Latest news with #AndyLoughnane
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin FC and Q2 Announce Good Grief as the 2025 Dream Starter Competition Winner
Austin-based support platform designed for those facing the challenges of illness and loss to receive $100,000 in funding to accelerate its business and mission AUSTIN, Texas, May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Good Grief was announced as the winner of the 2025 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition presented by Q2 Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: QTWO). Good Grief will receive $100,000 in funding to accelerate its business and mission as part of the Austin FC Dream Starter business initiative, which supports Austin entrepreneurs. Good Grief makes a profoundly difficult time more manageable by supporting individuals and families facing the challenges of caregiving or loss of a loved one. The platform provides expert guidance and community connection, along with personalized support for an individual's loss journey, comprehensive resources for managing illness and loss, and practical tools to help navigate each day with confidence. "Alongside our partners at Q2, we're excited to announce Good Grief as this year's Dream Starter winner," said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. "Their platform is unique and innovative and we're hopeful that with the Dream Starter funds they will be able to broaden their impact." "Our mission is to build strong and diverse communities by strengthening their financial institutions," said Q2 Chairman & CEO Matt Flake. "Good Grief's work providing essential resources for those experiencing grief and loss is both meaningful and deeply impactful. We're proud to support their mission alongside Austin FC through the Dream Starter program and excited to see how it will help expand their reach in Central Texas and beyond." "We are incredibly honored and grateful to be selected as the winner of the 2025 Dream Starter Competition! We understand how overwhelming and painful it is to navigate the caregiving process and the loss of a loved one. Good Grief is dedicated to easing these challenging times by providing essential resources, support, and guidance," said Good Grief Founder & CEO Veronica Pulido. "This incredible opportunity will be transformative, helping us launch our all-in-one platform to provide experts, tools, and support to millions facing life's toughest movements—so that no one has to go through it alone." The Austin FC Dream Starter Competition combines Q2's mission with Austin FC's inclusivity through equity community pillar. The aim is to connect entrepreneurs with the resources needed to build profitable, high-growth companies. The "Dream Starter" funds will aid Good Grief in overcoming financial barriers to achieve success. In addition to Good Grief, the 2025 Dream Starter finalists included Helados La Azteca, JUCO ai, Safely, and RichesArt Gallery. The five finalists participated in a pitch contest on May 22 at Q2 Stadium. A diverse group of representatives from Austin FC, Q2 Holdings, Inc., and the Austin entrepreneurial community evaluated each finalist's presentation and ultimately selected the winner. Good Grief will be honored with a check presentation during halftime at the Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake match today, May 28. Previous Dream Starter winners include: 29Eleven the Salon, SocialNote, CDL Changing Lanes Driving School and At Ease Rentals Corporation. About Austin FC Austin FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the League's 27th club in January 2019. Austin FC officially began competing in MLS in April 2021 and will play its fifth season in 2025. Austin FC plays its home matches at Q2 Stadium, a 100% privately financed, state-of-the-art stadium which earned certification as a zero-waste venue in 2024. Austin FC sold out all 70 MLS home matches it played at Q2 Stadium during its first four seasons in the league, including two home MLS Cup Playoff matches in 2022 as the team reached the Western Conference Final. Austin FC also operates Austin FC II, a professional-level development team competing in MLS NEXT Pro which won the league title during its inaugural season in 2023. In addition, Austin FC operates Austin FC Academy which is the fully funded developmental academy representing the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas, while serving as the exclusive developmental pathway to MLS for the region's most talented young players. Combined, Austin FC II and Austin FC Academy teams complete the pro player pathway between elite youth soccer (MLS NEXT) all the way to MLS, and allow for players to develop, improve, and move up to Austin FC or Austin FC II. About Q2 Holdings, Inc. Q2 is a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for financial services, serving banks, credit unions, alternative finance companies, and fintechs in the U.S. and internationally. Q2 enables its financial institutions and fintech customers to provide comprehensive, data-driven digital engagement solutions for consumers, small businesses and corporate clients. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Q2 has offices worldwide and is publicly traded on the NYSE under the stock symbol QTWO. To learn more, please visit Follow us on LinkedIn and X to stay up to date. View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACTS: Cameron Koubek, Communications and Media Director, Austin FCC: 301.526.1542 / E: ckoubek@ Gwen Hernandez, Brand Communications Coordinator, Austin FCC: 646.717.3196 / E: ghernandez@ Carly Baker, Marketing Communications Specialist, Q2C: 210.391.1706 / E:
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLS All-Stars set to take on Liga MX stars in July
MLS has announced that the league's all-stars are set to take on Liga MX stars once again this summer. The two leagues have gone head to head in the fan-friendly exhibition plenty of times in the last few years, and they will come together for another night of fun on July 23 at Q2 Stadium in Austin. The highly-anticipated match, which marks the first professional All-Star Game to be played in Austin, will be broadcast live exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in English and Spanish. Advertisement In addition to the MLS All-Star Game, the 2025 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T will offer fans an exciting display of skill and competition, as 10 MLS stars face off against 10 LIGA MX standouts in a thrilling showdown. The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge will take place on the eve of the MLS All-Star Game, Tuesday, July 22 (8 p.m. CT, MLS Season Pass on AppleTV) at Q2 Stadium. Tickets for the MLS All-Star Game and the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. CT at 'The 2025 MLS All-Star Game will shine a global spotlight on the high-quality of the players in our league as well as the Austin community, Austin FC, and Q2 Stadium,' said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. 'In selling out 100 percent of MLS home matches played across our venue's history, it has proven to be one of North American soccer's best matchday atmospheres. It is an honor for our Club to host players and fans from both MLS and LIGA MX for our city's first-ever major league All-Star Game.' It will be the fourth meeting between the two sides in the MLS All-Star Game, with the visitors from Mexico picking up their first win in the friendly in 2024.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin FC and Q2 Announce the 2025 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition
The fifth annual venture funding competition will award $100,000 to a Central Texas-based underrepresented entrepreneur AUSTIN, Texas, March 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Austin FC and Q2 Holdings Inc. announced today the launch of the 2025 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition, presented by Q2. The fifth annual business initiative invites Austin entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to apply and compete for $100,000 in "Dream Starter" funds to accelerate their entrepreneurial venture. The online application is now open to eligible entities and will close on Monday, April 14. The winning venture will be announced on Wednesday, May 28. "The 2025 edition of the Dream Starter Competition marks the fifth consecutive year we will partner with Q2 to help foster Austin's strong entrepreneurial community," said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. "Providing opportunities to local entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups is an important initiative that we are proud to support year after year." "We are excited to partner with Austin FC again this year to support underrepresented local entrepreneurs through the annual Dream Starter Competition," said Q2 Chairman and CEO Matt Flake. "Q2's mission is to build strong and diverse communities by strengthening their financial institutions, and we look forward to helping this year's winning venture extend their reach and impact." From the initial applicant group, five (5) finalists will be notified on Thursday, May 8, of their selection to participate in a Pitch Contest on Thursday, May 22, at Q2 Stadium. Each finalist's presentation will be evaluated by a diverse group of representatives from Austin FC, Q2 Holdings Inc., and other executives from the Austin entrepreneurial community. The Austin FC Dream Starter Competition winner will be honored with a check presentation during halftime at the Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake match on Wednesday, May 28. The Austin FC Dream Starter Competition combines Q2's mission with Austin FC's inclusivity through equity community pillar. The aim is to connect underrepresented entrepreneurs with the resources needed to build profitable, high-growth companies. The "Dream Starter" funds will aid a Central Texas entrepreneur in overcoming financial barriers to achieve success. Click here for a complete list of terms and conditions and to apply for the 2025 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition. About Austin FC Austin FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the League's 27th club in January 2019. Austin FC officially began competing in MLS in April 2021 and is playing its fifth season in 2025. Austin FC plays its home matches at Q2 Stadium, a 100% privately financed, state-of-the-art stadium which earned certification as a zero-waste venue in 2024. Austin FC sold out all 70 MLS home matches it played at Q2 Stadium during its first four seasons in the league, including two home MLS Cup Playoff matches in 2022 as the team reached the Western Conference Final. Austin FC also operates Austin FC II, a professional-level development team competing in MLS NEXT Pro which won the league title during its inaugural season in 2023. In addition, Austin FC operates Austin FC Academy which is the fully funded developmental academy representing the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas, while serving as the exclusive developmental pathway to MLS for the region's most talented young players. Combined, Austin FC II and Austin FC Academy teams complete the pro player pathway between elite youth soccer (MLS NEXT) all the way to MLS, and allow for players to develop, improve, and move up to Austin FC or Austin FC II. About Q2 Holdings, Inc. Q2 is a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for financial services, serving banks, credit unions, alternative finance companies, and fintechs in the U.S. and internationally. Q2 enables its financial institutions and fintech companies to provide comprehensive, data-driven digital engagement solutions for consumers, small businesses and corporate clients. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Q2 has offices worldwide and is publicly traded on the NYSE under the stock symbol QTWO. To learn more, please visit Follow us on LinkedIn and X to stay up to date. View source version on Contacts Gwen Hernandez, Brand Communications Coordinator, Austin FCC: 646-717-3196 / E: ghernandez@ Carly Baker, Marketing Communications Specialist, Q2C: 210-391-1706 / E: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Austin FC kicks off MLS season with new jersey — and here's how you can buy one
Thanks to Austin FC, wardrobes in Texas' capital city just got an upgrade. With the introduction of "The Heartbeat Kit," Los Verdes fans now have a fresh look as the traditional black stripes, which have appeared on every primary jersey thus far, have been replaced with a green-on-green design. The kit, now available at also pays homage to the heartbeat ritual that leads into a popular chant. That chant will be heard once again as Austin FC starts its 2025 campaign this Saturday night at Q2 stadium. The new uniform will officially be in season as the team takes the field against Western Conference foe Sporting Kansas City — where it will likely debut the Heartbeat Kit. 'It's a tribute to our fans, who are the heartbeat of our club, and it pays homage to the heartbeat prematch ritual,' Austin FC President Andy Loughnane said. 'It's the ritual that comes to life with the sound of the drum that is the catalyst for those to call and respond chanting, 'Verde! Listos!,' which signals that the match is about to begin.' The use of greens as an embodiment of Austin is also a testament to how quickly the colors have become synonymous with the city. From ideation to production 'The Heartbeat Kit' has been two years in making. Rigoberto Rodriguez Lira, originally from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, grew up in McAllen and moved to Austin in 2012. A lifelong fan of Tigres UANL, Lira started an Austin-based fan group for the team, which helped him adjust to the new city and meet new people. Already seeing the role soccer can play in his life, Lira was elated when he heard of Austin FC's arrival in the city and used his previous supporter group experience to help create a similar, larger entity for the new team. Lira has previously served as an elected leader of La Murga de Austin and Los Verdes, both independent supporter groups for Austin FC. The club has consistently worked with groups like Lira's to create jerseys that feel true to the fans — something he appreciates. 'I think that's the main thing, right? Like they're seeing that there's a lot of emotional connection from the fan base, and they're following that and trying to align with what the fan base is doing as well, and that makes all of this mean more,' Lira said. An anatomically correct heart featured on the bottom left-hand side of the jersey pays homage to the same symbol used on the drum that leads the famous heartbeat ritual. Regarding the shift away from black stripes, Lira mentioned that having stripes, in general, is more important as it is a key part of the team's identity. 'The first jersey is one of my favorites, it kind of set our identity, but the green is the color that represents us, and so I love how it looks,' Lira said. The heartbeat tradition before games has become a hallmark of the Q2 Stadium experience, often led by celebrity guests. One such guest, Austin musician Annabelle Chairlegs, noted that the tradition felt similar to the pent-up energy at the start of a concert. 'Tuning in with yourself and your breath before doing anything is so important. The heartbeat is an opportunity for the entire crowd to breathe together and focus the collective energy," she said. "I think music also has that ability, to bring us all to the same place." Annabelle Chairlegs is also prominent in the promo video for the jersey created by the club. Loughnane said that each kit takes at least two years to create, and the club works closely with uniform supplier Adidas. Moreover, the club's president said he and his team make every effort to involve actual fans in the design process as this creates the most authentic result. The kit features the new green-on-green stripes, a first for the club, and a heart on the jock tag at the bottom of the shirt. It is finished with a message on the back neck that reads "¡VERDE! ¡LISTOS!," the chant heard throughout Q2 Stadium on match days. Given that each new jersey takes so long to create, Loughnane said he and his team want to do as much as they can to perfect each finished product. One aspect of the new jersey that he is proud of is the introduction of the green-on-green stripes, which maintains the club's visual identity and helps highlight the strong following the club has built in just five seasons. 'I am proud of the jersey, first because it is aesthetically pleasing to me, also, and I'm creating a weird category, but I think we can say confidently say we are the first team to place an anatomically correct heart on a jersey and the first to do green on green-on-green vertical stripes,' Loughnane said. Matthew McConaughey, Austin FC's Minister of Culture, is the centerpiece of the club's promotional video for the jersey, in which he waxes poetic about what Austin FC means to the city. McConaughey is also a frequent leader of the heartbeat ritual and has shown an almost unmatched commitment to the club. 