Stadiums & Arenas in Austin: The Ultimate Guide

Austin, a bustling and vibrant city in the heart of Texas, is home to many sports enthusiasts.

With a growing population and a penchant for athletics, the city hosts a variety of sports venues that cater to different needs and preferences.

From college football to soccer events, these stadiums and arenas bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to enjoy the thrill of the game.

Some of the notable stadiums and arenas in Austin include the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Q2 Stadium, and the recently closed Frank Erwin Center.

The Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, also known as DKR, is located on the University of Texas campus and is primarily used for college football games.

The Q2 Stadium, a newer addition to the landscape, serves as a premier venue for soccer events, while the Frank Erwin Center was a multipurpose arena, mainly hosting basketball games and concerts.

The variety of sports venues in Austin showcases the city’s love for both local and national sports, providing opportunities for fans to come together and enjoy top-of-the-line facilities.

As the sports scene in the city continues to develop, one can only expect a growing number of exceptional stadiums and arenas appearing in this dynamic Texas town.

History of Stadiums and Arenas in Austin

Development Timeline

In the late 1900s, Austin witnessed the establishment of various sports venues on its land. One of the most prominent arenas is the Frank C. Erwin Jr. Center (commonly known as Frank Erwin Center or UT Erwin Center), which opened in 1977. Located on the University of Texas at Austin’s campus, this multi-purpose arena hosts many athletic events as well as concerts.

Another significant sports venue in Austin is the Mike A. Myers Stadium and Soccer Field, situated on the University of Texas campus. This stadium has been open for athletic events since the 1990s.

In more recent times, the Circuit of the Americas was built, situated near Austin. This world-class motorsports facility opened in 2012, hosting events such as the Formula One United States Grand Prix, various concerts, and the X Games.

Currently, Austin is eagerly awaiting the completion of the Moody Center, a $338 million, 15,000-seat basketball and entertainment venue. The result of a public-private partnership, it is set to open in 2022.

Historic Events

• In the Frank Erwin Center, multiple milestones and historic moments have taken place. The arena has seen University of Texas basketball games, live music concerts with iconic artists like Elvis Presley, and even presidential campaign events.
• The Mike A. Myers Stadium and Soccer Field has been a regular host to important college soccer and track & field events. It has also welcomed other competitive events, such as the UIL Track and Field State Championships.
• The Circuit of the Americas is renowned for hosting prestigious racing events such as Formula One and the Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas. It was also the home of the X Games between 2014 and 2016.

These stadiums and arenas have played a significant role in not only Austin’s sporting history but also the rich tapestry of entertainment and community events experienced by its residents and visitors.

Popular Stadiums and Arenas

The University of Texas at Austin Stadium

The Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is a popular venue located on the University of Texas campus. It hosts a variety of events, but it’s best known for being the home of the Texas Longhorns football team. With a seating capacity of over 100,000, it provides an electric atmosphere for fans to enjoy games and other events.

Austin FC Stadium

Q2 Stadium is home to Austin FC, an MLS soccer team. The stadium features a modern design, with a capacity of around 20,000 spectators. Q2 Stadium is not only a hotspot for soccer fans, it also attracts attendees for other events, such as concerts and festivals. Due to its convenient location and state-of-the-art facilities, Q2 Stadium has gained popularity since its opening in 2021.

Cedar Park Center

Located in Cedar Park, the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park is a versatile venue that hosts a variety of events from sports to live entertainment. With a capacity of over 8,000, the arena is the home of the Texas Stars hockey team and the Austin Spurs basketball team. The center is frequently used for concerts, family shows, and other special events, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Austin Bold Stadium

Austin Bold Stadium, situated at the Circuit of the Americas complex, is the home of the Austin Bold FC soccer team. This USL Championship soccer-specific stadium has a seating capacity of around 5,000. Apart from hosting soccer matches, Austin Bold Stadium is also a venue for other community events and private functions. Its location within the larger Circuit of the Americas complex makes it an attractive destination for multiple entertainment options.

Facilities and Amenities

Capacity and Seating Arrangements

Austin, Texas, boasts several sports venues that cater to a wide variety of events. For instance, the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium has a seating capacity of over 100,000, making it an exceptional venue for large-scale events such as collegiate football games. On the other hand, the Q2 Stadium offers a more intimate setting with a capacity of around 20,000, ideal for soccer matches and smaller concerts.

Food and Beverage Options

Many of these stadiums and arenas have a multitude of food and beverage options to satisfy the diverse tastes of attendees. Some of the options available at these venues include:

• Local food trucks showcasing Austin’s vibrant culinary scene
• Traditional stadium fare such as hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn
• Healthy alternatives like wraps, salads, and fruit cups
• Vegetarian and vegan options to cater to different dietary preferences

In addition, a variety of beverages are offered to keep guests refreshed, with options ranging from soft drinks and water to adult beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails.

Accessibility Features

Austin’s sports venues prioritize accessibility to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests. Some of the features provided for guests with disabilities include:

• Designated parking spaces close to the venue entrances
• Accessible seating areas with companion seats
• Ramps and elevators for easy navigation within the premises
• Wide concourses and aisles to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters (available upon request)

The goal of these accessibility features is to create an inclusive environment and a memorable experience for all attendees, regardless of their situation.

Hosting

Future Developments

Planned Stadiums and Arenas

One of the major upcoming developments in Austin is the Austin FC Stadium. Located at Mc Kalla Pl, near The Domain, this stadium will provide a new home for the city’s professional soccer team. The facility has already attracted surrounding commercial development and is expected to have a big impact on the local community.

Another large development just around the corner is the Arena Tower. This high-rise project, led by Capella Capital Partners, is set to be a neighbor to the Austin FC stadium. The tower will offer additional space and facilities, further enhancing the area surrounding the stadium.

Expansion and Renovation Projects

The Moody Center Arena recently opened its doors with a modern design that caters to a capacity of 16,000 seats. Located on the University of Texas campus, the arena is both figuratively and literally connected to neighboring campus facilities with a plaza area.

In North Austin, the Apple campus, covering 133 acres and costing $1 billion, is set to open in 2022. This complex will offer 2 million sqft of office space along West Parmer Lane and Dallas Drive, as well as a 192-room hotel.

Austin continues to develop and expand its range of stadiums and arenas, providing residents, sports enthusiasts, and businesses with plenty of opportunities for entertainment and commercial growth.