1 00:00:09,310 --> 00:00:11,069 The sobering center in Austin has 2 00:00:11,070 --> 00:00:12,909 provided an alternative to jail 3 00:00:12,910 --> 00:00:15,709 or hospitalization since 2018. 4 00:00:15,710 --> 00:00:16,909 And since then, they've been 5 00:00:16,910 --> 00:00:18,989 offering people one night to sober 6 00:00:18,990 --> 00:00:20,749 up and get on with their life. 7 00:00:20,750 --> 00:00:22,269 Well, now they're looking to help 8 00:00:22,270 --> 00:00:24,189 folks build a new journey just 9 00:00:24,190 --> 00:00:26,829 beyond that one night of respite. 10 00:00:26,830 --> 00:00:28,909 And after many delays, the Hope 11 00:00:28,910 --> 00:00:30,829 Outdoor Gallery is finally 12 00:00:30,830 --> 00:00:31,789 back open. 13 00:00:31,790 --> 00:00:33,709 The new 6,000-foot space 14 00:00:33,710 --> 00:00:35,469 is working to maintain the try 15 00:00:35,470 --> 00:00:37,789 anything vibe that made its original 16 00:00:37,790 --> 00:00:39,630 spot so very Austin. 17 00:00:40,850 --> 00:00:42,849 The Austin Signal is a production of 18 00:00:42,850 --> 00:00:44,929 K UT News, hosted by Jerry 19 00:00:44,930 --> 00:00:45,930 Quijano. 20 00:00:46,130 --> 00:00:47,649 Plus as we grow deeper into the 21 00:00:47,650 --> 00:00:49,169 holiday season, businesses in 22 00:00:49,170 --> 00:00:50,929 downtown Austin are looking to 23 00:00:50,930 --> 00:00:52,449 attract more shoppers. 24 00:00:52,450 --> 00:00:53,809 How are they doing that? 25 00:00:53,810 --> 00:00:54,929 Find out next. 26 00:00:54,930 --> 00:00:57,009 That's coming up here on Austin 27 00:00:57,010 --> 00:00:58,010 Signal. 28 00:01:09,320 --> 00:01:10,599 Howdy out there, Austin. 29 00:01:10,600 --> 00:01:12,758 It is Monday, the first day 30 00:01:12,759 --> 00:01:15,879 of December 2025. 31 00:01:15,880 --> 00:01:17,879 About two percent of the 32 00:01:17,880 --> 00:01:18,918 way through the year. 33 00:01:18,919 --> 00:01:20,198 And you know, it's not always the 34 00:01:20,199 --> 00:01:21,639 case here in Texas, but today it 35 00:01:21,640 --> 00:01:23,159 absolutely feels like the first day 36 00:01:23,160 --> 00:01:24,118 of December. 37 00:01:24,119 --> 00:01:26,038 Currently 43 degrees 38 00:01:26,039 --> 00:01:28,118 out at Camp Mabry as we're recording 39 00:01:28,119 --> 00:01:29,559 this in the afternoon. 40 00:01:29,560 --> 00:01:31,159 And tonight here in Austin, we're 41 00:01:31,160 --> 00:01:33,478 expecting lows right around 36 42 00:01:33,479 --> 00:01:35,478 degrees and freezing temperatures 43 00:01:35,479 --> 00:01:36,599 up in the hill country. 44 00:01:36,600 --> 00:01:38,439 So have multiple ways to 45 00:01:38,440 --> 00:01:39,959 stay weather or where. 46 00:01:39,960 --> 00:01:41,959 And of course, keep it tuned in here 47 00:01:41,960 --> 00:01:43,879 to KUT News for 48 00:01:43,880 --> 00:01:44,918 the latest. 49 00:01:44,919 --> 00:01:46,999 This is Austin Signal. 50 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:48,839 We're glad you're here with us. 51 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:50,839 A quick headline from the KUT 52 00:01:50,840 --> 00:01:53,079 Newsroom. The city of Pflugerville 53 00:01:53,080 --> 00:01:54,918 will receive a $176 54 00:01:54,919 --> 00:01:56,839 million loan from the U.S. 55 00:01:56,840 --> 00:01:58,839 Environmental Protection Agency 56 00:01:58,840 --> 00:02:01,239 for water and wastewater projects. 57 00:02:01,240 --> 00:02:02,999 City officials say the funding will 58 00:02:03,000 --> 00:02:04,758 be used for multiple projects to 59 00:02:04,759 --> 00:02:06,279 modernize drinking water and 60 00:02:06,280 --> 00:02:07,879 wastewater infrastructure. 61 00:02:07,880 --> 00:02:09,399 That includes a new wastewater 62 00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:11,239 treatment plant and expanding 63 00:02:11,240 --> 00:02:13,239 and consolidating current wastewater 64 00:02:13,240 --> 00:02:14,279 collection systems. 65 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:15,799 Part of the loan will fund an 66 00:02:15,800 --> 00:02:17,479 ongoing project to address growth in 67 00:02:17,480 --> 00:02:19,479 the Wilbarger and Cottonwood 68 00:02:19,480 --> 00:02:21,398 basins. We're gonna have more coming 69 00:02:21,399 --> 00:02:23,159 up this afternoon on all things 70 00:02:23,160 --> 00:02:23,958 considered. 71 00:02:23,959 --> 00:02:26,199 We're glad you're here with us. 72 00:02:26,200 --> 00:02:27,958 The Austin Sobering Center has 73 00:02:27,959 --> 00:02:29,799 expanded its services to folks who 74 00:02:29,800 --> 00:02:31,958 need more than just a place to sober 75 00:02:31,959 --> 00:02:32,899 up. 76 00:02:32,900 --> 00:02:34,579 For more about this story, we are 77 00:02:34,580 --> 00:02:36,419 bringing in Katy McAfee. 78 00:02:36,420 --> 00:02:38,259 She is K U T's Travis County 79 00:02:38,260 --> 00:02:39,619 reporter and she's here with us in 80 00:02:39,620 --> 00:02:40,969 the studio. Howdy, Katy. 81 00:02:40,970 --> 00:02:41,909 Hey Jerry. 82 00:02:41,910 --> 00:02:43,989 We are glad you're joining with 83 00:02:43,990 --> 00:02:46,069 joining here on the Austin 84 00:02:46,070 --> 00:02:46,869 Signal. 85 00:02:46,870 --> 00:02:48,069 Let's talk about the Sobering 86 00:02:48,070 --> 00:02:49,669 Center. We chatted a little bit 87 00:02:49,670 --> 00:02:51,669 prior to the show, but I 88 00:02:51,670 --> 00:02:53,509 have an inkling of what it is, but 89 00:02:53,510 --> 00:02:54,549 just give lay it out. 90 00:02:54,550 --> 00:02:56,289 What is the Austin Sobering Center? 91 00:02:56,290 --> 00:02:57,729 Yeah, so for folks who don't know, 92 00:02:57,730 --> 00:02:59,569 the sobering center opened in twenty 93 00:02:59,570 --> 00:03:01,409 eighteen and at the time the 94 00:03:01,410 --> 00:03:03,249 idea was for the sobering center to 95 00:03:03,250 --> 00:03:05,249 be a place that publicly intoxicated 96 00:03:05,250 --> 00:03:06,369 people could go to. 97 00:03:06,370 --> 00:03:08,289 That wasn't the emergency room 98 00:03:08,290 --> 00:03:09,328 or the jail. 99 00:03:09,329 --> 00:03:11,009 Those places historically have been 100 00:03:11,010 --> 00:03:12,849 really tight on resources, 101 00:03:12,850 --> 00:03:15,009 and what Austin Police and 102 00:03:15,010 --> 00:03:16,768 EMS found was people who are 103 00:03:16,769 --> 00:03:18,689 publicly intoxicated don't always 104 00:03:18,690 --> 00:03:20,048 need to go there. 