5 Reasons Why Q2 Is the Best Soccer Stadium In The Country
Austin FC’s third season is kicking off, and with that comes a lot of anticipation from the fan base about upcoming changes to Q2 Stadium in north Austin. After all, a big part of attending the games and cheering on Los Verdes is the match day experience. And it just so happens that Q2 stadium really knows how to make sure the fans have a great time. They’ve recently announced a few upgrades to the stadium that will make everything from the ticket entry and security to the food and beverage buying process to simply drinking water so much better. Here’s why Q2 is the best soccer stadium in the country.
5 Reasons Why Q2 Is The Best Soccer Stadium In The Country
1. It ACTUALLY Highlights The Best Local Austin Food
Austin FC fans know that the food at this soccer stadium is amazing. It’s not your typical popcorn/hot dogs/diet coke option. No way. Austin FC has fully embraced the vibrant culinary scene that is our city, and the food booths at Q2 stadium reflect the city’s culinary reputation.
Kerbey Lane just announced that they’ve joined MLS to be the Official Queso Partner of Austin FC, bringing their famous queso to Q2 Stadium in March 2023. Kerbey Lane is a household name among Austinites; it started as a small cafe in central Austin (yep, the original location is literally located on Kerbey Lane) and has grown into a multi-location mini-chain serving scratch-made comfort food since 1980. Their queso is iconic, and now Austin FC fans can enjoy it on match days. Look for classic queso, vegan queso, and margaritas at the Kerbey Lane booth at Q2 Stadium.
Of course, Kerbey Lane isn’t the only local Austin food vendor at the stadium. Fans can also enjoy other culinary favorites like Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ (you’ve seen them on this list of the best BBQ in Austin), OneTaco, Bao’d Up, Casa Chapala, T-Locs Sonoran Hot Dogs, and Double Dave’s Pizza, among others.
2. It’s The First Soccer Stadium In The World With “Just Walk Out” Technology
Ok, this one is huge. “Just Walk Out” technology allows you to walk into a beverage market at Q2 Stadium, grab whatever you want, and then just walk out. No check-out or scanning required. Of course, you’ll have to scan your credit card at the entry point, (nope, sorry, beer’s not free at Q2 Stadium!), but it certainly makes for a much faster customer checkout experience than traditional checkout lanes.
You can even present one card per group; every individual doesn’t have to scan a card. Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology is going to ensure every Austin FC fan can leave their seats, grab a can of Austin craft beer, and return to the game without missing too much of the action.
And this is the ONLY soccer stadium in the world that has this technology! For now, Q2 Stadium is introducing it at the ATX Market, located at the NW corner of the stadium. But if all goes well, they’ll expand it throughout the stadium at a future date.
3. New Cooling Misters And A THIRD Hydration Station
Austin TX is HOT, and the soccer season runs through the three hottest months of the year (July, August, and September.) Q2 Stadium knows this, so in addition to the original stadium plans to handle the heat (breathable mesh seats, free water hydration stations, crossway breezes, shade), they’re introducing a new, third permanent hydration station that will be placed in the Southwest corner on the 100-Level concourse. It’s free for fans to use (rather than buying expensive plastic water bottles during each game) and installation is expected to occur sometime in May 2023…just ahead of those hot months.
There’s also a new cooling mister that’s over the 300-Level seating. Summer games get hot and humid, and there’s nothing that we can do about that…so Austin FC is making investments in the stadium to ensure the best fan experience possible. Yet another reason why Q2 Stadium is the greatest place in the country to watch a soccer match!
4. All Gates Now Use Magnetometers For Faster Entry
Let’s face it: going through security before a game is the worst. You just want to get in, grab a beer, and find your seats! The lines are annoying.
Q2 Stadium is introducing magnetometers at each entry gate. They’re super sleek, fast, and easy to use for both guests and security teams. The idea is to help speed up the security lines while preserving safety for guests.
And anything that helps you get in to that Kerbey Lane queso is a win.
5. Q2 Stadium Supports Local Artists
If you enter the stadium at the Zebra Gate, you’ll be able to see the newest iteration of the rotating mural series. Austin FC commissioned local artist Rex Hamilton to paint the newest interpretation of the team mascot.
The mural will be on display for the entire season. Rex Hamilton is an accomplished Austin artist who has created several murals around Austin. He has an international portfolio of projects, and Q2 Stadium is lucky to have his work visible for all of the Austin FC fans.
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[…] the breeze from the south, in addition to mesh seating and cooling misters. Along with arguably the best food in the MLS it’s a match day experience not to […]