We attended the first game at Major League Soccer's newest stadium in Austin and it is easy to see why this is the future of sports
Major League Soccer's newest stadium, Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX, made its debut on Wednesday.
The opening featured a friendly between the US Women's National Team and the Nigerian Women's National Team.
Insider attended the opening and took a tour of the stadium and it was clear the stadium is the future of most team sports, giving fans everything they need and want in a more friendly and quaint atmosphere.
The stadium was built for $270 million, just a fraction of other recent oversized stadiums which have all the bells and whistles but which lack personality and a sense of community.
One of the first things you notice is that the stadium is open-air, but most of the seats are shaded from the hot Texas sun.
Even for a night game like this one, which started at 8:00 locally, that is important because it means the plastic seats haven't been sitting in the sun all day long.
In some areas closer to the field where seats might be more exposed, the seating is made of mesh fabric to reduce the heat.
Beyond that, the canopy, the second-largest in MLS, is a folder design to keep the hotter upper layer buffered from the fans and seats.
The stadium is open in all four corners.
This allows the breezes from the south to travel through the stadium.
And if all else fails, there is an indoor and air-conditioned beer hall.
It was filled with plenty of TVs and pub games.
But during the game, it was pretty empty.
Except for a few people in line for some refreshments.
The other thing traveling throughout the stadium was free WiFi, a must for modern stadiums as phone service quickly became spotty as the stadium started to fill.
The grass, even after one-half of play, was impeccable.
The 20,500-seat stadium is a lot small than other modern stadiums. However, every seat feels close to the field, and there is also more personality and better sense of community that doesn't come with 75,000-seat megastadiums.
Like other modern stadiums, Q2 has ditched generic concession stands in favor of local food favorites. The stadium also doesn't take cash, and food can be ordered from an app.
And, of course, BBQ. [pro tip: If in Austin, skip the lines at Franklin's and hit Valentina's or Micklethwait instead.
Impressively, the souvenir stands already had the new USWNT jerseys just hours after being unveiled to the public.
The first tifo at Q2 Stadium was a pretty cool tribute to the US Women, reading "CHRISTENED BY QUEENS."
Another essential staple at modern stadiums is more upscale lounges, such as the Lexus Lounge at Q2, which runs most of the length of the west side of the stadium.
There are plenty of TVs, but there is also a clear view of the field. And, of course, AC.
And then there is the even more upscale field club.
This one opens up to the field right behind the team benches.
The walkway to the field club includes a tribute wall to the sights and sounds of Austin.
The supporters' section also made its debut with song leaders.
Songs and flags flew all night.
Megan Rapinoe, who received the loudest ovation during introductions, approved.
The game was played in front of a packed crowd.
In the end, the US won 2-0, and it seemed everybody went home happy with both the match and the experience.
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