105 00:03:20,049 --> 00:03:22,129 So since then this has been a place 106 00:03:22,130 --> 00:03:24,048 where people can go and be dropped 107 00:03:24,049 --> 00:03:25,809 off. It's centrally located 108 00:03:25,810 --> 00:03:27,648 downtown, have a 109 00:03:27,649 --> 00:03:29,969 snack, sober up under supervision, 110 00:03:29,970 --> 00:03:31,979 and then sort of leave the next day. 111 00:03:31,980 --> 00:03:33,499 And is this this is a collaboration 112 00:03:33,500 --> 00:03:35,499 between Travis County and the city 113 00:03:35,500 --> 00:03:36,179 of Austin? 114 00:03:36,180 --> 00:03:37,139 Yeah, that's correct. 115 00:03:37,140 --> 00:03:39,059 So this was kind of the brainchild 116 00:03:39,060 --> 00:03:41,219 of Travis County judge Andy Brown, 117 00:03:41,220 --> 00:03:43,059 but it really is like an all 118 00:03:43,060 --> 00:03:44,739 hands on deck kind of effort because 119 00:03:44,740 --> 00:03:46,659 we have EMS dropping people off, 120 00:03:46,660 --> 00:03:48,739 APD dropping people off, and Travis 121 00:03:48,740 --> 00:03:50,269 County working on it as well. 122 00:03:50,270 --> 00:03:51,549 Well, as you mentioned, they have 123 00:03:51,550 --> 00:03:52,829 been doing this since twenty 124 00:03:52,830 --> 00:03:54,669 eighteen and I know you got a chance 125 00:03:54,670 --> 00:03:55,629 to talk with some folks there. 126 00:03:55,630 --> 00:03:56,669 How have things been working out 127 00:03:56,670 --> 00:03:57,259 since then? 128 00:03:57,260 --> 00:03:59,339 Yeah, so it's been working out 129 00:03:59,340 --> 00:04:00,539 really well so far. 130 00:04:00,540 --> 00:04:02,699 But what people at the sobering 131 00:04:02,700 --> 00:04:04,779 center started to notice was they 132 00:04:04,780 --> 00:04:06,619 had a lot of people repeatedly 133 00:04:06,620 --> 00:04:07,659 coming in. 134 00:04:07,660 --> 00:04:09,819 Ashlyn Branscombe, she's a licensed 135 00:04:09,820 --> 00:04:11,099 social worker at the Sobering 136 00:04:11,100 --> 00:04:13,019 Center, what told me about one man 137 00:04:13,020 --> 00:04:14,939 who came in in and out, in and 138 00:04:14,940 --> 00:04:16,779 out, seventy-five times 139 00:04:16,780 --> 00:04:18,939 in a one hundred and thirty-five day 140 00:04:18,940 --> 00:04:20,139 period. Okay. 141 00:04:20,140 --> 00:04:22,139 Yeah. And you know, toward 142 00:04:22,140 --> 00:04:24,059 the end of that he said, Okay, 143 00:04:24,060 --> 00:04:26,139 guys, he resolved to stop 144 00:04:26,140 --> 00:04:27,659 drinking. He said, This is the last 145 00:04:27,660 --> 00:04:29,339 time you're gonna see me and folks 146 00:04:29,340 --> 00:04:31,019 at the sobering center said, Okay, 147 00:04:31,020 --> 00:04:33,259 well, if you're serious about that, 148 00:04:33,260 --> 00:04:35,259 can we connect you with medical 149 00:04:35,260 --> 00:04:36,219 resources? 150 00:04:36,220 --> 00:04:38,139 Because you can die from 151 00:04:38,140 --> 00:04:39,309 alcohol withdrawal. 152 00:04:39,310 --> 00:04:39,968 Okay. 153 00:04:39,969 --> 00:04:41,889 And Brandscombe told me i a light 154 00:04:41,890 --> 00:04:43,168 bulb just went off in her head at 155 00:04:43,169 --> 00:04:44,288 that point and she said, You know, 156 00:04:44,289 --> 00:04:45,728 the sobering center could be more 157 00:04:45,729 --> 00:04:47,249 than just a place where people sober 158 00:04:47,250 --> 00:04:49,009 up for a night, but it can be sort 159 00:04:49,010 --> 00:04:50,369 of the first touch point in 160 00:04:50,370 --> 00:04:52,209 someone's journey to long term 161 00:04:52,210 --> 00:04:53,489 recovery. 162 00:04:53,490 --> 00:04:55,409 And now they're looking to expand on 163 00:04:55,410 --> 00:04:56,609 what they're doing. They're trying 164 00:04:56,610 --> 00:04:58,449 to to fulfill that that 165 00:04:58,450 --> 00:05:00,069 idea. How are they doing so? 166 00:05:00,070 --> 00:05:02,229 Yeah, so this expansion just wrapped 167 00:05:02,230 --> 00:05:03,269 up last week. 168 00:05:03,270 --> 00:05:04,869 What they did was the sobering 169 00:05:04,870 --> 00:05:06,389 center always had this second floor, 170 00:05:06,390 --> 00:05:08,149 but they weren't utilizing it. 171 00:05:08,150 --> 00:05:09,749 So over this past year they 172 00:05:09,750 --> 00:05:11,749 renovated the second floor and 173 00:05:11,750 --> 00:05:14,069 they added 14 beds. 174 00:05:14,070 --> 00:05:15,829 This floor has lots of windows and 175 00:05:15,830 --> 00:05:17,749 natural light and it's just a space 176 00:05:17,750 --> 00:05:19,829 that works better for 177 00:05:19,830 --> 00:05:21,589 long-term recovery compared to the 178 00:05:21,590 --> 00:05:23,349 downstairs area right now, which is 179 00:05:23,350 --> 00:05:24,549 really just the space where people 180 00:05:24,550 --> 00:05:26,549 hang out for a temporary amount of 181 00:05:26,550 --> 00:05:27,429 time. 182 00:05:27,430 --> 00:05:29,429 So now how this can work is 183 00:05:29,430 --> 00:05:31,589 if people are looking for long-term 184 00:05:31,590 --> 00:05:33,509 recovery, they can just take an 185 00:05:33,510 --> 00:05:35,349 elevator upstairs and folks at 186 00:05:35,350 --> 00:05:37,189 the sobering center can 187 00:05:37,190 --> 00:05:39,429 connect them to a rehabilitation 188 00:05:39,430 --> 00:05:40,949 center where they can go to get 189 00:05:40,950 --> 00:05:41,829 long-term help. 190 00:05:41,830 --> 00:05:43,029 And again, from what you've heard 191 00:05:43,030 --> 00:05:44,228 from the staff at the center, that's 192 00:05:44,229 --> 00:05:45,269 g really gonna make a huge 193 00:05:45,270 --> 00:05:47,029 difference, right? For just having 194 00:05:47,030 --> 00:05:48,869 that one floor of separation is 195 00:05:48,870 --> 00:05:50,788 gonna allow people to just have 196 00:05:50,789 --> 00:05:52,309 a little bit more space to go 197 00:05:52,310 --> 00:05:53,629 through their process, right? 