If you're a basketball fan in Austin, Texas, you're in luck. The Austin Toros are a minor league basketball team located in Austin. They play their home games at the Austin Convention Center. Although they've only been located in Austin for the past four years, this team has quickly become one of the best forms of entertainment in the city.
The Austin Toros originally started as the Columbus Riverdragons from Columbus, Georgia. The franchise was awarded to Austin in mid 2005. By August, the new name of "the Toros" was revealed along with the official colors – red, blue and gold. Recently the team was acquired by the San Antonio Spurs and the team colors were changed to silver and black to mimic the Spurs' colors. They became the second Development League team to be purchased by an NBA team.
On February 22, 2007, the Toros head coach Dennis Johnson had a heart attack and died shortly after a work out with the players. An interim coach was used for the rest of the season and then Quin Synder became the head coach for the following 2007-2008 season.
The Toros are part of the NBA Development League also known as the NBA D-League. This league is the NBA's official minor league system. It is used as a place to develop talent to move up into the majors. The Toros are part of the Western conference along with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, Bakersfield Jam, Idaho Stampede, Los Angeles D-Fenders, Reno Bighorns, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Tulsa 66ers and the Utah Flash.
The 2009-2010 season will run through April 3rd, 2010 with 25 home games in the season. Tickets are available through the official Toro website in many different forms. Season ticket holders get tickets for every home game with reserved seating, discounted parking, playoff priority tickets and 10% off of all merchandise. Group tickets can also be purchased at a discount for church groups, youth groups, clubs and more groups. Groups can also arrange for a visit from the mascot "Toro the Bull" and recognition over the loudspeakers. Individual game tickets go on sale each October.
Attending a Toros game is a great way to see future NBA stars in the minor leagues. For example, five players from the 2007-2008 Championship season were asked to participate in NBA training camps and advancing to the major leagues.
In addition to providing entertainment to Austin residents, the Toros also take part in local charity events. In October 2009, the Toros will team with Southwest Key Programs to sponsor the Fore the Kids Golf Classic to take place on October 19th at the Grey Rock Golf Club. The tournament will start at 1:30 pm and will be followed by dinner, awards and a live auction. The Toros staff, mascot and dance team will be part of the days' events.
Austin residents can catch a game at the Austin Convention Center. Get your tickets from the website or by calling the convention center directly.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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