On Beer: Cerveza Mexican Lager

Celis Brewery's Cerveza Mexican Lager

Halftime in KC, coach Wolff is telling our boys how to get through this game with all three points. Back here in Austin, we’re cracking open another Cerveza Mexican Lager by Celis.

Violet Crown verdict: One thumb up

On Beer: Golden Age

Forty minutes to kickoff in Minnesota (#MinneapoLISTO), enjoying a pregame can of Golden Age by Family Business Beer Company.

Violet Crown Verdict: One thumb up

On the Verde Store

The grand opening of the “Verde Store”, the merch store in the stadium at McKalla Place, is tomorrow, Saturday, May 1. Season ticket holders were able to get a preview today, so here are a few pics and, below, our thoughts.

To be quite honest, a gift shop full of stuff we’ve mostly been able to order online for a while now wouldn’t normally excite us all that much. But this gift shop is inside that glorious new stadium, and … Read the rest “On the Verde Store”

On the Miracle of Austin FC’s Existence

The very existence of this MLS expansion club, in this city, at this time, is practically a miracle. There have been so many things that, if they had gone just a little differently, might have kept this from happening.

To be sure, there were plenty of hurdles that were cleared to get here. Failed attempts at getting downtown land for the stadium, a sitting member of Austin City Council traveling to Columbus on behalf of her constituents there, even a … Read the rest “On the Miracle of Austin FC’s Existence”

On the Name of the Stadium at McKalla Place

Though it has now become the center of many Austin soccer fans’ universe, none of us had ever heard of “McKalla Place” just a few years ago. We’re proud to have published the pragmatic and insightful post by Lee Nichols that introduced many to that name: My Stadium Pick: McKalla Place.

I’m assuming Anthony Precourt is going to read this, so let’s invite him: Mr. Precourt, make a visit to the McKalla tract. It won’t look very impressive. But

Read the rest “On the Name of the Stadium at McKalla Place”

On Chronicle Soccer Coverage, Past & Future

When we started this site in 2015, just before the Austin Aztex (2.0) shut down, we told ourselves we’d stick it out, and try to help keep the soccer flame alive in Austin. Our record on that over the past handful of years is mixed, at best.

If you want to look to someone who has truly kept at it, week in and week out, nobody in this town can hold a candle to Nick Barbaro, author of “Soccer … Read the rest “On Chronicle Soccer Coverage, Past & Future”

On the First Austin FC Game We Ever Got to See

It’s preseason of Austin FC’s debut into MLS, and yesterday, at long last, we got to see the team in action. Actual home kits (though without names on the back), on an actual grass field (though without stands, let alone fans in them), against an actual top-level opponent (though it was just Houston, in a glorified friendly).

There are a lot of aspects of this first-ever “gameday” experience to consider, and we’re giving the organization the benefit of the doubt … Read the rest “On the First Austin FC Game We Ever Got to See”

On the McKalla Concessions Announcement

Austin FC has announced their local-forward food concession plans, based on a new “hospitality team” brand collaboration with the Levy company: 512 Food Co.

When doors open in June 2021, Q2 Stadium visitors will have a breadth of local favorites available throughout Q2 Stadium. 512 Food Co. is committed to partnering with the Austin restaurant community, and it will continue to identify future opportunities to work with small businesses of all cultures and tastes.

Their initial roster of more … Read the rest “On the McKalla Concessions Announcement”