198 00:05:53,630 --> 00:05:54,429 Yeah, exactly. 199 00:05:54,430 --> 00:05:56,829 Because this isn't entirely new. 200 00:05:56,830 --> 00:05:58,829 The sobering center has been trying 201 00:05:58,830 --> 00:06:00,669 to connect people to long term 202 00:06:00,670 --> 00:06:02,589 rehabilitation centers for a while, 203 00:06:02,590 --> 00:06:04,509 but the issue they ran 204 00:06:04,510 --> 00:06:06,429 into was they didn't have space 205 00:06:06,430 --> 00:06:08,189 to separate people who are starting 206 00:06:08,190 --> 00:06:10,669 their sort of long term recovery 207 00:06:10,670 --> 00:06:12,909 journey from people who are 208 00:06:12,910 --> 00:06:15,309 there sobering up initially. 209 00:06:15,310 --> 00:06:16,989 And it was really difficult for 210 00:06:16,990 --> 00:06:18,669 people to sort of get into this 211 00:06:18,670 --> 00:06:20,269 recovery headspace where in their 212 00:06:20,270 --> 00:06:21,709 they are in the same room as people 213 00:06:21,710 --> 00:06:24,109 who are actively intoxicated 214 00:06:24,110 --> 00:06:26,109 and in the process of sobering 215 00:06:26,110 --> 00:06:28,189 up. So just having a new floor 216 00:06:28,190 --> 00:06:30,029 and a new space where people can 217 00:06:30,030 --> 00:06:31,949 kind of get into a different 218 00:06:31,950 --> 00:06:33,869 headspace, they said has is going 219 00:06:33,870 --> 00:06:35,169 to be really helpful. 220 00:06:35,170 --> 00:06:36,369 As you mentioned, those renovations 221 00:06:36,370 --> 00:06:37,829 were completed last week. 222 00:06:37,830 --> 00:06:38,299 That's right. 223 00:06:38,300 --> 00:06:40,379 And I know they're having an ongoing 224 00:06:40,380 --> 00:06:41,579 celebration for that and a 225 00:06:41,580 --> 00:06:43,579 fundraising event as part of Giving 226 00:06:43,580 --> 00:06:45,099 Tuesday. That is happening tomorrow. 227 00:06:45,100 --> 00:06:47,099 We're gonna have a link to that in 228 00:06:47,100 --> 00:06:48,219 our show notes. 229 00:06:48,220 --> 00:06:50,299 That is KUT dot org 230 00:06:50,300 --> 00:06:52,379 slash Austin Signal. 231 00:06:52,380 --> 00:06:53,739 We have been speaking to Katy 232 00:06:53,740 --> 00:06:54,539 McAfee. 233 00:06:54,540 --> 00:06:56,619 She is KUT's Travis County reporter. 234 00:06:56,620 --> 00:06:57,789 Thanks for the update, Katy. 235 00:06:57,790 --> 00:06:58,790 Thanks for having me on, Jerry. 236 00:07:07,770 --> 00:07:10,009 As downtown restaurants and bars 237 00:07:10,010 --> 00:07:12,169 head into what is, you know, usually 238 00:07:12,170 --> 00:07:13,929 supposed to be one of their busiest 239 00:07:13,930 --> 00:07:16,169 times of the year, construction 240 00:07:16,170 --> 00:07:18,089 is not making things so 241 00:07:18,090 --> 00:07:20,089 very holly jolly. 242 00:07:20,090 --> 00:07:22,009 But KUT's Nathan Bernier 243 00:07:22,010 --> 00:07:23,849 reports on a new incentive meant to 244 00:07:23,850 --> 00:07:26,249 lure people back downtown. 245 00:07:26,250 --> 00:07:28,089 Half priced Uber rides 246 00:07:28,090 --> 00:07:29,369 through the holidays. 247 00:07:31,930 --> 00:07:33,849 I-35 is expanding, 248 00:07:33,850 --> 00:07:36,329 skyscrapers are rising, 249 00:07:36,330 --> 00:07:38,169 but one construction project is 250 00:07:38,170 --> 00:07:39,929 proving to be the most disruptive of 251 00:07:39,930 --> 00:07:41,609 all to downtown restaurants and 252 00:07:41,610 --> 00:07:43,609 bars, the redevelopment of the 253 00:07:43,610 --> 00:07:44,730 Austin Convention Center. 254 00:07:45,780 --> 00:07:47,379 You can feel the vibration, the 255 00:07:47,380 --> 00:07:49,379 noise level is just freaking loud 256 00:07:49,380 --> 00:07:51,139 that it's unbearable to even sit 257 00:07:51,140 --> 00:07:51,819 outside. 258 00:07:51,820 --> 00:07:53,739 Joe Nguyen is operations manager at 259 00:07:53,740 --> 00:07:55,579 Moonshine Grill on Red River 260 00:07:55,580 --> 00:07:57,019 Street. This restaurant's been 261 00:07:57,020 --> 00:07:58,699 serving Southern Comfort Food for 262 00:07:58,700 --> 00:08:00,379 more than twenty years, directly 263 00:08:00,380 --> 00:08:01,579 across the street from the 264 00:08:01,580 --> 00:08:02,489 convention center. 265 00:08:02,490 --> 00:08:03,529 You know, I had a guest the other 266 00:08:03,530 --> 00:08:04,729 day. We were sitting next to the 267 00:08:04,730 --> 00:08:06,649 window inside and I mean they were 268 00:08:06,650 --> 00:08:07,769 drilling or doing something. 269 00:08:07,770 --> 00:08:09,049 I mean, you're my our building 270 00:08:09,050 --> 00:08:10,249 shaking. I mean, this is a 271 00:08:10,250 --> 00:08:11,129 historical building. 272 00:08:11,130 --> 00:08:12,969 You know, it's shaking and whatever 273 00:08:12,970 --> 00:08:14,649 they're doing is just wow. 274 00:08:14,650 --> 00:08:16,009 I can't believe it. It's that as 275 00:08:16,010 --> 00:08:16,949 loud as it is. 276 00:08:16,950 --> 00:08:18,549 What they're doing is virtually 277 00:08:18,550 --> 00:08:20,309 doubling the size of the Austin 278 00:08:20,310 --> 00:08:21,429 Convention Center. 279 00:08:21,430 --> 00:08:23,829 It's a $1.6 billion 280 00:08:23,830 --> 00:08:25,429 project, paid for with the city's 281 00:08:25,430 --> 00:08:27,509 hotel occupancy tax and convention 282 00:08:27,510 --> 00:08:28,468 center revenues. 283 00:08:28,469 --> 00:08:30,149 But it's not scheduled to open until 284 00:08:30,150 --> 00:08:31,429 2029. 285 00:08:31,430 --> 00:08:33,428 So that means Austin's downtown bars 286 00:08:33,429 --> 00:08:34,709 and restaurants will have to go 287 00:08:34,710 --> 00:08:36,629 years without the hundreds of 288 00:08:36,630 --> 00:08:38,469 thousands of visitors drawn to 289 00:08:38,470 --> 00:08:39,668 the city each year for all the 290 00:08:39,669 --> 00:08:40,788 different conventions. 