There are a lot of great places to watch hockey in Austin, Texas, but with the coronavirus pandemic putting a halt to arena hockey, it’s time to figure out where to watch the sport in the city.
Here’s a short list of the best places to watch hockey in Austin, as well as some helpful advice on how to enjoy the game while staying safe.
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The Majestic
If you live in Austin, you’ve probably already been there, and you may even remember it. You can’t miss the Austin Powers Theater, known today as the Majestic Theatre. It is a grand old theatre located in the center of the city and is one of the nicest places to catch a hockey game. With a capacity of over 1,000 people, you can be sure that you’ll see some great hockey games there.
The Majestic is one of the city’s main institutions and is certainly a sight to see. With its magnificent red velvet interior and a stage that extends out into the audience, it’s not hard to understand why the theatre is known as the ‘Capital of the South.’ You’ll even find a statue of the late President Lyndon Baines Johnson in front of the theatre. It was originally opened in 1926 and has been the theatre district’s mainstay ever since.
Rio Street Ice Arena
Just a stone’s throw away from the Majestic, you’ll find the beautifully renovated and restored Rio Street Ice Arena. The arena, which is home to the Austin Ice Tea and in the heart of the city’s thriving bar and restaurant scene, has been a focal point for locals ever since it was opened in 1980. Its location allows for easy access to a variety of great restaurants like Freetail Brewing Co., along with bars like Belmont Station, which serves as the focal point of downtown Austin during the day. At night, the arena converts into a movie theatre as part of the Austin Film Society’s ‘Theater in the Park’ series. Most importantly, the arena allows for open air hockey, something that does not exist at the much smaller, more intimate confines of the Majestic. It is worth noting that the rink has been closed to the public since January 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but it is expected to reopen this coming winter season.
Jack’s Bar-B-Que
One of our favorite places to watch hockey is Jack’s Bar-B-Que, a unique and cozy brick-and-mortar establishment that serves as the city’s unofficial sports bar. The restaurant has been a hub for hockey activity in Austin for many years, and it continues to serve as a haven for the sport. If you’re looking for a place to watch a game this coming winter season, Jack’s Bar-B-Que is the place to be.
The restaurant is located on the southwest side of the city, near the airport, and it’s easy to access via I-35, which runs right by the property. Once you’re there, you’ll feel right at home. With its inviting atmosphere, big-screen Fox Sports TV, and delicious barbeque, Jack’s Bar-B-Que is a place you’ll want to frequent. The restaurant continues to expand, with the most recent addition being a rooftop patio with a view of the downtown Austin skyline. If you want to catch a game this coming winter season, Jack’s Bar-B-Que is a recommended stop.
Ryman Hockey House
On the opposite end of town from Jack’s Bar-B-Que is the Ryman Hockey House. This historic building was originally constructed in 1891 and was the home of Austin icon Alfred Ryman. The house was converted into a museum in 1960 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2010. Today, the building houses the Austin Museum of Natural History and is also available for private events and weddings.
The museum’s collection of over 300,000 specimens is among the best in the world. It also features a Steinberg Ice Rink, which is open to the public and is the largest of its kind in central Texas. This year is the 100th anniversary of the museum, and it is set to celebrate with the grand opening of its newest addition, the Alfred Ryman Building. The five-story structure will house a café, educational exhibit galleries, and event spaces.
The museum itself is free, but you’ll have to pay for ice skating, which is one of the main attractions. It is open throughout the year, but not all of the floors are accessible to the public. There is one main entrance, with the rest of the building accessed through a side door. The museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The building is located at 2025 South Congress Avenue and is easily accessible from I-35, which runs southbound from the airport. The nearest Blue Line station is South Congress Ave., and it’s only a few minutes walk from the front door.
Zilker Park
A short distance from the Ryman building is Zilker Park. The 500-acre ‘public park’ was once the site of the original Austin Dam, whose construction began in 1907 and was completed seven years later. The park is home to many different species of animals and plants and features a number of gorgeous old oaks and sycamores. If you want to watch a game this coming winter season, the park’s numerous green spaces are a great setting for a hockey match. The park also has a small lake, Lake Buchanan, which is a great place for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Located in the west end of the city next to the university, Zilker Park is one of the most picturesque urban parks in Texas. The park is a great place for a picnic and is fully compliant with the city’s COVID-19 safety guidelines. If you want to catch a game this coming winter season, the park is a recommended destination.
Each of these places has something wonderful to offer, whether it’s a vintage ambiance or a gorgeous lake, and it’s quite an eclectic mix. The main attraction at all of these places is the hockey, of course, but the food and drinks are just as good if not better than what you’ll find at a professional sports venue. It’s a great place for a girls’ night out as well, and you might even make some new friends who share your passion for hockey. Austin is fortunate to have so many places to catch a hockey game, and with the return of the professional hockey season, it’s time to make the most of it.