Back to school, back to sports: Austin events to visit before August ends

The University of Texas sponsors 21 varsity sports teams that call the Forty Acres home. These range from the big ones, like football, baseball and men’s and women’s basketball, to the smaller ones, like men’s and women’s tennis, golf, swimming and diving, and everything in between.

Additionally, the city of Austin and its surrounding areas have grown deeper into the professional sports market, making Austin one of the premier destinations for sports lovers.

As students start making their way back to campus, The Daily Texan has created a list of four sporting events to check out for the remainder of August.

Aug. 21-23 – Professional Bull Riders: Teams

Looking for a change of pace from the traditional sports? The Professional Bull Riders will take over the home of Texas men’s and women’s basketball, the Moody Center, this weekend.

The competition pits 10 teams against each other, which compete in five-on-five, head-to-head bull riding games, giving a new twist to traditional rodeo. Need a team to cheer for? Look no further than the hometown team, the Austin Gamblers, to support.

Time: Friday, 7:45 p.m.; Saturday, 6:15 p.m.; Sunday, 1:45 p.m. / Average Price: $55

Aug. 22 – Austin FC vs. Philadelphia Union

Still have World Cup fever after the summer’s major soccer tournament ended? Check out Austin FC, the only pro major league sports team that calls Austin its home.

The Major League Soccer season is in full swing as Austin FC looks to build momentum when it takes on Philadelphia Union at Q2 Stadium, located about 15 minutes from campus, after winning its first league game since July 22 on Wednesday.

Time: 8:00 p.m. / Starting Price: $57

Aug. 25-30 – Round Rock Express vs. Albuquerque Isotopes

Baseball has a home near Austin with the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, with its home field, Dell Diamond, located about 30 minutes away from the University.

The Express will host a six-game home stand against the Albuquerque Isotopes with several events and specials for fans to enjoy.

Dell Diamond will host “Triple Play Tuesday,” which offers discounts on select tickets, food and beverages. Wednesday’s event is “$1 Hot Dogs,” and “Thrifty Thursday” discounts select tickets and concessions. Additionally, there will be a “Super Hero Night” and a fireworks show on Friday, a Vince Young bobblehead giveaway on Saturday and “Kids Day” on Sunday to end the weekend.

Times Vary / Starting Price: $13

Aug. 27 – Texas soccer vs. Baylor

Texas soccer is in a new era under head coach Margueritte Bates, who is now in full swing of her first season as the head coach of the Longhorns, who won the first two games of the season.

Get a look at the Longhorns’ fresh look when they return home to Mike A. Myers Stadium for their second home game of the season, hosting former Big 12 rival Baylor Bears, during the first week of classes.

And if you wish to get behind the new era of Texas soccer, all regular-season home games will be free for fans to enjoy.

Time: 7 p.m. / Starting Price: Free

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