Sports are a popular pastime and interest everywhere in the US, from the biggest cities to the smallest dale, but there are few places where sports are truly a way of life. Austin is one of them.
Austin Sports Culture is Longhorn Culture
When you think of Austin, you might picture burnt orange, and for good reason: the city is home to the University of Texas Longhorns, and devotion to the team is deep and true. The Division I team that dates back to 1893 is the pride and joy of Austin, and their stadium — which can seat over 100,000 fans — is frequently full. One of the most highly regarded and historically significant college clubs in the nation, the Longhorns see Austinites donning burnt orange and making hook ‘em horns regardless of their baseline level of interest in football as a sport. Even if football isn’t your cup of tea, everyone should see the world’s largest Texas flag flown over the field and Bevo, the beloved live steer who works as the team’s mascot, at least once in their lives.
Texas Rollergirls Rock-n-Rollerderby
For those who prefer more alternative athletic experiences, head on down to the Austin Convention Center and get to know the Texas Rollergirls Rock-n-Rollerderby. The league includes four home teams — the Hell Marys, the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers, the Hotrod Honeys, and the Hustlers, as well as the Texecutioners travel league — and can lay claim to historical significance in the world of women’s roller derby; the rules and regulations developed within the Texas Rollergirls organization later became the specifications of the whole Women’s Flat Track Derby Association in 2005. Roller derby is a high-energy, high-adrenaline sport, always good for a raucous good time as well as some truly impressive athleticism and skill. Fans who want an even more unique and compelling experience may want to look into the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls, also based in Austin, which includes the Hellcats, Putas de Fuego, Holy Rollers, Rhinestone Cowgirls, Cherry Bombs and Hired Gun$ in its ranks. TXRD is the only banked-track league that allows fighting and a penalty wheel, guaranteeing a high-intensity game, and put an emphasis on entertaining their fans in addition to athletic competition.
Austin Sports is About You
For those who aren’t satisfied by just watching and want to get out on the field themselves, Austin sports has a plethora of year-round options. Co-ed adult leagues in a variety of sports, from dodgeball, sand volleyball, bowling, kickball, and even cornhole are open for new members. Athletes of all levels of skill and seriousness can find something that fits their lifestyle, from a dramatic and gritty game of flag football to the Keep Austin Weird Fest and 5K, which boasts the “slowest 5K on the planet,” with 15 different “fun stops” including drinking, games, and waterslides.
For those who think there’s only one way to be a sports fan, Austin is ready to prove you wrong — whether your jam is painting your face to yell from a stadium seat or a kickball championship series in your neighborhood, you can find it here.