You’re sitting in your seat at McKalla Place, waiting for the game to start. You watch the teams warming up on the field below, and you sip your exorbitantly expensive beer. You make a comment to the person next to you, and you know what they probably reply? 
“WHAT?”
That’s because the speakers in the roof above you are turned up to eleven, and the music being played by “DJ Chorizo Funk” – a man with a funny stage name … Read the rest “On How Damn Loud the Stadium Is”
Part four in an ongoing series exploring options for getting to McKalla Place for games. Previously: Getting to McKalla via the Pavemint Shuttle, Getting to McKalla via the 383 and Getting to McKalla via the Red Line.
CapMetro’s high-frequency route #803 is another excellent option for getting to McKalla Place. The northbound origins of the line begin in South Austin at the Westgate Transit Center. From there the route courses through South Lamar to Guadalupe, eventually making its … Read the rest “Getting to McKalla via the 803”
Some folks are trying to push the idea that Austin FC has an automatic rivalry with the Columbus Crew, due to our owner’s previous affiliation and attempted relocation of that franchise. The fact that the Crew are one of only two of our games against Eastern Conference teams is a good clue that the league thought there might be some friction here, too.
But in the end that Ohio team – and their fans – wound up losing literally nothing … Read the rest “On the Crew as a Rival”
At the US vs. Nigeria game on Wednesday night, we were part of a full, enthusiastic crowd at McKalla Place, the first in history. The mood was high, the night was warm, and the excitement was electric. Some of our most beloved American stars were on the field, working hard to break down a tough and disciplined Nigerian defense.
And then someone started the wave.
Doing the wave at a game is like breaking out Pictionary or Cards Against Humanity … Read the rest “On the Wave”
Technically this pregame brew is (512) Brewing Company’s “Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter (2021)”. It’s darn tasty, though somehow this barrel-aged version isn’t quite at the level other beers reach. Or is it because it’s a porter instead of a stout?
Anyway, here’a the black, let’s add some Verde (or some Parley Ocean Plastic PrimeBlue, as the case may be) and steal some points in Seattle.
There are so many things happening this summer in Austin that revolve around McKalla Place, the new center of our soccer universe. Hopefully by now you have secured some tickets to an Oaks match or to see the best women’s soccer team in the history of the planet. Though we know that with limited seating capacity, a lot of folks are left on the outside looking in.
But don’t forget the other offerings that our home city provides when it … Read the rest “Supporting Local Soccer Beyond Austin FC”
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
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
It all gets real on Saturday in Los Angeles. Let’s take a quick look back before Austin becomes Major League.
Last week Austin FC rolled out a spicy media release and an in-person event at an almost-complete McKalla Place, billed as a mascot announcement. Many were likely ready to pounce and troll The Oaks for adopting a new fuzzy and larger-than-life attraction for kids and casual fans.
Austin FC turned those fears away when they announced Austin Pets Alive! as … Read the rest “On The Naming of an Official Austin FC Mascot”
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”
