High-Stakes Hockey and High-Speed Qualifiers: Austin's Friday Match Day

A Triple-Header of Professional Action in Austin

Welcome to a packed Friday in the capital city! Today, February 27, 2026, Austin transforms into a hub for professional sports enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for the grit of the ice, the roar of the engines, or the precision of elite tennis, today’s schedule offers something for every type of fan. We are tracking three major professional events taking place right here in the metro area that you won't want to miss.

Texas Stars vs. San Diego Gulls

The headline match of the evening takes place at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, where the Texas Stars—professional AHL affiliate of the NHL's Dallas Stars—face off against the San Diego Gulls. This is a critical mid-season clash as the Stars look to leverage their home-ice advantage to climb the Western Conference standings. Fans can expect a physical, high-tempo game as these two rivals battle for supremacy in the desert-pacific division. The atmosphere at the H-E-B Center is known for being electric, especially on Friday nights when the local crowd shows up in force.

• Venue: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
• Start Time: 7:00 PM CST

NASCAR at COTA: Practice and Qualifying

The speedway is calling as NASCAR returns to the world-renowned Circuit of The Americas (COTA). Today marks the official start of the race weekend with the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Fans can head to the track this afternoon to witness practice sessions and qualifying rounds. It is the perfect opportunity to see the world's best drivers navigate the challenging 20-turn road course before the main events this weekend. The roar of the engines at COTA is a signature Austin experience that combines high-tech engineering with raw power.

• Venue: Circuit of The Americas
• Start Time: Practice begins at 2:00 PM CST

ATX Open: Quarterfinal Clashes

The elite women of the WTA Tour continue their campaign at the ATX Open today. As Texas’ only tour-level professional tennis tournament, the intensity reaches a fever pitch today with the Quarterfinal rounds. Spectators at the Westwood Country Club will witness the top remaining seeds fight for a spot in the semifinals. With local favorites often in the mix and global stars on the court, today's sessions offer world-class athletics in one of Austin's most historic venues.

• Venue: Westwood Country Club
• Start Time: Session 9 begins at 1:00 PM CST

Get Out and Support Your Teams

From the ice to the asphalt and the grass courts, Austin’s professional sports scene is thriving today. Make sure to secure your tickets early and allow for extra travel time near the venues. It’s a great day to be a sports fan in the 512!