AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: The video above is about the expansion of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.
The spotlight is on Austin this week, as the nation's best in track and field descended on Mike Myers Stadium for the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
The University of Texas is hosting the event that welcomes teams from all around the country competing in numerous different events, ranging everywhere from 100m and 400m sprints, to javelin and discus throwing.
Angelou Economics executive vice president Matt Patton said the event is expected to bring in about $38 million to the local economy.
"Close to $9.5 million in hotel impacts, upwards of $9 million for food and drink revenue, and other entertainment is $13 million, so that's really nice," Patton said.
The University of South Dakota has six athletes participating. Head Coach Lucky Huber said the team also brought six coaches and their families. When they haven't been competing, they've been exploring Austin – and Huber has given the city a ringing endorsement.
"We dropped a little cash down here, but it's all part of it. Try to bring our kids out, it’s part of the experience, our kids are from all over the world and to come here and have Texas BBQ is a unique experience for them we want them to have... that’s what’s neat about a that's place different. People are so wonderful down here," Huber said.
Competition started on June 7 and will run until June 10.
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