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Christa McWhirter
Christa McWhirter is a breaking news and lifestyle reporter for Austonia. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin where she wrote for the Daily Texan and received her Bachelor of Journalism.
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(Jordan Vonderhaar/Austonia)
People are often drawn to Austin because of things like job or housing opportunities, however, it's the city's deep connection with the nature surrounding it that keeps them here.
<p><em>This week, you'll see stories useful for someone new to Austin in anticipation of Austonia's "How to Austin" event. To attend, sign up <a href="https://austonia.com/howtoaustin" target="_self">here</a>.</em></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="1240" data-rm-shortcode-id="a47014d9a04ca2cf99bcf4f4bbf79945" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzNTQ5Mi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzI0MjUyOH0.Ffi8jORtdTzehcjJrzHWL3-l1Is4_hGaHSbIPPGbefM/img.png?width=980" data-width="1747" id="a7ca3" type="lazy-image"/>
</p><p><br/></p><p>Much of Austin's allure is that residents are able to enjoy the great outdoors without ever having to go too far out of the city. Despite being in such close proximity to major urban construction, some of the most beautiful scenes in the Hill Country are right here, in Austin.</p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=14sNSCIvRSc0ylJj0pX6zeMnEAl0fYY9Y" width="640"></iframe></div><p><br/></p>
Mount Bonnell
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzNTUyMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MDEzODU5NX0.SQVQYQc5VpT_UQe-BQsexRgUp1yIUbjiB-Hz7cAgkUE/img.jpg?width=980" id="6a82f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6909566cc1a80e66660ddb3153882a5f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1599" data-height="1066" />(Spawnzilla/CC)
<p>Mount Bonnell is probably the most well-known scenic locale in Austin and has been since the 1830s. Known for its panoramic view of downtown, Lady Bird Lake and the Hill Country to the west. Today thousands of visitors ascend the 106 stone stairs to the summit to take in the beautiful view. Located in Covert Park in Northeast Austin, the trail is dog-friendly with a leash, but it is not wheelchair accessible.</p>Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMjg0Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMjg2NjY4OH0.3hTVUhMTrJ7FkqWgYivC03M7NbQGhkvM85St6nSACF8/img.jpg?width=1200&coordinates=0%2C240%2C0%2C240&height=800" id="6db33" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="be5523bfa32d06f91a0e0915e7f1fd3b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1200" data-height="800" />(MX/Wikimedia)
<p>The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a 10-mile boardwalk with numerous entrance and exit points and is Austin's most recognized and popular recreational trail. Not only is it an Austin favorite for exercise, it also hosts one of the most beautiful views of Austin's skyline the city has to offer. The paved trail runs over Lady Bird Lake, also known as Town Lake, giving people an undisturbed view of Downtown Austin overlooking the water. The trail is dog friendly with a leash and wheelchair accessible.</p>Zilker Park
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMjc5Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NDE0NzMzNn0.hE8NKm_6Ldoi36TZcTVHAbc9K6H1FWTqnI8cK60u3jY/img.jpg?width=980" id="2cb32" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f4696ca4392a59a956761ae419b161a7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1600" data-height="900" />(Mwyzykowski0821/Wikimedia)
<p>Zilker Park is Austin's pride and joy. The park hosts ACL every year (when there isn't a pandemic), the Trail of Lights each holiday season and other events in the city. The 351-acre space is the go-to locale for Austinites who want to get outside and enjoy a direct view of the city skyline--usually serving as a backdrop for any event held at the spot. As one of the only scenic destinations to allow dogs off-leash, it is the most dog-friendly spot in the city. Zilker Park is wheelchair accessible (although it might be best to avoid the park after rain).</p>Barton Creek Greenbelt-Sculpture Falls
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzNTU2My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTU1NDE2NX0.kM0EJgiwl60yCLYd2xMtqPUM9ukysu_KmQhMiP6XGMo/img.jpg?width=980" id="75e17" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="64cdd0ef728567c25261e17227855fe6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="4032" data-height="3024" />(Austonia)
<p><strong></strong>Sculpture Falls is a hidden location on the 7.9 mile Barton Creek Greenbelt. The best way to access the location is via the Hill of Life and the Trail's End access point in South Austin at 1710 Camp Craft Road. The scenic views of this location may not be sweeping views of the city skyline, however, the glistening pools and waterfalls, the trees hanging over the water make the spot one of the most underrated in Austin. The hike back up the Hill of Life is 1.5 miles and mostly on the sun, so make sure to bring plenty of water. The location is dog-friendly with a leash, but it is not wheelchair accessible.</p>McKinney Falls-Upper and Lower Falls
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMjk3Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzODY3MTE0NH0.yBqNznABvsJCBp_tdrREOMI20eWy3a4dNLwBbe4SKAc/img.jpg?width=980" id="135bf" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c712742e6dbe4592a7294aad89b9f655" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1760" data-height="796" />Photo of Lower McKinney Falls
(Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)
<p>McKinney Falls is one of the many Texas State parks and is a series of two waterfalls–an upper and lower falls. Both spots feature limestone waterfalls along Onion Creek and swimming pools. The lower falls are more shallow and recommended for families with younger children while the upper falls are a bit deeper. Pets are allowed on a leash in the park, however, they are not allowed in the water at the falls. The park is not fully wheelchair accessible. There is a $6 fee for adults to enter the park and children under 12 can enter for free. During COVID, it is recommended to make reservations to enter the park if you plan to visit.<br></p>Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzNTc0MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMDEyNzM3Mn0.HATaya2WqEf1dRD6zO2WMvoCQii7mHKa9oJ9H2Huxqg/img.jpg?width=980" id="f503b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="96c77fa947db2d4ae07efc545785fc12" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="2040" data-height="1530" />(Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center/Facebook)
