CelebrateAustin_2017_SportyCity_LR

Austin:
A Seriously Sporty City
by shannon barrientes
There are not many words as synonymous with “Austin,
Texas” as “UT Football.” The University of Texas at Austin
football program is nationally famous but no more beloved
than right here in the capital city. The local Longhorns
are a member of the Big 12 Conference and compete
in the NCAA Division 1 (I-A) Football Bowl Subdivision.
Catch a game at the beautiful Darrell K Royal Texas
Memorial Stadium that towers just between the edge of
the UT campus and the bustling downtown city. The
stadium is the namesake of Coach Royal, who famously
led the Longhorns to three national championships.
Texas is more excited than ever for the 2017 season,
which welcomes newly positioned coach Thomas Herman.
Coach Herman arrives at the University of Texas at
Austin from his former position at the University of
Houston where he successfully led his team in an overall
record of 22-4 and several prominent victories.
Not all sports are played on the field and Austin has a
lot of country road to embrace its love of motorcycles. One
of the most exciting events hosted yearly is the renowned
Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally. June of 2017 will
bring ROT to the shores of Lake Travis, the busy downtown
streets and all over the Texas Hill Country. Known as the
largest “turnstile” motorcycle rally in the United States, it
is a nationwide favorite. Tens of thousands of enthusiasts
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SPORTS
flock to the scenic Hill Country to enjoy the breathtaking
vistas and the iconic nightlife that is Austin, Texas.
Held every second Thursday in June for nearly two
decades, the ROT Rally doesn’t intimidate easily. They’re
just as competitive with top-notch music and entertainment
and, during this epic celebration, the city shuts down fifty
blocks of downtown Austin to encourage pedestrian-friendly
movement in the massive crowd of thousands of beautiful
motorcycles and amazing vendors, street music and more.
Attractions can include stunt shows, the Kustom Kulture
Artisan’s Show, Flat Track Racing, Doug Danger’s World
Record jump, and, of course, plenty of stages with live
music. Because what event in Austin would be complete
without that?
If you enjoy year-round adrenaline boosts, attend a
roller derby bout. Austin is proud of its awesome Texas
Rollergirls. Formed in 2003 as the only sports league of
its kind, Texas Rollergirls Rock-n-Rollerderby started today’s
Flat Track Derby movement. There are now more than 300
leagues in the nation and roller derby is quickly building a

eputation as a genuine and respectable athletic
competition, but not for the faint of heart.
The Texas Rollergirls are legendary and one-hundred
percent local, just the way Austin likes it. Four teams
are supported by a fervent fan group: Hell Marys,
Hotrod Honeys, Honky Tonk Heartbreakers, and the
Hustlers. Regular season bouts are held at The Austin
Convention Center and, for the in-your-face action,
you can see them at “The Bloodshed,” the home-base
for the Texas Rollergirls. Get online now to secure your
tickets to the next exciting bout for an unforgettable
experience.
Austin is known for a love of college football and
a passion for the great outdoors. But its taste is most
eclectic and not limited to your typical ballgames.
For a real surprise, take advantage of these rare and
exciting local events.

2017
Longhorn Football
September 2
September 9
September 16
September 28
October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
November 11
November 18
November 24
Maryland
San Jose State
@ USC
@ Iowa State
Kansas State
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
@ Baylor
@ TCU
Kansas
@ West Virginia
Texas Tech
See www.texassports.com for game times and coverage
photos provided by ut athletics
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