Development / Entrepreneurship / Food / Shopping / History
Jul 25, 2024
Downtown & UTA: The connection, the benefits, the culture
With roots dating back to 1895 when it was first established as Arlington College, the University of Texas at Arlington has been a part of downtown for decades. When the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation was founded in 2008, we started thoroughly considering the connection between the two communities.
UTA students, faculty, staff and alumni have helped the downtown area flourish. As Downtown Arlington increases in walkability and number of businesses, the UTA community is visiting downtown more and more.
![](https://img.ctykit.com/cdn/tx-arlington/images/uta-aerial-shot.png)
The results from our 2022 Downtown Arlington Residents Survey showed that 68.2% of those living downtown are aged 18-34. With this age range matching the typical ages of college students and faculty members, we know the UTA community is finding a home downtown.
![](https://img.ctykit.com/cdn/tx-arlington/images/tr:w-1800/people-at-creator-mixer-6.jpg)
From the opening of the Levitt Pavilion to the arrival of new businesses like Cafe Americana and The Mosaic Market, downtown Arlington is becoming a hub of activity for UTA students, faculty and staff.
Downtown Arlington is home to dozens of businesses of all kinds. Many downtown business owners are even UTA alumni helping downtown grow while fueling our local economy, creating jobs and bringing entrepreneurial spirit to downtown.
Alumni downtown business owners
- Ayla Hernandez at Kung Fu Tea
- Brandon Hurtado at Hurtado Barbecue
- Chris McMurrough at Cloud 9 Perception
- Clint Stephens at Precision Press
- Drew Campbell at On Tap
- Estee and George Kramerov at Hooligan’s Pub and Kool Keg
- Greg Gardner at Grease Monkey Burger Shop and Cartel Taco Bar
- Heidi Allison at Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery and The Hive
- Josh Moore at Inclusion Coffee
- Kelly Curnutt and Doug Hafer at Curnutt and Hafer, LLP
- Kristene Toledo at Inspirations Fork & Table
- Natalie Ellis at Growl Records
- Randy Ford at J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill
- Valerie Landry at The Sanford House
- Vikash Bhula at Lone Star Axe Throwing
- Wally Hardin at The Man’s Shop
- Zech O’Rarden at Camp TUF: The Ultimate Fitness
All alumni were once students and most likely sparked their love for downtown at some point in their time at UTA. There are various coffee shops, restaurants, retail stores and bars students can find as they walk along Abram Street and across the train tracks to Front Street.
![](https://img.ctykit.com/cdn/tx-arlington/images/frat-boys-at-grease-monkey.png)
Results from our survey also demonstrated that 72.6% of residents do not have children and 56.5% are single. These demographics align with college students who may be looking for places to have a good time. Downtown is the answer!
Current students with a valid MavID card can receive the following discounts at some amazing local downtown spots!
Some student discounts downtown
![](https://img.ctykit.com/cdn/tx-arlington/images/welcome-home-mavericks-banner-1.jpg)
- Inclusion Coffee | 10% off your order
- Chosen One Ink Tattoo | $10 off all piercings and tattoos
Free piercing aftercare with purchase of piercing
- Old School Pizza Tavern | 10% off any food purchase
- Grease Monkey Burger Shop | 10% off any food purchase
- Flying Fish | 20% off any food purchase, not valid with other coupons
- J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill | 10% off any food purchase
- Insomnia cookies | 20% off all cookies, ice creams, hot drinks and milkshakes when you show a valid student or faculty ID that is in date.
- Free Play Arcade | $11 Admission