<p>Located in far-west Austin, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is the farthest out from Austin's city center and is another location that may not offer sweeping views of the Hill Country, however, the center features some of the most unique views in Texas. The highlight of the preserve is Westcave at the head of the canyon. It features a 40-foot waterfall backed by caves, diverse vegetation and an emerald pool. Canyon tours are not dog-friendly but are wheelchair accessible; they are offered every Saturday & Sunday. Self-guided hikes are offered Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and require reservations.</p>Red Bud Isle
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQ0MTk2MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTcwNDA4N30.ImQe01BIolSJVNBCJAFbQz1WfuDP8fitr_XXZWNytQk/img.jpg?width=980" id="767c3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a21655c41f9c7da188eb99dd0371d2dd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="lady bird lake dog winslow swimming" />(Austonia)
<p>Red Bud Isle is one of the most popular areas for pet owners to let their dogs off-leash in Austin. The small island lies just below the Tom Miller Dam on Town Lake. The edge of Red Bud Isle offers a view of Town Lake and the densely-packed trees to either side. Depending on the time of year, colorful kayaks and stand-up paddleboards add some pop of color to the view. The 13-acre park is, of course, dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Be careful with your pets during the summer months, however, as there have been <a href="https://austonia.com/city/algae-killing-dogs" target="_blank">toxic algae blooms two years in a row</a>.<br></p>Wild Basin Preserve
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMzEyNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNTMwODY3N30.aw3W_bvqThNlF_9WGE5GVte7ajhJoPQxQEUnM4FCT4Y/img.jpg?width=980" id="0b1a3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="615c86b10cc2c034b9518f73534cad3e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1600" data-height="900" />(Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia)
<p><span style="background-color: initial;">The Wild Basin Preserve is 227 acres of Hill Country woodlands owned by Travis County and St. Edwards University as part of the larger Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, which protects the unique environments of seven endangered species and 28 threatened plant and animal species. The preserve is home to the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler as well as many other Texas-native plants and wildlife. There isn't any one location that is the highlight of the preserve—the highlight is spotting the local wildlife. While it has been closed for the past several months, Wild Basin is expected to open for limited hours in late-January. It is not pet-friendly and is somewhat wheelchair accessible.</span><span style="background-color: initial;"></span><br></p>Barton Springs
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMjk2NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NTY4NzMzMH0.1Nd-a5CEiPDSaLOB_nJYAZiHC8dZVvS5l4QOJhHsvd8/img.jpg?width=980" id="721f6" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="82bc4f00174755913a86a103f01ad6ad" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="720" data-height="403" />Section of Barton Springs on the paid access side. (austintx.gov)
<p><span style="background-color: initial;">Barton Springs is another one of those locations that doesn't have one particular highlight. There are two sections to Barton Springs: one section requires a small entrance fee and allows for a little more space to sprawl out, whereas the other, much larger, section is free but sometimes requires a little creativity with where you set up camp. Both sides feature cool, clear, blue water from the natural springs in the area. </span><br></p>Congress Avenue Bridge
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMjc4OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MDkyNjcxNn0.ieWjFaKRtsoVrudyGVtp_q3xlM8ghFgd7Y-QZqQVOoo/img.jpg?width=980" id="c4dfa" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4e69c74aa25973d14285a49d8b070bd1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="641" data-height="426" />(Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)
<p>The Congress Avenue Bridge goes over Lady Bird Lake and is a place to get a very unique view of the city. Every year, Austinites gather on the bridge to witness up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats feed on 10-30,000 pounds of insects. The best time to view the bats is mid-August when you can see them ascending into the evening sky. This area of Austin is wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly with a leash.</p>The Middle of Town Lake
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMzExOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MjIxNDQzN30.DAnxtXZTYH60LicTxw4J_qzJ7CSZ2ez7hNi8qFaxjJ4/img.jpg?width=980" id="a81af" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4dc3198f3a64889a16d7f442f56e0a2c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="4032" data-height="3024" />Evening view from the middle of Town Lake
(Laura Figi/Austonia)
<p><span style="background-color: initial;">This one might seem a little odd, but get yourself a kayak or stand up paddle board and enjoy the view of the city from the water. It's a unique perspective on the city that is probably the best representation of why this city is so unique. There are also some boat tours throughout the year. Boat tours are wheelchair accessible. The lake has multiple entrance points and pets are allowed on water vessels, but not in the water.</span><br></p>
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(Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia)
One of Red River Cultural DIstrict's most prolific music venues, Mohawk, teamed up with Vans early in the pandemic.
