Longhorn-branded gear and collectibles are up for auction online as they are being cleared out of athletics facilities undergoing construction.

Jerseys, gloves and burnt orange-colored chairs are among the items for sale through UT Surplus Property, a branch of Facilities Services that is responsible for repurposing University property. 

Recently, Texas Athletics donated inventory from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to the property because of the South End Zone construction project, said John Bianco, senior associate athletics director for sports communications and media relations, in an email.

“If you’ve seen it at UT and it’s not bolted to a building, when somebody doesn’t need it anymore, it has to come to us,” Moddrell said. 

Bianco said funds from the auction items that have been sent from Texas Athletics go back to the department to support sustainability efforts.

“This is a great way for fans and the general public to obtain items that can be reused, utilized, repurposed, reconditioned or displayed for personal use,” Bianco said. 

Surplus Property tracks all waste materials leaving campus and tries to divert it from entering a landfill, Moddrell said. Currently, the department diverts 78% of waste materials with the goal of diverting 95% in the future, he said.

Moddrell said the property receives inventory from the University throughout the year, regardless of construction projects. Moddrell said there is a lot of inventory to keep track of and organize since the University is so large.

From there, Moddrell said some items are donated to Texas schools and qualified assistance programs, such as rehabilitation organizations and refugee services. He said the remaining materials are sold in an online auction or at the Surplus Reuse Store.

As many as 1,000 people bid during the 10-day auction period, Moddrell said, and about 30 people bid on a single item if it is popular. He said athletics equipment and large industrial items, such as power equipment tools, are among the most popular items. 

Moddrell said items are still being posted on the website, swicoauctions.com. Bianco said each auction item is posted online for 10 days and that the winning bidder then has seven days to pick up their item once they are notified. Bianco said the auction items are stored at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus and must be picked up in-person.

Advertising sophomore Maria Silva said she appreciates that the University sells used materials to boost sustainability and reduce waste. 

“I also think it’s a great opportunity for students that maybe can’t afford regular-priced items, and so (having) reduced price items is really great,” Silva said.

Editor's Note: This story was updated to clarify where the auction funds go.