks, class years or other special configurations mark Commencement and other occasions at the President’s discretion.

Tower illustration of Darkened lighting configuration

Darkened Tower with White Cap

The Tower is completely darkened, except for its cap and observation deck, during UT Remembers, the University’s annual memorial service, and other solemn occasions at the President’s discretion.

Tower illustration of Dark lighting configuration

Dark Tower

A Tower completely darkened except for its clock face and aircraft warning lights usually accompanies local and international energy-saving events like Earth Day and Earth Hour.