291 00:08:40,789 --> 00:08:42,308 I mean the lunch business is down 292 00:08:42,309 --> 00:08:43,828 seventy percent, right? 293 00:08:43,829 --> 00:08:45,909 Overall we're down thirty to forty 294 00:08:45,910 --> 00:08:47,749 percent with the road closures, the 295 00:08:47,750 --> 00:08:50,149 fencing, reduced foot traffic. 296 00:08:50,150 --> 00:08:51,588 There's some people just assume like 297 00:08:51,589 --> 00:08:52,979 this whole area is shut down. 298 00:08:52,980 --> 00:08:54,979 You know, our public agencies have 299 00:08:54,980 --> 00:08:56,339 been clear with us that this 300 00:08:56,340 --> 00:08:58,179 construction is only going to really 301 00:08:58,180 --> 00:09:00,419 intensify over the next decade. 302 00:09:00,420 --> 00:09:02,499 So we are entering a period 303 00:09:02,500 --> 00:09:04,419 of public infrastructure 304 00:09:04,420 --> 00:09:06,179 investments which are really needed 305 00:09:06,180 --> 00:09:07,219 for our city. 306 00:09:07,220 --> 00:09:09,139 However, there is a little bit of 307 00:09:09,140 --> 00:09:10,529 pain involved in that. 308 00:09:10,530 --> 00:09:12,448 Vanessa Olson is with the Downtown 309 00:09:12,449 --> 00:09:13,409 Austin Alliance. 310 00:09:13,410 --> 00:09:15,328 It's a nonprofit that collects a tax 311 00:09:15,329 --> 00:09:17,169 from downtown property owners to 312 00:09:17,170 --> 00:09:19,489 improve and promote the district. 313 00:09:19,490 --> 00:09:21,169 Full disclosure, they also sponsor 314 00:09:21,170 --> 00:09:23,568 the KUT and KUTX Holiday Sing-Along, 315 00:09:23,569 --> 00:09:25,088 which is happening December 6th. 316 00:09:25,089 --> 00:09:26,769 But the Downtown Austin Alliance is 317 00:09:26,770 --> 00:09:28,129 experimenting with ways to help 318 00:09:28,130 --> 00:09:29,969 businesses affected by all the 319 00:09:29,970 --> 00:09:31,009 construction. 320 00:09:31,010 --> 00:09:32,769 And for December, they're trying 321 00:09:32,770 --> 00:09:34,609 something new, paying for half 322 00:09:34,610 --> 00:09:36,448 the cost of anyone's Uber rides 323 00:09:36,449 --> 00:09:38,289 to and from downtown within a 324 00:09:38,290 --> 00:09:39,889 30-mile radius. 325 00:09:39,890 --> 00:09:41,969 The maximum subsidy is $40 326 00:09:41,970 --> 00:09:43,719 per ride, not including tip. 327 00:09:43,720 --> 00:09:45,639 This is a pilot program, so 328 00:09:45,640 --> 00:09:47,479 we are testing this program 329 00:09:47,480 --> 00:09:49,639 and many others to see what works 330 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:51,079 to make sure people can still get to 331 00:09:51,080 --> 00:09:52,759 downtown, can still support those 332 00:09:52,760 --> 00:09:54,679 downtown businesses, and 333 00:09:54,680 --> 00:09:56,519 whatever works we hope to be 334 00:09:56,520 --> 00:09:58,079 able to deploy in the future. 335 00:09:58,080 --> 00:09:59,919 So to claim a voucher good for 336 00:09:59,920 --> 00:10:01,759 up to six rides, go 337 00:10:01,760 --> 00:10:04,239 to XOXO downtown 338 00:10:04,240 --> 00:10:06,159 Austin.com and just 339 00:10:06,160 --> 00:10:08,159 scroll till you find the promotion. 340 00:10:08,160 --> 00:10:09,999 The Downtown Austin Alliance has 341 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:12,239 5,000 of these vouchers available. 342 00:10:12,240 --> 00:10:14,079 But Olsen says if people claim 343 00:10:14,080 --> 00:10:15,759 them all and then don't use them or 344 00:10:15,760 --> 00:10:17,679 only take short trips, they might 345 00:10:17,680 --> 00:10:19,199 release more vouchers around the 346 00:10:19,200 --> 00:10:20,399 middle of December. 347 00:10:20,400 --> 00:10:22,319 And even for businesses blocks away 348 00:10:22,320 --> 00:10:24,159 from the convention center, it's a 349 00:10:24,160 --> 00:10:25,599 welcome bit of help during a 350 00:10:25,600 --> 00:10:26,639 difficult time. 351 00:10:26,640 --> 00:10:28,639 Heather Potts is co-owner of 352 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:30,479 Cedar Door and Foxy's 353 00:10:30,480 --> 00:10:31,729 Proper Pub. 354 00:10:31,730 --> 00:10:32,609 Which are both at second in 355 00:10:32,610 --> 00:10:33,749 Brazzard. 356 00:10:33,750 --> 00:10:35,509 I would say our sales are off by 357 00:10:35,510 --> 00:10:37,349 probably about twenty to twenty five 358 00:10:37,350 --> 00:10:39,269 percent with the effects of the 359 00:10:39,270 --> 00:10:41,479 convention center being torn down. 360 00:10:41,480 --> 00:10:43,159 I mean I guess when the convention 361 00:10:43,160 --> 00:10:44,759 center is built, is there the pot of 362 00:10:44,760 --> 00:10:46,198 gold at the end of the rainbow if if 363 00:10:46,199 --> 00:10:46,639 your business is 364 00:10:46,640 --> 00:10:48,719 You know, I that's definitely 365 00:10:48,720 --> 00:10:50,639 my hope. It's not going to be fun to 366 00:10:50,640 --> 00:10:52,239 weather these years while the 367 00:10:52,240 --> 00:10:53,759 convention center is down. 368 00:10:53,760 --> 00:10:55,679 But yes, I'm super excited about 369 00:10:55,680 --> 00:10:56,799 when it will be finished. 370 00:10:56,800 --> 00:10:58,239 Definitely. And I need a countdown 371 00:10:58,240 --> 00:10:59,240 clock. 372 00:10:59,570 --> 00:11:01,489 Those vouchers to get half-off Uber 373 00:11:01,490 --> 00:11:03,249 rides to or from downtown are valid 374 00:11:03,250 --> 00:11:05,249 from December 1st till January 1st 375 00:11:05,250 --> 00:11:06,049 at 8 a.m. 376 00:11:06,050 --> 00:11:07,489 To allow for a trip home after New 377 00:11:07,490 --> 00:11:09,409 Year's Eve, or until the Downtown 378 00:11:09,410 --> 00:11:10,929 Austin Alliance runs out of money 379 00:11:10,930 --> 00:11:12,769 for the program, whichever comes 380 00:11:12,770 --> 00:11:14,689 first. I'm Nathan Bernier in 381 00:11:14,690 --> 00:11:15,690 Austin. 