Austin Gilgronis Take on New Ownership And Find New Home At Circuit of The Americas For 2020 Season
AUSTIN, TX (Wednesday, January 29) – 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.
ABOUT LOYALS RUGBY
Loyals LLC (Loyals Rugby) is a rugby investment company founded in Australia that has invested in rugby globally, including the purchase of Major League Rugby franchises in both Los Angeles and Austin, USA. Loyals Rugby was established to innovate, revolutionise, and enhance the global rugby economy. It engages the world’s best rugby personnel and integrates game-changing concepts from health, fitness and other sports or business to a game that appears to be stagnant. The current global rugby landscape provides an incredible expansion opportunity which Loyals Rugby is excited to explore.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY
Major League Rugby is a professional rugby league that is entering its third season (2020) and represents the highest level of competition in North America. The league evolved from 7 teams in 2018 to 12 teams in 2020, featuring 11 from the United States and one from Canada distributed across an Eastern and Western Conference. The competition follows a league plus knockout format where teams play 16 regular season matches for a chance to advance to the playoffs. Matches are broadcast on CBS Sports Network, Facebook Live (for international viewers) and on different platforms in each local market. MLR prides itself on its incredible athletes, the passionate community behind them, and its strong values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition.
ABOUT CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS:
Experience the unfiltered thrill of being alive at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, TX. Feel the rush of the world’s greatest drivers competing in motorsport’s biggest events. Get lost in the music of the hottest musical acts as they perform live at Austin’s largest outdoor music venue. Take charge of your own 602 horsepower race car as part of our exciting driving experiences. Experience the thrill of racing others at the COTA Karting track. Inspire your most valuable stakeholders in our expansive meeting and hospitality spaces designed for large groups and private or corporate events. At Circuit of The Americas there is fun at every turn.
For more information and to download videos and photos, visit www.thecircuit.com. For an experience as unique as Austin and a rush you’ll never forget, visit Circuit of The Americas, where exhilaration happens!
