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From basketball to football, enjoy a game or two while you’re in Austin, Texas. Learn about the different sport teams that call Austin home, and where to find the best game-day eats.
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Introduction
Sports are a big part of the culture in Austin, Texas. The city is home to several professional and collegiate sports teams, as well as several major sporting events.
Austin is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets and the NHL’s Dallas Stars. The city also has a minor league baseball team, the Round Rock Express, and a minor league soccer team, Austin Bold FC.
The University of Texas at Austin has a very successful athletics program, with teams in a variety of sports. The school’s football team is particularly popular, and games are often sell-outs. Basketball and baseball are also popular sports at UT Austin.
There are several major annual sporting events held in Austin. These include the Formula One United States Grand Prix, the X Games, and the Dell Technologies Match Play golf tournament.
History of Sport in Austin
The city of Austin has a long and storied history when it comes to sport. From its humble beginnings as a small town in the Texas Hill Country, Austin has grown into a thriving metropolis and the home of some of the biggest sporting events in the state. From high school and collegiate athletics to professional sports, Austin has something to offer everyone.
Pre-20th century
The first organized sport in Austin was cricket. In the late 1850s, a group of English soldiers stationed at Fort Martin Scott played a game against a team of local civilians. This is believed to be the first sporting event in Austin’s history.
In the 1870s, baseball became popular in Austin. The first recorded game took place in 1875, and by the 1880s, there were several amateur teams in the city. The most successful team was the Austin Reds, who played in the Texas League from 1888-1893.
The early 1900s saw the rise of two professional teams in Austin: the Austin Senators (baseball) and the Austin Marathoners (football). Both teams had short-lived existences, lasting only a few years each.
20th century
During the early 1900s, Austinites enjoyed various recreational activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and swimming. In 1903, the city established its first public park, Wooldridge Square. The park included a bandstand and was located on the site of the city’s first cemetery. In 1908, the city built Deep Eddy Pool, which is purported to be the oldest man-made swimming pool in Texas. The pool is still in operation today.
In 1913, the Austin Athletic Club was founded. The club was a forerunner to the present-day Austin Tennis Club and helped promote recreational sports in the city. In 1918, the Executive Council of Physical Education and Recreation was formed to further encourage sports and fitness activities among Austin residents.
During the Great Depression, recreation took on a different form as many people could not afford to participate in leisure activities. City parks served as gathering places for unemployed men seeking work and were also used for political rallies and protests. Despite the difficult economic times, some residents found ways to enjoy themselves by participating in unofficial baseball games, playing music on Sixth Street, or going for a swim at Deep Eddy Pool.
The sport of basketball became popular in Austin during the 1930s with the formation of several semi-professional teams including the Austin Bears and Austin Gypsies. Professional wrestling also gained popularity during this time with matches taking place at Municipal Auditorium (now known as Palmer Events Center).
In 1941, construction began on Bergstrom Army Air Base (now known as Austin-Bergstrom International Airport) which brought an influx of military personnel to the area and increased interest in sports such as football and baseball. The base also served as a training ground for several Olympians including track star Jesse Owens who trained there before winning four gold medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany.
21st century
In the 21st century, Austin has become a hub for major league sports. The city is home to the NBA’s Austin Spurs and the NHL’s Texas Stars, and is set to host the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals. The city is also home to several minor league and collegiate sports teams, including the Austin Aztex of the United Soccer League and the Austin Bold FC of the USL Championship.
In recent years, Austin has become known as a mecca for endurance sports. The city hosts the annual Austin Marathon, which is one of the largest marathons in the United States, as well as the popular Ironman 70.3 triathlon. In addition, Austin is home to several top-tier cycling events, including the Tour of Texas and the Red Bull Grand Prix of America.
Popular Sports in Austin
Football is the most popular sport in Austin and the University of Texas has one of the best college football teams in the country. Basketball is also popular in Austin and the Austin Spurs are the city’s professional basketball team. Other popular sports in Austin include golf, tennis, and running.
Baseball
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Austin, Texas. The city is home to the minor league baseball team, the Round Rock Express. The Express play their home games at the Dell Diamond, which is located just outside of Austin. Baseball fans can also enjoy watching Major League Baseball games on television or attending spring training games in nearby cities.
Football
Football is one of the most popular sports in Austin, Texas. The city is home to two professional football teams, the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys. There are also several college football teams in the area, including the University of Texas Longhorns, the Baylor Bears, and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Football games are typically held on Saturdays during the fall semester, and many locals enjoy tailgating and attending games.
Soccer
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Austin, Texas. The city has a professional soccer team, the Austin FC, which plays in the Major League Soccer (MLS). The team is owned by Austin-based entrepreneur and investor, Matthew McConaughey. Other popular soccer teams in the city include the Austin Aztex (men’s) and the Austin Tigressa (women’s).
Basketball
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Austin, Texas. The city is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, who play their home games at the Toyota Center. The Rockets are one of the most successful teams in the NBA, winning two championships in 1994 and 1995. The city is also home to the University of Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team, who play their home games at the Frank Erwin Center. The Longhorns are one of the most successful college basketball teams in the country, winning five national championships.
Tennis
Tennis is a hugely popular sport in Austin, with a large number of public courts and clubs available for players of all levels. The city is home to the ATP World Tour’s Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open, held annually at the Frank Erwin Center, and there are numerous other tournaments and events held throughout the year.
If you’re looking to get involved in tennis in Austin, there are a number of options available. There are public courts located across the city, as well as clubs and organizations that offer group play and lessons for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s a place for you to enjoy this great sport in Austin.
Conclusion
Sport in Austin, Texas has a long and rich history. The city has produced some of the greatest athletes in the world, including Olympic gold medalists and professional stars. Today, Austin is home to a number of major league sports teams and hosts significant sporting events each year. The city also has a thriving amateur and youth sports scene, with plenty of opportunities for residents to get involved in the sport of their choice. Whether you’re a fan or an athlete, there’s something for everyone in Austin when it comes to sport.