382 00:11:23,820 --> 00:11:25,659 Coming up here on Austin Signal, 383 00:11:25,660 --> 00:11:27,339 we're gonna take a look back at the 384 00:11:27,340 --> 00:11:29,179 UT AM football game 385 00:11:29,180 --> 00:11:30,299 from Friday. 386 00:11:30,300 --> 00:11:32,219 I'm sure you know, plenty 387 00:11:32,220 --> 00:11:33,979 of folks are happy with the bragging 388 00:11:33,980 --> 00:11:36,139 rides that they've got right now. 389 00:11:36,140 --> 00:11:38,059 KUT's Jimmy Moss is gonna 390 00:11:38,060 --> 00:11:39,899 be with us. Plus, who remembers the 391 00:11:39,900 --> 00:11:41,739 Austin Graffiti Park that used to be 392 00:11:41,740 --> 00:11:43,899 off Lamar in downtown? 393 00:11:43,900 --> 00:11:45,739 Well, it's back, just in a 394 00:11:45,740 --> 00:11:47,659 different location now, and just had 395 00:11:47,660 --> 00:11:48,939 its grand opening. 396 00:11:48,940 --> 00:11:50,699 We'll hear more about the Hope 397 00:11:50,700 --> 00:11:52,779 Outdoor Gallery coming up after 398 00:11:52,780 --> 00:11:54,620 this. Stay with us. 399 00:11:59,740 --> 00:12:01,579 This is Austin Signal. 400 00:12:01,580 --> 00:12:03,179 Thanks for being with us today. 401 00:12:03,180 --> 00:12:05,179 The Hope Outdoor Gallery 402 00:12:05,180 --> 00:12:06,139 is back. 403 00:12:06,140 --> 00:12:08,059 After several delays at Open 404 00:12:08,060 --> 00:12:09,899 Friday in a new space near the 405 00:12:09,900 --> 00:12:11,819 airport, the property features 406 00:12:11,820 --> 00:12:13,979 curated pieces and a 6,000 407 00:12:13,980 --> 00:12:15,899 square foot gallery and event 408 00:12:15,900 --> 00:12:17,739 space. Visitors can pick up a can 409 00:12:17,740 --> 00:12:19,579 of spray paint and unleash their 410 00:12:19,580 --> 00:12:21,579 creativity on the exterior 411 00:12:21,580 --> 00:12:22,539 walls. 412 00:12:22,540 --> 00:12:24,699 As KUT's Stephanie Federico 413 00:12:24,700 --> 00:12:26,219 reports, the gallery owners are 414 00:12:26,220 --> 00:12:28,139 hoping to maintain that try 415 00:12:28,140 --> 00:12:30,299 anything vibe of its original 416 00:12:30,300 --> 00:12:31,300 location. 417 00:12:32,820 --> 00:12:34,179 Spray paint cans were once again 418 00:12:34,180 --> 00:12:36,259 rattling Friday at the Hope Outdoor 419 00:12:36,260 --> 00:12:37,260 Gallery. 420 00:12:38,740 --> 00:12:40,659 Visitors paint robots and band 421 00:12:40,660 --> 00:12:42,579 names, eyeballs and laboo-boos 422 00:12:42,580 --> 00:12:44,179 in all colors and sizes. 423 00:12:44,180 --> 00:12:45,859 People lift each other up to reach 424 00:12:45,860 --> 00:12:47,379 the tops of walls. 425 00:12:47,380 --> 00:12:49,299 Children gleefully spray purples 426 00:12:49,300 --> 00:12:50,899 and reds back and forth with wild 427 00:12:50,900 --> 00:12:52,179 abandons. 428 00:12:52,180 --> 00:12:54,099 Antonio Delgado watches as 429 00:12:54,100 --> 00:12:56,029 his family attacks the walls. 430 00:12:56,030 --> 00:12:57,389 I love that it's like there's 431 00:12:57,390 --> 00:12:59,309 different calibers of artists here, 432 00:12:59,310 --> 00:13:01,229 right? Like some new artists, 433 00:13:01,230 --> 00:13:03,149 some younger artists, you know, and 434 00:13:03,150 --> 00:13:04,699 then more formally trained artists. 435 00:13:04,700 --> 00:13:06,379 Delgado used to live three blocks 436 00:13:06,380 --> 00:13:07,819 away from the original location on 437 00:13:07,820 --> 00:13:09,259 Baylor Street in the Clarksville 438 00:13:09,260 --> 00:13:10,049 neighborhood. 439 00:13:10,050 --> 00:13:11,409 I would go and I'd sit with the song 440 00:13:11,410 --> 00:13:13,089 right there all the time. 441 00:13:13,090 --> 00:13:14,529 He said he was sad when the site 442 00:13:14,530 --> 00:13:16,209 closed in twenty nineteen, but he 443 00:13:16,210 --> 00:13:17,729 was excited to bring his family to 444 00:13:17,730 --> 00:13:18,559 the new spot. 445 00:13:18,560 --> 00:13:20,399 It's great to see like inside 446 00:13:20,400 --> 00:13:22,559 that we have this space that's like 447 00:13:22,560 --> 00:13:24,639 formal space that's championing 448 00:13:24,640 --> 00:13:26,478 mural art, you know, and then 449 00:13:26,479 --> 00:13:28,238 outside we've got space where we can 450 00:13:28,239 --> 00:13:30,078 just play and have fun and practice 451 00:13:30,079 --> 00:13:31,598 and they can learn through new 452 00:13:31,599 --> 00:13:32,889 mediums, you know. 453 00:13:32,890 --> 00:13:33,769 Yeah. 454 00:13:33,770 --> 00:13:35,688 The original Hope Outdoor Gallery 455 00:13:35,689 --> 00:13:37,208 was supposed to be temporary. 456 00:13:37,209 --> 00:13:38,889 The property had been vacant since 457 00:13:38,890 --> 00:13:39,849 the eighties. 458 00:13:39,850 --> 00:13:41,688 Founder Andy Skull got permission 459 00:13:41,689 --> 00:13:43,448 from the owners in 2009 for a 460 00:13:43,449 --> 00:13:45,129 graffiti park on the foundation of a 461 00:13:45,130 --> 00:13:46,889 failed condo development. 462 00:13:46,890 --> 00:13:48,729 She enlisted street artist Shepard 463 00:13:48,730 --> 00:13:50,568 Ferry for the first installation. 464 00:13:50,569 --> 00:13:52,328 He's best known for the Obey Giant 465 00:13:52,329 --> 00:13:54,089 and Obama Hope posters. 466 00:13:54,090 --> 00:13:55,609 He had helped Skull launch a 467 00:13:55,610 --> 00:13:57,209 campaign called Helping Other People 468 00:13:57,210 --> 00:13:59,209 Everywhere, or Hope, that connects 469 00:13:59,210 --> 00:14:01,688 artists to humanitarian causes. 470 00:14:01,689 --> 00:14:03,609 The towering concrete slabs 471 00:14:03,610 --> 00:14:05,049 became a canvas for anyone with a 472 00:14:05,050 --> 00:14:06,969 spray paint can, regardless 473 00:14:06,970 --> 00:14:08,088 of talent. 474 00:14:08,089 --> 00:14:09,929 New murals were painted over old 475 00:14:09,930 --> 00:14:11,609 ones on a regular basis. 476 00:14:11,610 --> 00:14:13,369 It was a living art exhibit that 477 00:14:13,370 --> 00:14:15,609 drew locals and tourists alike. 478 00:14:15,610 --> 00:14:17,448 That exhibit lasted nearly a 479 00:14:17,449 --> 00:14:18,409 decade. 