DKR Texas Memorial Stadium can hold 100,000+ people. | Photo by @courseoflifealex
T-minus 10 days until the Longhorns get back on the field, kicking off the season with an away game against Ohio State.
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.
Some fun facts about the Longhorns:
UT’s live Texas Longhorn mascot has been around since 1916, and the current Bevo (Bevo XV) still attends home games.
Chris Del Conte, UT Austin’s athletic director, was named 2024 Austinite of the Year by the Austin Chamber.
Since the team’s origin, more than 360 Longhorns have been selected in the NFL Draft, including big stars like Vince Young, Earl Campbell, and Colt McCoy.
Texas football is one of the most valuable college programs in the country, raking in a record $271 million during the 2023 fiscal year.
Garrison Brothers Wild Game Dinner | 6:30-9 p.m. | Saltgrass Steak House, Bee Cave | $200 | Strap in for a five-course dinner of wild game and whiskey pairings.
Intro to Blind Wine Tasting | 6-7:15 p.m. | The Loren Hotel | $55 | Join Sommelier Nick Robertson for this wine tasting paired with charcuterie.
Friday, Aug. 22
Kurtis Conner | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $50+ | The YouTuber will perform on “The Goodfellow World Tour” with fresh and side-splitting material.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Le Garage Sale | Saturday, Aug. 23-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Palmer Events Center | $12+ | There are sales galore at this warehouse of clothing racks from hundreds of brands.
Erykah Badu Presents: Abi and Alan featuring The Alchemist | 8 p.m. | ACL Live at The Moody Theater | $64+ | Two of the music industry’s biggest creatives will come together to create a groundbreaking new soundscape on the “LUV IZ Tour.”
Southwest Airlines is making a bid to become an “anchor tenant” at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s upcoming terminal. The airline’s new lease agreement is expected to go into effect in January, and while nothing is set in stone yet, Southwest already serves 41.4% of all passenger traffic in ATX. (KXAN)
Opening
The Austin Proper Hotel will debut a 25-seat, Japanese and French fine-dining restaurant this fall. Headed by twin brothers Haru and Gohei Kishi, Kappo Kappo will offer an 11-course tasting menu out of the hotel, which is also home to Peacock, La Piscina, and Goldie’s Sunken Bar. (Austin Business Journal)
Trending
Keep the change, ya filthy animal — you’ll want to buy tickets when Macaulay Culkin stops in Austin for the 35th anniversary screening of “Home Alone.” Tickets for “A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin” on Saturday, Nov. 29 go on sale at 11 a.m. this Friday, Aug. 22.
Number
$3.6 million. That’s how much Austin Community College received in grant funding from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund. ACC is the first Texas university to receive the award, which will be used to help establish the Austin Semiconductor Advanced Manufacturing Lab. (Austin Business Journal)
Try This
This is what we call camp. Texas Hill Country Wineries will launch its first-ever all-day Wine Camp on Sunday, Oct. 12. Campers will learn about the wine fermentation process and how to pair wines + enjoy a tasting and happy hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grab tickets.
Ranked
It’s not just colleges — young Austinites have great education opportunities. LASA, Westlake Academy, Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Westlake High School, Westwood High School, and Vandegrift High School all made U.S. News and World Report’s list of “Best Texas High Schools.”
Sports
SEC teams were all over the AP Top 25 College Football Poll, and it’s a good time to be a Longhorns fan. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the SEC with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Number
500+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
Category
City
💲 Behind the deficit
City-wide revenue is expected to grow by 7% in the upcoming fiscal year. | Graphic via City of Austin
Come November, Austin City Council will ask Austinites to vote on a property tax hike of 57.4 cents per $100 of taxable value (aka 5 cents more than allowed without voter approval).
So, why is raising property taxes on the table? The City of Austin is seeking ways to make up a $33 million deficit in the budget’s General Fund, due to “lower than projected sales tax revenue, and cuts in federal funding,” according to a memo from City Manager T.C. Broadnax. The deficit is also expected to grow over time — the City projects a deficit of $79.9 million for fiscal year 2030.
Fiscal year 2025 is expected to end with $5.7 million (.4%) below the budgeted revenue in the General Fund. This year’s shortfall can largely be attributed to “persistent weakness” in taxable sales and declining sales of alcoholic beverages in bars + restaurants.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
As a former Vandegrift Viper, I’m very proud to see VHS make the list of best high schools. I was Web Editor-in-Chief for the school paper during my senior year, and seeing my outfit in this headshot reminded me that I should donate that shirt, because it is still hanging in my closet.
