Ballin’ on a Budget in the ATX
Round Rock Express Game @ The Dell Diamond
Located a few miles north of Austin in Round Rock sits the home of the Texas Rangers AAA Affiliate, The Round Rock Express. They have a complete website devoted to promotions that range from Half-Price Tuesday to $1 Hot Dogs and Sodas. If you have a family, their H-E-B Kids Days are awesome and the stadium is built to impress even the most advantageous of toddlers. With tickets as low as $5-10 bucks, The Express sits rightfully so at the top of this article.
Located in the greater Downtown Austin Area, Barton Springs is a natural spring turned pool. With a low daily Austin-resident fee of just $3, you’ll spend more on parking and gas than to get in. They even have an open side that is completely free and pet friendly. The only drawback, it stays a mere 68 degrees year round for water temp.
The Texas Stars are owned by NHL’s Dallas Stars, but with very similar vibrance and atmosphere. They play in Cedar Park at the newly built H-E-B Center. They are also incredibly talented, having made the playoffs seven of the last nine years, and lost in the finals two of those years years (including last year 2018), and won the “Calder Cup” in 2014. The tickets start at $10 but can be more due to the venue’s limited capacity. Food and beverages can get rather pricey so you might want to save up funds for some Fast Eddie’s Billiards down the street instead of at H-E-B Center. Also, make sure and bring a jacket – it gets cold in there!
Oddly enough the H-E-B Center doubles as a basketball stadium for the NBA G-League Austin Spurs, affiliates of the San Antonio Spurs. Tickets are the cheapest you will find at any of these events, starting at either free or $5. Also, drinks are among the lowest priced you will find in Austin featuring a a 16oz Premium Draft Beer for as low as $2. They t, like the Texas Stars, have been really good in the past, winning the G-League Championship in 2018.
Austin’s famous “Dirty Sixth Street” used to be the proclaimed crown jewel of Austin. Now, it’s one of the most affordable. At no other place in town can you find $2 shots, $3 wells, and $5 pitchers of mixed drinks all in one spot. My recommendation is to go here first on “Fun” nights before hitting up more classy locations like West 6th Street and Rainey. Blind Pig, Maggie Mae’s, and Buckshot, are among my favorites as they offer live music, cheap drinks, and nice rooftops/patios.
This vibrant neighborhood is just South of Lady Bird Lake and has a ton of sights and sounds. From live concerts and galleries to boutiques and eateries, South Congress Avenue is the essence of “Ballin’ on a budget in the 512.” They have Food Truck Areas, home of the famous Homeslice Pizza and even the jazzy/bluesy feels of The Continental Club. If you get lucky, maybe you’ll even see some bats!
