Weekend Road Closures, Delays
A couple of popular events this weekend could create traffic delays downtown. Batfest and Night of the Batsis tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. to midnight on the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Congress will be closed between Cesar Chavez and Barton Springs starting at 5:00 a.m. Saturday through 4:00 a.m. Sunday.
The Hot Sauce Festivalis this Sunday. There will be partial closures on Trinity between 12th and 14th Streets along Waterloo Park between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Find more detailed info on the closures and maps here.
Pflugerville Firefighters Contain Brush Fire
A brush fire charred about 25 acres Thursday near I-35 and Grand Avenue Parkway. The fire destroyed a business and led to some evacuations and traffic problems. YNN has more on the lost business:
Pflugerville-based retailer Gold Star Cabinets & Countertops became involved in the fire and is a total loss. Small explosions were heard inside of the building which led firefighters to battle the fire with extra caution. Chemicals and tires were present which led to especially caustic smoke.
KVUE reports the fire was contained Thursday evening but firefighters were still keeping an eye on hotspots.
Officials evacuated hundreds of people from the I-35 corridor and the Northride Acres subdivision. Water supply became a challenge due to a lack of fire hydrants. Traffic near the interstate was diverted, leaving drivers to find other options.
Browns vs Eagles, Former Horns Meet Again
Two NFL teams with former Longhorn quarterbacks met on the field last night. The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Cleveland Browns 24-14 in a preseason game. Of course Michael Vick gets the credit for the Eagles' win. But hey, we still noticed Texas' Vince Young with his new team. Former Longhorn Colt McCoy had a rough game yesterday, as SB Nationexplains:
Browns starting quarterback Colt McCoy struggled all night, as the Philadelphia defense halted his preseason rampage. The former-Longhorn turned in one of his less memorable stat lines, throwing 9-of-18 for 89 yards and an interception, while failing to build any form of offensive rhythm.
Longhorn Network Launches Today
Speaking of Longhorns, the new Longhorn Networkis set to debut tonight but many fans may not get to watch. So far only Verizon FiOS, which does not provide service here in Central Texas, has signed up to carry the UT/ESPN channel. The Austin-American Statesmanreports last minute deals could go through as early as today:
Network executives say they're confident additional deals will be announced soon — perhaps even before today's 6 p.m. debut broadcast. "I would just tell people to be patient," said Stephanie Druley, one of the network's vice presidents. "This is what happens. I know people are probably tired of hearing that, but it's the truth."