480 00:14:18,410 --> 00:14:20,568 CK Chin, the new gallery's 481 00:14:20,569 --> 00:14:22,409 director of hospitality, says 482 00:14:22,410 --> 00:14:23,769 that's because the site was about 483 00:14:23,770 --> 00:14:25,299 more than just graffiti. 484 00:14:25,300 --> 00:14:27,379 On any given day you'll 485 00:14:27,380 --> 00:14:29,858 have someone putting up a mural, 486 00:14:29,859 --> 00:14:31,698 a random tourist that pop 487 00:14:31,699 --> 00:14:33,539 by to just look at some art, 488 00:14:33,540 --> 00:14:35,619 somebody doing breakdancing 489 00:14:35,620 --> 00:14:37,858 on top of a piece of concrete, 490 00:14:37,859 --> 00:14:40,079 a proposal happening in the corner. 491 00:14:40,080 --> 00:14:42,079 Founder Andy Skull says it also gave 492 00:14:42,080 --> 00:14:44,429 people a space to try new things. 493 00:14:44,430 --> 00:14:46,269 The coolest part about what we 494 00:14:46,270 --> 00:14:48,188 really learned in the ten years of 495 00:14:48,189 --> 00:14:50,029 the project was like 496 00:14:50,030 --> 00:14:51,549 this is where people are feeling 497 00:14:51,550 --> 00:14:53,468 safe to try and try 498 00:14:53,469 --> 00:14:55,468 things big and try weird 499 00:14:55,469 --> 00:14:57,468 things. I mean, it was weird 500 00:14:57,469 --> 00:14:59,389 sometimes to see someone 501 00:14:59,390 --> 00:15:01,799 practicing tap dancing at hope. 502 00:15:01,800 --> 00:15:03,078 But the tourist destination was 503 00:15:03,079 --> 00:15:04,999 fenced off in 2019. 504 00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:06,919 Work began on a luxury condo 505 00:15:06,920 --> 00:15:08,838 building. Skull and Chin knew 506 00:15:08,839 --> 00:15:10,119 they needed a permanent home for the 507 00:15:10,120 --> 00:15:11,379 gallery. 508 00:15:11,380 --> 00:15:13,139 It was really audacious and really 509 00:15:13,140 --> 00:15:16,019 kind of crazy to even consider, 510 00:15:16,020 --> 00:15:18,098 but like we said, 511 00:15:18,099 --> 00:15:19,779 you don't know what you can do or 512 00:15:19,780 --> 00:15:21,409 can't do until you try. 513 00:15:21,410 --> 00:15:23,169 Local artists and supporters pushed 514 00:15:23,170 --> 00:15:25,169 them to find a way for hope to live. 515 00:15:25,170 --> 00:15:26,849 They ultimately found the spot near 516 00:15:26,850 --> 00:15:28,529 the airport. The project stalled 517 00:15:28,530 --> 00:15:29,889 because of construction issues, 518 00:15:29,890 --> 00:15:31,489 permitting challenges, and the 519 00:15:31,490 --> 00:15:32,448 pandemic. 520 00:15:32,449 --> 00:15:34,688 But none of that mattered on Friday. 521 00:15:34,689 --> 00:15:36,929 The new site is part art park, 522 00:15:36,930 --> 00:15:38,289 part events center. 523 00:15:38,290 --> 00:15:40,448 There are curated murals outside 524 00:15:40,449 --> 00:15:42,688 and walls for the public to paint. 525 00:15:42,689 --> 00:15:44,208 Inside the gallery there's more 526 00:15:44,209 --> 00:15:45,969 artwork, a coffee shop, and a store 527 00:15:45,970 --> 00:15:47,889 to buy t-shirts and well spray 528 00:15:47,890 --> 00:15:48,890 paint. 529 00:15:50,950 --> 00:15:52,149 'Cause we're we're not gonna use all 530 00:15:52,150 --> 00:15:53,829 that spray paper in one go. 531 00:15:53,830 --> 00:15:54,789 We have to be real careful how we 532 00:15:54,790 --> 00:15:55,239 use it. 533 00:15:55,240 --> 00:15:57,319 So there's blue, there's 534 00:15:57,320 --> 00:15:58,489 kind of that pinkest. 535 00:15:58,490 --> 00:16:00,409 So we're so excited the first 536 00:16:00,410 --> 00:16:02,169 day already we got here, people 537 00:16:02,170 --> 00:16:03,369 already waiting. 538 00:16:03,370 --> 00:16:05,449 We it was an hour till opening 539 00:16:05,450 --> 00:16:06,989 and we're back. 540 00:16:06,990 --> 00:16:08,749 Skull is eager to bring back the old 541 00:16:08,750 --> 00:16:10,509 vibe too, one that's all about 542 00:16:10,510 --> 00:16:12,029 creating safe places for the 543 00:16:12,030 --> 00:16:13,949 creative community to come together. 544 00:16:13,950 --> 00:16:15,709 But she and Chin are also excited 545 00:16:15,710 --> 00:16:16,989 about what this new space will 546 00:16:16,990 --> 00:16:17,819 become. 547 00:16:17,820 --> 00:16:20,219 The coolest things about this park 548 00:16:20,220 --> 00:16:22,139 haven't even begin, haven't been 549 00:16:22,140 --> 00:16:23,469 thought of. 550 00:16:23,470 --> 00:16:25,069 Visitors Friday said they were 551 00:16:25,070 --> 00:16:25,949 inspired. 552 00:16:25,950 --> 00:16:27,789 Skull says she's here for whatever 553 00:16:27,790 --> 00:16:29,789 new ideas they dream up. 554 00:16:29,790 --> 00:16:31,789 I'm Stephanie Federico in 555 00:16:31,790 --> 00:16:32,790 Austin. 556 00:16:39,390 --> 00:16:41,149 All right, now let's do a little 557 00:16:41,150 --> 00:16:43,389 roundup of some Texas sports 558 00:16:43,390 --> 00:16:44,269 from the weekend. 559 00:16:44,270 --> 00:16:46,509 Here to help us out is KUT 560 00:16:46,510 --> 00:16:47,789 program director Jimmy Mass. 561 00:16:47,790 --> 00:16:48,629 Good afternoon, Jimmy. 562 00:16:48,630 --> 00:16:49,828 Good afternoon. Yeah, we're cool 563 00:16:49,829 --> 00:16:50,698 like that. 564 00:16:50,699 --> 00:16:52,859 Especially today, where it's a 565 00:16:52,860 --> 00:16:54,859 a very, very cold forty six degrees 566 00:16:54,860 --> 00:16:55,819 outside. Very good football weather. 567 00:16:55,820 --> 00:16:56,679 Very good, very cold. 568 00:16:56,680 --> 00:16:58,599 Exactly. The weekend provided 569 00:16:58,600 --> 00:17:00,519 some nice football weather and 570 00:17:00,520 --> 00:17:02,199 a nice result for the Texas football 571 00:17:02,200 --> 00:17:02,549 team. 572 00:17:02,550 --> 00:17:04,469 Yeah, Texas they they 573 00:17:04,470 --> 00:17:05,669 surprised some people. 