AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you plan on attending a football game at DKR Stadium this upcoming season, you may notice there are new seats. These seats were not installed by the University of Texas, but instead high schoolers.
The Elgin High School Band program had its UT Seatback Install fundraiser on Saturday, where its students and staff worked to input thousands of seats on the bleachers at DKR.
“The funding goes straight back to the kids,” said Armando Martinez, the head band director for Elgin. “If we need any equipment for the band itself, I go to the boosters, and we’re able to purchase those items for the kids.”
Elgin Band Booster President Kais Moore said the fundraiser benefits and rewards its students monumentally.
“The kids put in a lot of work,” Moore said. They’re out in the heat all day —everyday— for summer band and then marching competitions and the football games.
With the raised money, Moore and Martienz also are planning to take their students on a trip to Branson, Missouri.
“We like to take them to do something fun because they deserve it,” Moore said.
Each seat contributes $4 to the band program. Armando and his students installed about 3,000 on Saturday. Installing seats for this year results in a little extra effort, as UT joins the SEC Conference this season.
“There is more seats because of [UT] being in the SEC,” Armando said. “Win win for us. The more seats that people purchase, the more money we get for us installing the seats.”
Armando said the effort is more than just a funding opportunity — it’s also a bonding experience.
“I know for the kiddos, they learn how to work hard and together as a team,” Armando said.
UT football fans will get experience these new seats at the home season opener against Colorado State on Aug. 31.