Austin Gilgronis Take on New Ownership and Find New Home at Circuit of the Americas for 2020 Season
January 29, 2020 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Austin Gilgronis News Release
AUSTIN, TX - Formally known as the Austin Herd and based in Round Rock, TX, Loyals LLC have purchased the Austin Major League Rugby franchise. The team will debut as Austin Gilgronis (the AGs) and relocate to Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, TX, for the 2020 Major League Rugby (MLR) season on February 9 at 7 pm (CST, local time).
Loyals LLC has taken immediate control of the franchise and all operations from previous ownership by Austin Herd. The "Gilgronis" are named after a new Texas-sized cocktail, to be released soon.
World Cup-winning rugby skills coach Michael Byrne has been appointed head of rugby to ensure the team's success.
"We are excited to bring Austin Gilgronis to Central Texas and share the excitement of rugby with Texas football fans. We look forward to bringing even more heat to Texas by introducing the Austin community to the rough and tumble world of rugby. Fans can look forward to high-adrenaline matches and pre-game festivities, including a human fireball, fire spinner, fire breathers, BBQ championships, cheerleading championships, and much more," commented Loyals LLC CEO Matt Burgess. "Each game is going to bring the same high-stakes and competitive energy Texas sports fans demand but with a focus on premium entertainment around the match for both corporate and community supporters."
Exciting upgrades to the team's new home stadium at Circuit of The Americas are being discussed, including pool bars, premium hospitality structures, entertainment suites and a significant increase to seating capacity. These world-class facilities will ensure COTA can provide the greatest rugbytainment experience in the world.
"We cannot wait to welcome the Gilgronis to COTA and look forward to adding one of the most exciting sports in the world to our one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment destination," said Tim Prukop, COTA's Chief Revenue Officer. "The Gilgronis will offer COTA guests yet another way to experience the thrill of being alive, and we are proud to help them move the needle in their business."
The Austin Gilgronis hope to engage families and children of all ages, emphasizing the significant benefits of playing and spending weekends experiencing the non-stop entertainment and unique environment rugby matches provide. Young sports fans can look forward to a new rugby youth training facility and pre-game fun like face painting, carnival rides, inflatable rugby games, live music, and more.
Some unique, community-first ideas that the Gilgronis have include:
Paying for every youth players' annual fees;
Capping ticket sales at $5 per person for families;
Sponsoring the U16, U18, and U20 teams to travel nationally as they strive to win their respective national championships;
Provide all uniforms, boots, and training kits to youth at a wholesale price to make the sport more affordable. No jersey will cost more than $25.
In addition to the above community initiatives to drive the great game, the team will be building the world's largest youth strength and conditioning center that will be made available to both male and female rugby players representing the great city of Austin.
After a 2019 season of 0-12 and with the support of the Austin community, AG's strive to make a name for themselves in Central Texas by bringing home the 2020 championship.
Anyone who purchased Austin Herd merchandise from December 2019 onward can replace it for FREE with AG's merchandise at home games.
Ticket prices will be just $8 for general admission and $5 for families. For more information on the AG's and the 2020 schedule visit: https://www.gilgronis.com.
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Major League Rugby Stories from January 29, 2020
- Austin Gilgronis Take on New Ownership and Find New Home at Circuit of the Americas for 2020 Season - Austin Gilgronis
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