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.

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.

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.

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