Outside the Box

An Outdoor Playground for All Ages

WORDS MELANIE FAZ | PHOTOS BAPTISTE DESPOIS

The spirited chants of passionate soccer fans greet guests as they set foot into The Pitch, while the appetizing aroma of freshly made food wafts over and entices the senses. From their mouthwatering food and artfully curated cocktails to their pristine pickleball courts and nearby jogging trails, this open-air entertainment venue guarantees a memorable experience for visitors no matter the age.

Just north of central Austin lies the latest addition to Parmer Pond District. The Pitch is a place where foodies and sports fans unite to indulge in a diverse array of entertainment options.

Originally designed to be an amenity center for nearby corporate offices, this soccer-themed entertainment space underwent transformative changes when the pandemic reshaped work-life culture. With remote work becoming the norm and foot traffic dwindling, the concept for a traditional amenity center lost its appeal. However, visionaries Karlin Real Estate and Two Oak Ventures saw the opportunity to reimagine the space with Austin’s soccer culture in mind.

Since its opening in February 2022, this entertainment center has become a hub for soccer fans across Austin. At the heart of The Pitch lies Parmer Field, a lush artificial turf stadium that serves as the home venue for Austin FC II. The

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN?

The Pitch has a monthly calendar on its website that details all events happening. From watch parties to movie nights, it’s fun all month long!

field operates under FIFA regulations and hosts matches for local soccer leagues such as Lone Stars Premier League. On weekends, the stadium is brimming with eager soccer fanatics sporting their respectable colors as they cheer on their team.

But it’s not just the thrill of soccer that draws visitors. The Pitch is also renowned for its exceptional happy hour and an enticing array of delectable food options. Stocked with four restaurants that serve a diverse range of culinary delights including Ga Roti’s Vietnamese fire-spun chicken, Dos Tacos’ breakfast tacos, Smoke Show’s pork carnitas, and Ranger Burger’s Wagyu beef burgers, there’s something to satisfy every craving imaginable. The cherry on top is the dedicated beer garden: Corner Kick Bar, offering a carefully curated selection of brews to complement visitors’ culinary adventure.

One of the most memorable aspects of The Pitch is its animated atmosphere during major soccer events like the World Cup. The outdoor space becomes the go-to spot for passionate soccer fans who gather to enjoy watch parties and revel in the exhilarating energy. General Manager Jeff Musil recalls the highly-anticipated Mexico verses Argentina game, where over 1,300 spectators filled the space.

For those interested in pickleball, three pristine courts always seem to be buzzing with activity. Their courts are open to the public and can be reserved online for about $20 an hour. Anyone looking to dip their toes in the rising popularity of the sport can gather friends for a drink, while indulging in a little friendly competition.

With its diverse entertainment offerings, engaging community events, and a commitment to high-quality cuisine, The Pitch keeps guests coming back for more. Whether you’re a soccer fanatic, an amateur pickleball player, or someone just looking for a place to enjoy happy hour, make your way to The Pitch and prepare to be drawn into an atmosphere that truly sets it apart. Jeff adds, “It has a neighborhood park feel. There are a lot of families from the area, and dogs are welcome, too.”

CONTACT:

(512) 291-3159 thepitchaustin.com

13000 Harris Ridge Blvd.

@thepitchaustin

Places for Stargazing

When the Sun Goes Down, Dive into the Sea of Stars Overhead.

While summer is known as the ideal time for swimming, its warm nights and clear skies allow viewers to marvel at the starry beauty of the Milky Way Galaxy. Pack a comfy chair and stretch your neck for an evening of twinkling stars and colorful planets. These celestial sites provide an escape from light pollution and up the chances of seeing a shooting star or two.

McDonald Observatory

Atop the Davis Mountains in west Texas sits the McDonald Observatory, one of the world’s leading centers for astronomical research and educational outreach. This facility is part of University of Texas at Austin’s astronomy program but is open to the public and even hosts star parties almost nightly. Several state-of-the-art largerthan-life telescopes are available and serve as windows into the cosmos for curious visitors year-round. mcdonaldobservatory.org | 3640 Dark Sky Dr., Fort Davis, TX

South Llano State Park

During the day, visitors can float the spring-fed river or spot wildlife like armadillos and wild turkeys. When the sun goes down, visitors can partake in star parties or marvel at the star-filled night sky at this International Dark Sky Park. This stargazing gem rests about three hours west of Austin. The entry fee is $5 and there is an additional $5, fee to stay after 10 pm.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river | 1927 Park Rd. 73, Junction, TX

Copper Breaks State Park

Located in the Texas Panhandle, a good distance from any light pollution, Copper Breaks is the optimal location for a captivating sight of the cosmos. Known for its variety of hiking trails, Copper Breaks offers guided night hikes for an extra layer to the stargazing experience. During these hikes, hikers can chase scorpions, marvel at the colorful nebulas, and hunt for constellations. Its diverse trails and extra dark nights make it a fantastic choice for both nature lovers and astronomy enthusiasts. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ copper-breaks | 777 Park Rd. 62, Quanah, TX

Palo Duro Canyon

2 1

Big Bend National Park

Rugged landscapes and prickly plant life are just part of the beauty Big Bend National Park has to offer. About a 440-mile drive southwest of Austin, Big Bend is on the Mexico and U.S. border, far away from any major city. Bestowed with the title of an International Dark Sky Park, Big Bend’s starry nights possess a distinguished quality that leaves visitors feeling like they’ve traveled into outer space. The park even offers a variety of sky interactive activities like star parties, moonlight walks, and special night viewings. nps.gov/bibe/index.htm |

Big Bend National Park, TX

Enchanted Rock

Natural Area

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Enchanted Rock for its scenic hiking trails and rock climbing, but many don’t know it's the perfect spot for viewing constellations. About an hour-and-a-half west of Austin, Enchanted Rock is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Its rural skies allow the Milky Way to be visible to the naked eye, making it one of the best places to stargaze in Central Texas. Visitors can learn about sky conditions in real-time with the Clear Sky Scale on the park’s website. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchantedrock | 16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg

Just outside Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon delivers a breathtaking view of space dust on moonless nights. While there might be reduced visibility due to its proximity to Amarillo, visitors can enhance their experience with the help of on-site telescopes or park-offered star parties. Their unique cabins carved into the mountains turn this stargazing trip into a glamping stay. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon | 11450 Park Rd. 5, Canyon, TX

Are you licensed and insured? Yes! We are fully licensed and insured to move in Texas.

How long have you been in the moving business? I started as a mover in Philadelphia over a decade ago and have worked for moving companies in Philly, Los Angeles, and Boulder. I started Mash Movers in 2016 and have been moving folks in and around Austin since!

What services do you offer? We offer everything from moving a single piece of furniture to full service packing and moving. Each move is unique so we try to fit our services to meet each of our customer’s needs.

Do you use subcontractors or your own employees? We never use subcontractors. All of Mash Movers are highlytrained moving professionals. And truly, we are proud of the people we hire and strive to have the nicest, most respectful, strongest