AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Longhorns are hosting the Clemson Tigers in the first-ever College Football Playoff game at DKR on Saturday. As a result, Austin is seeing a significant economic boost.

A big weekend on the field ahead for the Longhorns also makes for a big weekend for the Austin economy.

The city of Austin is preparing for an increase in visitors for the first-round College Football Playoff matchup against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday.

“Any opportunity to welcome a large group of folks into town, certainly fans of UT, fans of the visiting team is a great opportunity for us,” said Wesley Lucas with Visit Austin.

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Visit Austin says hotel occupancy in Austin for this weekend is projected to be 77% higher compared to last year’s 30%. 

“I heard some hotel saying that as soon as the game was announced that it was going to be here in Austin, they saw about a 20% bump in occupancy within 24 to 48 hours of that game being announced,” said Lucas.

Austin’s W Hotel says its seeing a significant bump in guests this weekend. General manager Joanna McCreary says generally at this time it would typically have been at 30% occupancy, but it will likely end up around 75% this weekend.

“I know restaurants are staffing up. I know hotels are staffing up. You know, our employees get to get a little extra cash in their pockets before the holidays too, which is another nice thing. And I know all the UT fans are super excited about being part of the SEC and getting this one last game in before the year ends,” said McCreary.

This is the first year with the new 12 team format compared to last year’s four-team playoff, meaning more teams have opportunities for home games. And it comes at a good time. December is historically a slow month for Austin tourism.

“The fact that we’re going to be having a game in a typically slower time is going to be really great for our hotels, for our local businesses or retailers, our nightlife, our live music venues,” said Lucas.

Kickoff is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at DKR.

For the second straight year, the Texas State football program is going to a bowl game! Texas State takes on North Texas in the First Responder Bowl on Jan. 3 in Dallas. However, head coach GJ Kinne is concerned about the bigger picture.

RobotLAB Expands Texas Footprint with Third Development Deal

DALLAS, December 17, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RobotLAB, the premier robotics integrator that has delivered impactful business innovations and solutions for more than 15 years, is proudly expanding its leading robotics solutions and services to Austin, Texas, broadening its presence across the Lone Star State and western U.S. The new location is operated by Alex Bergeron, an Austin resident with more than a decade of technology and B2B sales expertise. Bergeron’s exclusive development agreement covers Greater Austin, including Travis, Bastrop and Williamson counties. Launched in 2023 to meet the growing demand for AI and robotics business solutions, RobotLAB’s nationwide expansion initiative has increased access to automation and operational efficiency solutions like cleaning, delivery and customer service robots in several markets across the U.S., enabling businesses of all sizes to implement cost-saving robot technologies. In addition to Austin, RobotLAB’s expansion pipeline includes markets in Colorado, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and New York, underscoring the growing demand for innovative robotic technologies in key economies across the U.S.

“Austin poses huge potential for RobotLAB, as it’s home to hundreds of forward-thinking companies striving to enhance efficiencies and scale operations, and we are eager to establish the brand as the premier robotics integrator in the area,” said Elad Inbar, Founder and CEO of RobotLAB. “Alex’s extensive understanding of technology, sales and operations will enable him to build strong relationships across the Austin community and help local businesses leverage cutting-edge robotics solutions to enhance efficiency and growth.”

RobotLAB Austin will seamlessly deliver the company’s best-in-class services, including sales, tailored programming, onsite integration and repairs, to Austin-area businesses. Local owners preferring to test the robots in their businesses before fully integrating will have the opportunity to do so. By establishing an expansive, reliable network of robot specialists across the U.S., RobotLAB is forging a future where business owners have local access to the world’s most comprehensive robotics portfolio, offering cost-effective and labor-saving solutions for companies in all sectors.

“Austin’s vibrant tech ecosystem and reputation as one of the country’s fastest-growing innovation hubs makes it an ideal market for robotics and AI integration,” said Bergeron. “Our goal is to build strong relationships with local businesses and community members, solidifying RobotLAB as a trusted partner in driving modernization and technological growth across Silicon Hills.”

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