Austin's Red River Cultural District and Vans are joining forces on a custom design to benefit the district's staff affected by COVID-19 and to support Austin's music scene.
<p>In April 2020, Vans launched it's "Foot the Bill" program to assist small businesses that have been directly affected by COVID-19. As a part of the program, Vans released a limited edition design on Tuesday with the Red River Cultural District, a cultural destination for Austin's live music, food and drink experiences in the heart of downtown. </p><p>The design features the district's logo in red on a pair of black Era skate shoes (<a href="https://www.vans.com/customs-designs-ftb-red-river-cultural-district.era-classic.fa322a1feabc0bf6d70f34e85341200b.html?style=VC0514" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">$90</a>) and a black T-shirt (<a href="https://www.vans.com/shop/ftb-red-river-cultural-district-t-shirt-black" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">$30</a>). On <a href="https://www.vans.com/footthebill.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vans' website</a>, representatives from RRCD said they went with the all-black design in a nod to those who work at the iconic music district's venues.</p><p>Of the sales made by the custom line, 100% of the net proceeds will go directly to <a href="https://redriverculturaldistrict.org/" target="_blank">RRCD</a>. The nonprofit will, in turn, become part of the nonprofit's pandemic relief fund.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8586a7b20d6ab22521e4e30d3028441a" id="b2f4f"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1353751111107289089"><div style="margin:1em 0">Heads up y’all! We are stoked to partner with
@Vans for their Foot The Bill program! You can purchase our Limited E… https://t.co/JGlP2cB6Ib</div> — Red River Cultural District (@Red River Cultural District)<a href="https://twitter.com/DefendRedRiver/statuses/1353751111107289089">1611594391.0</a></blockquote></div><p>In a message on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/redriverculturaldistrict/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, RRCD announced the funding received through the program will go into their "Banding Together Fund," a charitable grant program focused on supporting Austin's live music community including the music, service and hospitality workers impacted by the pandemic.<br/></p><p>This is not the first time Vans has partnered with an Austin-based business or organization. In the early days of COVID-19, the prolific sneaker company partnered with 30 skate shops, restaurants and other community-based spaces including RRCD's own Mohawk—an iconic music venue located on Red River Street.</p><p>Austin's music community has suffered during the pandemic and many historic venues, like Threadgill's and Barracuda Club, have been forced to close down as a result. Red River Cultural District said it is dedicated to doing what it can with the proceeds from its collaboration with Vans to bring prosperity back to Austin's heart on the collection's listing.</p><p>"We believe that music is the heart and soul of our city, and our organization is committed to its preservation for the benefit of all both now and long into the future," Vans posted on its site. </p>
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Healthcare Worker Elisabetta Cucuzza receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from Code 4 Emergency Services on Jan. 14. (Jordan Vonderhaar)
Austin public health officials expressed concern about the death of COVID-19 vaccines seven weeks into the national rollout. They also confirmed a slight downturn in the number of confirmed COVID cases and related hospital admissions following the massive surge that emerged around the holiday season.
