Austin FC and its fans will be able to watch the team’s first-ever match in history by the shores of Lady Bird Lake.

The newest Major League Soccer franchise announced March 22 it is hosting an official watch party at the Long Center for its April 17 debut game against Los Angeles FC.

The free event, held in partnership with Austin FC jersey sponsor Yeti, was limited to the first 1,000 fans to sign up for the event online.

Sign-ups for the event were already closed within one hour of the team opening sign-up slots to fans at 11 a.m. on March 22.

“We look forward to sharing this milestone event with our fans, friends, and neighbors who have helped to make this historic moment possible,” Austin FC President Andy Loughnane said in a March 22 news release.



Food trucks and concessions, including alcoholic beverages, will be set up for the watch party at the Long Center, located at 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. Seating will be limited to pods of four, and face masks will be required for fans in attendance. Temperature screenings will also be held at entry to the event.

Gates to the watch party will open 90 minutes ahead of the scheduled 4:30 p.m. kickoff on April 17. Fans at home can watch the Austin FC match live on Fox Sports.