'We've worked hard to create a Club that authentically represents our home, Austin, Texas,' McConaughey said in a news release. 'Now in our fifth season, our new jersey pays homage to all of the things that make our city and Club special, and the things that make Q2 Stadium the best damn party in town.' In 2020, Austin FC's inaugural season, the team made a statement when it broke a 24-hour sales record for a first-year team with its original home jersey. The Kelly green-and-black-striped kit also exceeded 24-hour sales for all existing MLS clubs in 2020, as the team and its fan base began to establish a reputation for strong sales numbers. According to MLS, the jersey of former playmaker Sebastián Driussi was, at one point, the fourth-most purchased in the league, propelling the club towards standout jersey sales. With the Heartbeat Kit, Austin FC has already reported preorder sales surpassed only by those of the original striped jersey from 2020 Austin FC fans are no strangers to records, having sold out every MLS regular season and playoff home match in each of the club's first four seasons. This impressive 70-game streak is currently the longest active sellout stretch in the league. Moreover, according to soccer media outlet GOAL, Austin FC boasts the 11th-best attendance record in MLS, despite many teams having a larger venue than Q2 Stadium. Jersey sales are expected to continue growing when Austin FC takes the field for its 7:30 p.m. season opener against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday. This game will be viewable exclusively on Apple TV and is expected to extend the club's sell-out streak. In a list published by sports finance and analytics website Sportico, Austin FC was ranked as the 21st most valuable club in the world. With an estimated value of $800 million, Austin FC — about to start its fifth season — is the youngest team on this list by a sizable margin. The team's success is a testament to how a city hungry for professional sports has embraced its first major pro sports team. Austin FC continues to grow rapidly as its sixth-place ranking in MLS is three spots higher than Sportico ranked the club last season. According to the website, the club's value grew from $630 million to $800 million after the 2023 season — and it excelled in each of the magazine's core financial measures. Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@ This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How to get Austin FC's new jersey as team starts MLS season
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin FC and YETI extend relationship and announce new offerings for the 2025 season
This story has been updated to add photo video. Change is no stranger to Austin, and the city's sole professional sports team is no different. As Austin FC takes the field for its fifth season, the team will do so with a freshly designed uniform and new faces on the field. However, one thing that won't be changing in the near future is having 'YETI' emblazoned on the front of each jersey. On Tuesday night, Austin FC and YETI, the club's founding partner, announced that the organizations have agreed to a multi-year partnership extension. Austin-based YETI is best known for its iconic coolers, drinkware, outdoor equipment and has been the leading sponsor of Los Verdes since the club's inaugural season in 2021. 'It's hard to imagine two organizations that better capture the spirit of Austin than YETI and Austin FC,' said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. 'YETI has been a special part of our club since the very beginning, we look forward to our continued partnership for years to come.' More: First look: Austin FC pays homage to fans with 'Heartbeat Kit'. Here's how to get jersey. The two brands don't just work together on the field as in 2024, Austin FC and YETI launched Evergreen — a year-round platform to amplify ongoing sustainability initiatives. The Evergreen initiative led to Q2 Stadium earning True Certification for zero waste through three pillars: Green & Clean, Resource Efficiency, and Waste Diversion. In collaboration with YETI, water stations will continue to be available inside Austin FC's Q2 Stadium, allowing fans to sustainably refresh and rehydrate. Fans can enjoy these YETI water stations at the Southeast, Northwest, or Southwest corners of the stadium 'It's been incredible watching the Austin community embrace and celebrate Austin FC over the last four years,' said Bill Neff, head of marketing for YETI. 'The Austin FC organization has been such a great partner and we're really proud of all we've accomplished together. We look forward to building on this partnership in the coming years.' Beyond the uniform sponsorship, YETI will now integrate its products in the different club spaces of Q2 Stadium. This includes the introduction of the new YETI Camino bag. Last week Austin FC came out with a new green-on-green jersey, a first for the club, for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This jersey features YETI on the front as well as design details created in conjunction with the team's fans. Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. To share additional tips or insights with Salgado, email Bsalgado@ This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin FC to YETI extend sponsorship and announce new 2025 offerings