<p><strong>A vaccine update </strong></p><p>Since being designated a hub provider for Travis County earlier this month, Austin Public Health has received three weekly allotments of 12,000 doses. Local public health officials said Tuesday that they expect to receive another 12,000 doses next week as well. However, APH Director Stephanie Hayden-Howard continued to ask residents to manage their expectations, adding that the department wouldn't know for sure what their next shipment will be until later this week. </p><p>If APH receives additional doses, they will administer them Wednesday through Sunday of next week, continuing to prioritize frontline workers and residents 65 years of age and older.</p><p>At this stage of the rollout, vaccine supply remains extremely limited, with only 2% of the Travis County population receiving shots, Hayden-Howard said. This is far cry from the 70% to 75% threshold needed to achieve herd immunity. </p><p>Of the 333,650 vaccines allocated by the state last week, Travis County received 4.4%. Travis County has administered 65,050 of the vaccine so far, according the State Health Department. </p><p>Although these numbers may be proportional to the doses received elsewhere in the state, Texas remains at the <a href="https://austonia.com/texas-recieves-fewer-vaccines" target="_self">end of the line</a> when receiving the doses. Anaylis last week found that Texas was close to last in how many vaccines it was getting per capita. <strong></strong></p><p>Travis County officials said they are doing what they can to get the most people vaccinated as soon as possible, despite this shortage. APH is working with outside consultants to find areas for mass vaccinations, including drive-through options and implementing at-home vaccines for seniors, for whom APH is putting together a call center, Hayden-Howard said. </p><p><strong>COVID on the decline </strong></p><p>Despite the significant challenges with vaccine availability, there is some good news.</p><p>The daily average numbers of confirmed COVID cases and related hospital admissions are both on the decline after flattening last week. The average number of cases confirmed each day is 577, down from 680 last week, and the average number of related hospital admissions each day is 81, down from 87.8 last week.</p><p>"All the measures this week showed significant improvements in our COVID-19 situation in Travis County," Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said. </p><p>Travis County remains squarely in Stage 5, the highest according to APH's risk-based guidelines, but for the first time since late December the trend line is clearly moving down from the peak. </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="1272" data-rm-shortcode-id="46c11f3061b0d97d310f93334296c6c9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzNjg2Ni9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTg3MzQ3MH0.rkTCcg5AooV245zWDJmI8dnIdcP8QwCv2IPVtva3sfQ/img.png?width=980" data-width="2726" id="b21d9" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">City of Austin</small></p><p><br/></p><p>Another positive sign arrived yesterday from hospitals in Trauma Service O, an 11-county region that includes the Austin area, Escott said. COVID patients now account for fewer than 15% of hospitalizations in the area, which is the threshold the state has set as an indicator of surge. TSA O now has a lower rate of COVID hospitalizations than the trauma services areas for every other major metro city in Texas. Those that include Houston, El Paso, Dallas-Forth Worth and San Antonio are all reporting that at least 18% of their hospitalizations are due to COVID. </p><p>Dr. Mark Escott attributed the long-awaited dip to people in Austin changing their behavior. </p><p>"We've got to continue that effort, we've got to push it down further," he said. "But we are doing an excellent job and, and I'm proud of this community for the work."</p>
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(Q2/Twitter)
Austin FC announced it has entered into a multi-year stadium naming rights partnership with Q2 Holdings, Inc., for its $260 million stadium.
<p>The new stadium, now known as "Q2 Stadium," remains projected for completion this spring at 10414 McKalla Place, ahead of the inaugural Austin FC season.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="030a6d4b74db488b296e111ef0ab525a" id="01f28"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1353758552905674761"><div style="margin:1em 0">Welcome to @Q2Stadium!
Austin’s Biggest Backyard. 🏟 https://t.co/SGR2DMgukA</div> — Q2 Stadium (@Q2 Stadium)<a href="https://twitter.com/Q2Stadium/statuses/1353758552905674761">1611596165.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Q2, the Austin-based provider of digital transformation solutions for banking and lending, has also secured the name of the "Q2 Field Club," the premium seating and Club experience adjacent to the player's benches in the over 20,500-seat stadium.<br/></p><p>"Our partnership reinforces to our employees and top talent that Q2 is committed to everything that makes Austin special – culture, community and now, world-class professional sports sure to bring a diverse, global audience to our community," Matt Flake, President and CEO of Q2 said in a press release.</p><p>The stadium will have multiple purposes aside from hosting the men's and women's soccer leagues, including other amateur sporting events, concerts and festivals, and community projects. Q2 Stadium will be a venue to host organizations such as Black Girls Code and Code2College—groups that make contribute to the Austin software development communities.</p><p>The stadium will be one of 20 soccer stadiums featured within Major League Soccer in 2021 and is one of eight stadiums that have opened since 2017.</p><p>Austin FC President, <a href="https://www.austinfc.com/andy-loughnane" target="_blank">Andy Loughnane</a>, said in a press release that it was the club's top priority to establish a naming rights partnership with an Austin-based company that is "committed to using this platform to give back to the community."</p><p>"Q2 Stadium holds the distinction of being the first and only major league venue in Austin, and Austin FC is exceptionally proud to begin our MLS journey with Q2 as our partner and Q2 Stadium as our home."</p><p>This is the latest partnership with a local brand for Austin FC. It has already established a partnership with <a href="https://austonia.com/netspend-partners-with-austin-fc" target="_blank">Yeti, H-E-B and Netspend</a>. </p>
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