Whether you’re a sports fanatic — or just look good in burnt orange — when it comes to sports, Austin has no shortage of teams to support. Our city is home to some of the most loyal fans in the country.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Austin sports, so whether you’re already a devoted fan or you’re new to the area, we hope it can serve as a valuable resource.
Editor’s note: We know there are plenty of excellent sports teams in Austin that didn’t make this list. Send us recommendations for who you’d like us to profile next.
🏈 Texas Longhorns (NCAA) | Est. 1893
If you’ve been in Austin for any time at all, chances are you’ve seen some burnt orange. Although UT is just one of the city’s universities, Texas football is one of the oldest and most beloved sports teams in the 512.
In the city where “Friday Night Lights” was filmed, it’s no surprise Austinites are football fans. And with the closest NFL team ~3 hours away in Dallas, Central Texans turn out for college games in a big way.
Where they play: DKR Texas Memorial Stadium
- 100,119 seats
- This century-old stadium was recently upgraded with a $175 million expansion project, which brought in 4,500+ more seats and a brand new video board.
- UT’s live longhorn mascot has been around since 1916, and the current Bevo still attends home games.
- You might also see Hook‘Em at a UT game, a costumed mascot named for the signature UT hand sign.
Team colors: Burnt orange, white
- Did you know UT’s signature burnt orange color is trademarked?
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- Since the team’s origin, more than 350 Longhorns have been selected in the NFL Draft — that includes big-name stars like Vince Young, Earl Campbell, and Colt McCoy.
- Texas football is one of the most valuable — and sometimes the most valuable — college programs in the country, raking in $97 million during the 2019-2020 season alone.
- UT has earned a national football championship title four times, most recently in 2005.
⚽️ Austin FC (MLS) | Est. 2018
This team is headed into its third-ever season after an exciting sophomore year in 2022. Although it’s one of Austin’s newest sports teams, Austin FC has already built up a dedicated following in ATX. If you’ve ever gone to a home game for Los Verdes, you know the fanbase is strong.
Where they play: Q2 Stadium
- ~20,500 seats
- In defense of the Austin heat, Q2 has the most breathable mesh seats out of any other major league venue internationally.
Mascot: Honorary mascots in partnership with Austin Pets Alive!
- Austin FC features adoptable dogs as a mascot at each regular-season home match
- In 2021, all 18 honorary mascots were adopted
Team colors: Green, black, white
- Austin FC’s trademark “bright verde” is Pantone 354.
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- Austin FC made it to Western Conference Final in its second-ever season, and ended the year as No. 2 in the conference.
- That same year, the team earned a reputation as “comeback kids,” after becoming the only team in MLS history to make a comeback win from being two goals behind four times in one season.
- This year, the team is launching an MLS NEXT Pro Team, called Austin FC II.
📅 Check out our preview of the team’s upcoming season and see the team’s schedule.
🏀 Austin Spurs (NBA G League) | Est. 2001
The team has had a winding history, first launching in Columbus, Georgia under an entirely different name. After the franchise was sold in 2005, the team relocated to Austin as a D League team — now known as a G League team — and was known as the Austin Toros until purchased by the San Antonio Spurs in 2007. The name was officially changed to the Austin Spurs in 2014.
Where they play: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
- 6,800-8,700 seats
- This North Austin venue also hosts several other sports teams and regular concerts.
Mascot: Da Bull
- Da Bull’s biography names his dislikes as “the color red” and his relationship status as “still grazing.”
- The mascot regularly performs at local schools, and is currently booking for shows on anti-bullying and STAAR preparedness.
Team colors: Black, silver, white
Major accomplishments:
- Several Austin Spurs alumni have gone on to play for the NBA, including Ian Mahinmi, Lance Thomas, and Dejounte Murray.
- The team has two G League championship wins and nine playoff appearances.
- Former Austin Spurs coaches Quin Snyder and Taylor Jenkins later went on to coach in the NBA.
The high-impact version of roller derby was founded in Austin. | Photo by Earl McGehee, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
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🛼 Texas Roller Derby | Est. 2001
One thing you need to know about Austin: Roller derby culture runs deep.
So deep, in fact, the high-impact (read: tougher) version of the sport was founded in the Capital City. There are several roller derby leagues in Austin — including the Texas Rollergirls and Austin Anarchy — but here’s a brief introduction to one of the city’s largest.
Where they play: Locations vary
- Depending on the game, Texas Roller Derby’s five teams usually skate at the Palmer Events Center or in Buda.
- The team also travels to compete in national tournaments and invitationals, like Battle on the Bank.
Teams:
- Check out the league’s seven teams and their athletes: Cherry Bombs, Hellcats, Hired Gun$, Holy Rollers, Putas del Fuego, Rhinestones, All Scar Army
- You may have noticed roller derby athletes go by nicknames, or “skate names.” The origin of the pseudonyms are a tradition dating back to the origin of the sport.
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- Texas Roller Derby is one of the most successful sports leagues for female-identifying and non-binary athletes in Austin.
- The league has hosted invitationals with teams from across the country.
- A recent Netflix docuseries “Home Game” featured the league’s playoff game between the Rhinestones and the Cherry Bombs.
Photo by @rrexpress
⚾️ Round Rock Express (PCL) | Est. 2000
This baseball team became a Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers in 2021. The deal entered the team into a decade-long agreement, through 2030. Previously, the team was part of the Houston Astros organization, and currently plays in the Pacific Coast League.
Where they play: Dell Diamond
- 11,631 seats
- This stadium is named for the Dell technology company, which is also based out of Round Rock.
Mascot: Spike
- According to Spike’s origin story, he was traveling along a railroad across from Dell Diamond, when he found a railroad spike — and his new home.
- In 2018, the MiLB unveiled alternate identities for nine teams in the league as part of an initiative recognizing Hispanic culture. Round Rock’s “Copa de la Diversión identity” is the chupacabra, a legendary Latin American creature.
Team colors: Red, blue, silver, white
Major accomplishments:
- More than 40 MLB players have come from the Express, including Hanser Alberto and Leonys Martin.
- The team has advanced to the PCL playoffs twice, in 2011 and 2015.
- The team hosts themed nights and discounted nights regularly, in addition to post-game concerts and fireworks shows.
