If you’ve driven through Northeast Austin lately, you’ve probably heard the buzz: The Pitch—the hybrid sports park, dog‑friendly hangout, and open‑air dining hub near the Austin FC training facility—is quickly becoming one of the city’s most talked‑about new destinations. But while most guides only mention its soccer fields and patios, this insider breakdown gives you the full story, including the dog amenities, the five-acre play pond, the best times to visit, and the lesser‑known perks regulars swear by.

✗Not Ideal for Swimming

What The Pitch Actually Is

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The Pitch

$$
13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
Tue–Sat 11AM–8PM; Sun 11AM–6PM
Website

The Pitch sits at 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX 78753, a rapidly expanding corridor also home to the billion‑dollar EastVillage development. The venue blends:

  • A 1,200‑seat stadium
  • An artificial‑turf soccer pitch
  • Multiple food and drink concepts
  • Open‑air seating and shaded hangouts
  • A five‑acre dog‑friendly pond area

Hours:

  • Tuesday–Saturday: 11AM–8PM
  • Sunday: 11AM–6PM

Dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor areas as long as they remain on‑leash, making it one of the most flexible dog‑friendly environments in this part of the city. Families planning a broader day out in the area can also cross‑reference kid‑friendly details with this family guide to The Pitch.

Pro Tip

For a lower‑stress visit with your pup, aim for non‑event weekdays and keep a backup leash, water bowl, and shade spot in mind—especially if you’re planning to linger by the pond.

What Your Dog Will Love

The highlight is Parmer Pond, a sprawling five-acre area where dogs can splash, explore, and stretch their legs. While it isn’t an official off‑leash zone, the space is open, scenic, and far calmer than Austin’s major waterfront parks.

Note

Parmer Pond is a dog‑friendly play area, not a designated human swimming spot. Always follow posted signs and local leash rules, and keep an eye on your dog’s comfort in the sun and water.

Owners will appreciate:

  • Easy sightlines to keep track of pets
  • Large shaded seating areas
  • Food options you can enjoy without leaving your dog

If you love pairing dog time with giving back, you might also like Happy Hearts Dog Rescue’s volunteer and adoption mission.

Insider Intelligence You Won’t Find in the Search Results

Regulars shared a few truths worth knowing before you visit:

Pro Tip

If you’re planning a first visit, treat this section as your game plan: timing, parking, shade, and events will completely change what your day at The Pitch feels like.

1. Weekday afternoons are the sweet spot.
Crowds peak on Saturdays when youth soccer games are in full swing. If you want relaxed, dog‑focused time, hit the pond Tuesday–Thursday between 2PM and 5PM.

2. Parking fills from the back first.
Because the front lots serve the stadium, the most convenient dog‑pond parking is actually behind the venue—look for the gravel overflow area, which matches the official parking guidance that points visitors to the northwest gravel lot.

Heads Up

On tournament days, Austin FC II matches, or big event nights, the gravel lots can feel tight. Build in extra time for parking and consider carpooling or rideshare if you’re arriving close to kickoff or showtime.

3. Shade varies dramatically.
The central seating area has excellent coverage, but the edges of the pond do not. Bring water and plan for sun if you walk the perimeter.

4. The restaurants rotate seasonally.
Food concepts change depending on partnerships and events. For current menus, check The Pitch’s Instagram rather than their main website. As the area grows, you’ll also see more food and drink options popping up nearby, from Tex‑Mex hotspots like De Nada Cantina’s new South First location to broader trends like Austin’s Japanese dining boom.

Pro Tip

Because food concepts at The Pitch rotate, treat each visit as a tasting day. Check Instagram stories before you go, and don’t assume a past favorite vendor will always be there.

5. Events can transform the vibe completely.
On nights with live music or watch parties, The Pitch feels like a full festival. On weekdays, it’s practically serene. If you’re curious how the venue shows up for major sports and cultural nights, it has even hosted pro events like Austin Sol games, and it’s the subject of plenty of visitor reviews and comparisons on Tripadvisor.

Before You Go

The Pitch does not currently list reservation requirements, parking fees, or a live event calendar on its primary site. For the most up‑to‑date info, use these sources:

  • https://thepitchaustin.com/
  • https://www.instagram.com/thepitchaustin/
  • https://www.austinfc.com/

You can also keep an eye on updates from Austin FC II, which has already teased future additions like PopStroke mini golf and more in its PopStroke at The Pitch announcement, and then cross‑check details as they launch on the official PopStroke Austin venue page. For design and architecture enthusiasts, The Pitch’s modular shipping‑container build is even profiled in an industry award write‑up that highlights its innovative layout.

Related Insider Guides You Might Enjoy

If you’re looking for Austin’s newest dog‑friendly, food‑forward, community‑sports destination, The Pitch is absolutely worth a visit—especially if you know how to make the most of it.

4.5/ 5
What We Love
  • Five-acre dog-friendly pond
  • Flexible on-leash outdoor space
  • Multiple rotating food and drink concepts
  • Family- and event-friendly design
  • Plenty of open-air seating
Room to Improve
  • Limited shade along pond edges
  • Parking can be tight on event days
  • Weekend crowds around youth games
  • Food vendors rotate so favorites may not always be available
The Verdict
4.5

A standout Northeast Austin hangout that blends community sports, dog time, and casual dining. Go on a weekday to enjoy the pond and patios at their most relaxed, and use Instagram plus event calendars to time your visit around games, concerts, or watch parties.