Austin: The Sports Mecca (or Not)
So, you wanna know if Austin, Texas, is a hotbed of professional sports? Well, buckle up, 'cause this might get a little bumpy.
The Long and Short of It
Short answer: Nope, not really.
Long answer: Austin has some professional sports, but it's definitely not a city drowning in championship trophies. Let's break it down.
The Lone Star of Professional Sports in Austin
Believe it or not, there was a time when Austin was the largest city in the US without a major league sports team. We're talking a city of millions with more live music venues than professional athletes. It's like having a world-class kitchen but only instant ramen noodles to cook.
But fear not, sports fans! A miracle happened. Austin FC, our beloved soccer team, joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2021. It was like winning the lottery, except instead of money, we got sweaty dudes kicking a ball around. And you know what? We love it. Q2 Stadium is electric on game days.
Minor League Magic
If you're okay with settling for slightly less than the big leagues, Austin has a few options. The Austin Spurs are the NBA G-League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs. So, if you're into seeing future NBA stars before they're household names, this is your jam.
Then there's the Round Rock Express, a Triple-A baseball team. Now, Round Rock isn't exactly Austin, but it's close enough to count, right? Plus, who doesn't love a good hot dog and a baseball game?
The Longhorn Dilemma
Let’s not forget about the University of Texas Longhorns. While not professional, they're a massive part of Austin's sports culture. College football Saturdays in Austin are legendary. But let's be real, watching college kids play football doesn't quite scratch the same itch as watching grown adults get paid millions to do it.
So, Is Austin a Sports Town?
Well, it's becoming one. Austin FC has definitely put the city on the sports map. But we still have a long way to go to catch up with places like Boston or Chicago. For now, we'll just enjoy our live music, tacos, and the occasional soccer match.
How To...
- How to become an Austin FC superfan: Start by learning the chant "Verde! Vamos! Austin!" and be prepared to wear green everything.
- How to survive a Texas Longhorns game: Wear burnt orange, stock up on beer, and be ready to yell really loud.
- How to find minor league sports in Austin: Check out the Austin Spurs and Round Rock Express schedules.
- How to cope with not having a major league baseball or football team: Find a hobby. Seriously, there are other things in life.
- How to enjoy Austin without sports: Focus on the music, food, and weirdness. Trust us, it's a good plan.