574 00:17:05,670 --> 00:17:07,509 Certainly a lot of odds makers were 575 00:17:07,510 --> 00:17:09,509 not I giving 576 00:17:09,510 --> 00:17:11,349 the Longhorns good chances, but they 577 00:17:11,350 --> 00:17:12,549 you know, this was the number one 578 00:17:12,550 --> 00:17:14,469 team in the country preseason and 579 00:17:14,470 --> 00:17:16,389 they showed up in a big way 580 00:17:16,390 --> 00:17:18,469 on Friday night, beating Texas 581 00:17:18,470 --> 00:17:20,629 AM, ending 582 00:17:20,630 --> 00:17:22,469 Texas AM's 583 00:17:22,470 --> 00:17:24,068 perfect perfect season. 584 00:17:24,069 --> 00:17:25,909 They were aiming for a 585 00:17:25,910 --> 00:17:27,909 a solid shot at at 586 00:17:27,910 --> 00:17:29,429 at a national championship. 587 00:17:29,430 --> 00:17:30,709 They still have that because of the 588 00:17:30,710 --> 00:17:32,549 playoff system, but 589 00:17:32,550 --> 00:17:35,109 they will not end the season 590 00:17:35,110 --> 00:17:36,908 at with zero losses. 591 00:17:36,909 --> 00:17:38,668 And they were t Texas A and M was 592 00:17:38,669 --> 00:17:40,428 actually looking for their first SEC 593 00:17:40,429 --> 00:17:41,849 championship game appearances. 594 00:17:41,850 --> 00:17:43,289 They will not get to go that as 595 00:17:43,290 --> 00:17:44,148 either. 596 00:17:44,149 --> 00:17:45,349 That's right. That's right. 597 00:17:45,350 --> 00:17:46,898 And but you know, 598 00:17:46,899 --> 00:17:47,859 You know the interesting thing, I 599 00:17:47,860 --> 00:17:48,739 think the biggest difference between 600 00:17:48,740 --> 00:17:50,178 Texas this is my one joke for the 601 00:17:50,179 --> 00:17:51,138 thing. Go ahead. 602 00:17:51,139 --> 00:17:52,259 Let's do it. The biggest difference 603 00:17:52,260 --> 00:17:53,779 between the A and M and Texas fans 604 00:17:53,780 --> 00:17:55,699 is A and M fans will be talking 605 00:17:55,700 --> 00:17:56,980 about this a long, long, long time. 606 00:17:58,250 --> 00:18:00,249 Well, you know, one of my A and M 607 00:18:00,250 --> 00:18:02,329 fans friend was 608 00:18:02,330 --> 00:18:04,169 t texting me and you 609 00:18:04,170 --> 00:18:05,769 know, constantly shoving it in my 610 00:18:05,770 --> 00:18:07,289 face that despite the fact that 611 00:18:07,290 --> 00:18:08,889 Texas A and M lost, they were still 612 00:18:08,890 --> 00:18:10,969 going to the playoffs, which doesn't 613 00:18:10,970 --> 00:18:12,489 appear to be the case for Texas, 614 00:18:12,490 --> 00:18:14,209 right? Or is it still possible? 615 00:18:14,210 --> 00:18:16,049 So the the back end of 616 00:18:16,050 --> 00:18:16,849 the playoffs. 617 00:18:16,850 --> 00:18:18,369 So the the biggest problem with the 618 00:18:18,370 --> 00:18:19,809 playoff initially and why it was 619 00:18:19,810 --> 00:18:21,489 created was because the top four 620 00:18:21,490 --> 00:18:23,809 were such so subjectively 621 00:18:23,810 --> 00:18:25,729 decided and determined who was gonna 622 00:18:25,730 --> 00:18:27,409 make it. You know, the are you in a 623 00:18:27,410 --> 00:18:28,449 power five conference? 624 00:18:28,450 --> 00:18:29,969 Are you the champion of this and 625 00:18:29,970 --> 00:18:31,809 that? Are is second place 626 00:18:31,810 --> 00:18:33,489 in the SEC better than the champion 627 00:18:33,490 --> 00:18:35,089 of the ACC or whatever. 628 00:18:35,090 --> 00:18:37,409 So they eliminated that largely. 629 00:18:37,410 --> 00:18:39,249 It's still not everybody gets in, 630 00:18:39,250 --> 00:18:41,089 just five champions of the five 631 00:18:41,090 --> 00:18:42,049 conferences. 632 00:18:42,050 --> 00:18:43,729 And then apparently there's another 633 00:18:43,730 --> 00:18:45,249 rule that like basically everybody 634 00:18:45,250 --> 00:18:46,769 in the top tier, the SEC also gets 635 00:18:46,770 --> 00:18:48,689 in. That's what it's used to be. 636 00:18:48,690 --> 00:18:50,529 So and now who is 637 00:18:50,530 --> 00:18:52,369 on the back end of that top tier 638 00:18:52,370 --> 00:18:54,289 of the SEC is up for 639 00:18:54,290 --> 00:18:56,209 a sub another subjective debate 640 00:18:56,210 --> 00:18:57,249 by the committee. 641 00:18:57,250 --> 00:18:59,169 They will make a their second 642 00:18:59,170 --> 00:19:01,249 to last, the 643 00:19:01,250 --> 00:19:03,249 penultimate college 644 00:19:03,250 --> 00:19:05,489 football ranking tomorrow night, 645 00:19:05,490 --> 00:19:06,529 six o'clock. 646 00:19:06,530 --> 00:19:08,129 That that will come out. 647 00:19:08,130 --> 00:19:10,369 If Texas is in the top ten, 648 00:19:10,370 --> 00:19:12,289 and that's a big if, if they are 649 00:19:12,290 --> 00:19:14,209 in the top ten of this 650 00:19:14,210 --> 00:19:16,289 last second to last ranking, there's 651 00:19:16,290 --> 00:19:18,289 a reasonable shot that 652 00:19:18,290 --> 00:19:20,289 opinion in the committee is on 653 00:19:20,290 --> 00:19:21,889 their side. 654 00:19:21,890 --> 00:19:23,809 If it if it is not if 655 00:19:23,810 --> 00:19:25,809 they are not in the top ten, Texas 656 00:19:25,810 --> 00:19:27,889 really needs a lot of really strange 657 00:19:27,890 --> 00:19:30,129 things to occur this weekend, 658 00:19:30,130 --> 00:19:31,889 really bad showings in conference 659 00:19:31,890 --> 00:19:33,809 championship games, you 660 00:19:33,810 --> 00:19:35,729 know, just things that might sway 661 00:19:35,730 --> 00:19:36,609 someone. 662 00:19:36,610 --> 00:19:38,929 You know, the eye test will 663 00:19:38,930 --> 00:19:40,769 sway them to include Texas. 664 00:19:40,770 --> 00:19:42,129 Now, Texas has a good resume this 665 00:19:42,130 --> 00:19:43,130 year. 666 00:19:43,450 --> 00:19:44,569 Everyone is disappointed with the 667 00:19:44,570 --> 00:19:45,849 season, but you know, they beat 668 00:19:45,850 --> 00:19:46,969 three top ten teams. 669 00:19:46,970 --> 00:19:48,648 They did lose to two of them and 670 00:19:48,649 --> 00:19:50,009 they lost to Ohio State. 671 00:19:50,010 --> 00:19:51,929 The last team to beat 672 00:19:51,930 --> 00:19:53,689 three top ten teams when they were 673 00:19:53,690 --> 00:19:55,128 ranked at the time when they played 674 00:19:55,129 --> 00:19:57,049 them was LSU in 2019. 