This Just In: Austin Press Releases

It’s almost football season in the Lone Star State, where the sport is more than a game – it’s a way of life. In anticipation of the 2011 season, the Austin Sports Commission hosts the 4th annual Texas Gridiron Kickoff presented by USA Football, featuring University of Texas Longhorns Head Coach Mack Brown, on August 3 at the Austin Convention Center. Tickets are $55 per person, $500 for a table of 10, or $750 for a table of 10 with preferred seating with an Austin American-Statesman Preseason All Centex Team player and coach. Registration is online at www.austinsports.org.  (more)

The familiar sounds of Austin’s guitars and soulful singers give way to the revving of motorcycle engines, June 9-12. Over the four days, some 50,000 motorcycle enthusiasts will attend the 17th annual Republic of Texas Biker Rally in downtown Austin and at the Travis County Expo Center. Visitor spending associated with the event is approximately $36 million.  (more)

America’s best ruggers take the field during the USA Rugby Division I, II and III Men’s Club Playoffs in Austin, May 22-23. More than 600 athletes representing 24 teams come from across the U.S. to deliver the nation’s highest level of men’s club rugby to Texas’ capital city.  (more)

The Rawl Cup, in cooperation with the bj-League (Japan’s professional basketball league), Mid-America Youth Basketball (MAYB) and StarVision Sports, will host an international youth basketball tournament in Austin, Texas from March 31–April 4. The Austin Sports Commission (ASC), a division of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, was instrumental in bringing the group to Austin. ASC estimates that the event will welcome 5,000 participants and fans, and generate $7.7 million in visitor spending.  (more)