Austin Lightning facts for kids
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| Full name | Austin Lightning | ||
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| Nickname(s) | The Lightning | ||
| Founded | 2002 | ||
| Dissolved | 2007 | ||
| Ground | Tony Burger Center | ||
| Capacity | 15,000 | ||
| Chairman | Pam Mimbela | ||
| Manager | Jaime Mimbela | ||
| League | USL Premier Development League | ||
| 2007 | 7th, Mid South Division | ||
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Austin Lightning was a professional soccer team from the United States. It was started in 2002. The team was first called the Lafayette Lightning. They played in the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League (PDL). This league was the fourth level of soccer in America. The team stopped playing in 2007.
The Austin Lightning played their home games in Austin, Texas. Their main stadium was the Tony Burger Center. The team's colors were white and red.
Team History
The Austin Lightning joined the Premier Development League (PDL) in 2002. This league is part of the American Soccer Pyramid. The team was originally based in Lafayette, Louisiana. They moved to Austin, Texas, and changed their name.
The team played for six seasons. They were part of the Mid South Division. Austin Lightning never made it to the playoffs. They also did not qualify for the U.S. Open Cup. The team left the league in 2007. Their franchise was then ended.
Where They Played
The Austin Lightning played their games at several different stadiums.
- In 2003, they played at the stadium at St. Stephen's Episcopal School. This school is in Austin, Texas.
- In 2004, they used the stadium at Red Rock High School in Red Rock, Texas.
- They also played at Williamson County Regional Park in Leander, Texas. This was in 2003, 2005, and 2006.
- In 2005, they played three games at Noack Sports Complex in Austin. They also played one game at House Park in Austin that year.
- Their final home stadium was the Tony Burger Center in Austin, Texas, in 2007.
Team Coaches
The Austin Lightning had two main coaches during its time.
- Chris Veselka coached the team in 2001.
- Jaime Mimbela from Peru coached the team in 2007.
Fan Attendance
The team kept track of how many fans came to their games.
- In 2007, about 282 people came to each game.
- In 2006, the average was 261 fans per game.
- In 2005, about 197 fans came to each game.
See also
In Spanish: Austin Lightning para niños
- Austin Aztex
- Austin Aztex U23