675 00:19:57,050 --> 00:19:58,729 LSU won the national championship 676 00:19:58,730 --> 00:20:00,249 that year. Texas happened to be one 677 00:20:00,250 --> 00:20:01,849 of those top ten teams that LSU 678 00:20:01,850 --> 00:20:03,689 beat. So there is a 679 00:20:03,690 --> 00:20:04,888 there is a resume there. 680 00:20:04,889 --> 00:20:07,049 They beat Oklahoma, they beat AM. 681 00:20:07,050 --> 00:20:08,648 Both of those teams are very likely 682 00:20:08,649 --> 00:20:09,849 to be in the playoff. 683 00:20:09,850 --> 00:20:11,689 There's there's a strong 684 00:20:11,690 --> 00:20:13,449 chance that Texas could get 685 00:20:14,889 --> 00:20:16,809 they could get a little bit of 686 00:20:16,810 --> 00:20:18,009 luck on their side. 687 00:20:18,010 --> 00:20:19,369 Only a not strong chance. 688 00:20:19,370 --> 00:20:21,149 There is a chance, strong chances. 689 00:20:21,150 --> 00:20:22,279 A chance exists, though. 690 00:20:22,280 --> 00:20:23,158 Yes, there is a chance. 691 00:20:23,159 --> 00:20:24,839 Now, betting odds, they don't even 692 00:20:24,840 --> 00:20:26,999 include Texas in in this mix, 693 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:28,839 but it was just a single touchdown 694 00:20:28,840 --> 00:20:30,759 loss to Ohio State in week one, 695 00:20:30,760 --> 00:20:32,519 and that is the closest that anyone 696 00:20:32,520 --> 00:20:33,959 has gotten to Ohio State this 697 00:20:33,960 --> 00:20:35,878 season. So, you know, there's 698 00:20:35,879 --> 00:20:37,079 there's something to be said about 699 00:20:37,080 --> 00:20:38,759 scheduling these preseason matches. 700 00:20:38,760 --> 00:20:40,599 And if Texas is not rewarded for 701 00:20:40,600 --> 00:20:42,599 this, look out for, you know, 702 00:20:43,960 --> 00:20:46,519 upstate university 703 00:20:46,520 --> 00:20:48,839 every week of the preseason 704 00:20:48,840 --> 00:20:50,759 or the pre-conference 705 00:20:50,760 --> 00:20:51,969 part of the schedule. 706 00:20:51,970 --> 00:20:53,249 The takes have been hot this 707 00:20:53,250 --> 00:20:55,009 weekend. It's been a great weekend 708 00:20:55,010 --> 00:20:56,929 to just be online and 709 00:20:56,930 --> 00:20:58,369 read anything that's been going on. 710 00:20:58,370 --> 00:21:00,289 Let's say that that chaos doesn't 711 00:21:00,290 --> 00:21:02,529 play out and the Texas football 712 00:21:02,530 --> 00:21:04,769 season ends with a bowl game, 713 00:21:04,770 --> 00:21:07,009 that isn't a a prestigious one, 714 00:21:07,010 --> 00:21:09,489 one of these championship game ones. 715 00:21:09,490 --> 00:21:10,929 What do you think what have you seen 716 00:21:10,930 --> 00:21:12,529 in the last few weeks from the team 717 00:21:12,530 --> 00:21:14,369 that is a positive to build on going 718 00:21:14,370 --> 00:21:15,529 into next? 719 00:21:15,530 --> 00:21:17,579 Well I think that The 720 00:21:17,580 --> 00:21:19,418 difficult part of that is in modern 721 00:21:19,419 --> 00:21:21,259 college football, it's so hard to 722 00:21:21,260 --> 00:21:22,539 figure out like who's going to be 723 00:21:22,540 --> 00:21:24,539 around. If this if this 724 00:21:24,540 --> 00:21:26,539 young nucleus 725 00:21:26,540 --> 00:21:28,378 stays, assuming they 726 00:21:28,379 --> 00:21:30,619 do, let's just let's just pretend. 727 00:21:30,620 --> 00:21:32,539 If they stay, the line 728 00:21:32,540 --> 00:21:33,739 gets, you know, 729 00:21:34,939 --> 00:21:36,859 at least two games better, 730 00:21:36,860 --> 00:21:38,539 twelve games better by the end of 731 00:21:38,540 --> 00:21:39,898 next season. 732 00:21:39,899 --> 00:21:41,739 Arch Manning is twelve 733 00:21:41,740 --> 00:21:43,178 games better by the end of next 734 00:21:43,179 --> 00:21:45,178 season. There's there's a lot 735 00:21:45,179 --> 00:21:47,339 that they could build upon, mainly 736 00:21:47,340 --> 00:21:49,579 like missed opportunities, 737 00:21:49,580 --> 00:21:51,339 regrets, etc., that, you know, are 738 00:21:51,340 --> 00:21:53,178 just as much a part of building your 739 00:21:53,179 --> 00:21:55,499 future as you know, successes 740 00:21:55,500 --> 00:21:57,339 are. So this is 741 00:21:57,340 --> 00:21:59,259 a a chance for the 742 00:21:59,260 --> 00:22:01,259 Longhorns to sort of reassess 743 00:22:01,260 --> 00:22:03,099 and and plan for the future. 744 00:22:03,100 --> 00:22:04,539 Most people thought it could be a 745 00:22:04,540 --> 00:22:05,819 rebuilding year. 746 00:22:05,820 --> 00:22:07,658 Too many people thought Texas 747 00:22:07,659 --> 00:22:09,179 was going to be the best team ever. 748 00:22:10,300 --> 00:22:11,339 They're they're somewhere in 749 00:22:11,340 --> 00:22:12,188 between. 750 00:22:12,189 --> 00:22:14,109 Yeah, that seems like so long 751 00:22:14,110 --> 00:22:15,228 ago. 752 00:22:15,229 --> 00:22:17,388 That is K U T program Director Jimmy 753 00:22:17,389 --> 00:22:19,468 Mass with the update on the Texas 754 00:22:19,469 --> 00:22:20,829 football team. Jimmy, thanks for 755 00:22:20,830 --> 00:22:21,948 your time. Don't forget about that 756 00:22:21,949 --> 00:22:23,069 volleyball match coming up. 757 00:22:23,070 --> 00:22:24,668 That's right. I was looking at that 758 00:22:24,669 --> 00:22:26,668 right now. Number one C Texas 759 00:22:26,669 --> 00:22:27,948 volleyball team going up against 760 00:22:27,949 --> 00:22:30,029 Florida AM this Friday 761 00:22:30,030 --> 00:22:32,029 at seven o'clock. 762 00:22:32,030 --> 00:22:34,029 And coming up at one 763 00:22:34,030 --> 00:22:36,029 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, that is 764 00:22:36,030 --> 00:22:37,228 Austin Signal. 765 00:22:37,229 --> 00:22:38,989 Thank you for being with us. 766 00:22:38,990 --> 00:22:40,749 Kristen Cabrera is our managing 767 00:22:40,750 --> 00:22:42,668 producer. Rayna Sevilla is 768 00:22:42,669 --> 00:22:44,109 our technical director, and I'm 769 00:22:44,110 --> 00:22:46,349 Jerry Quijano, your host. 770 00:22:46,350 --> 00:22:48,189 We will talk to you tomorrow.