Which is better, Austin or Kansas City?

We recently visited our friends at ATXtoday, and we found ourselves comparing the two metropolises.

After a healthy debate, we decided to put this rivalry to the test. You voted for the categories you wanted us to compare, so it’s time. With the help of Editor London, the City of Fountains is going head-to-head with Bat City.

Sports

That time when KC fans overran Power & Light for the Chiefs' Super Bowl win. | Photo by KCtoday

Texas is known for its football (ever heard of "Friday Night Lights?"), and Austin bleeds orange for their Longhorns. However, fans are seldom as hype (and never as loud) as they are for the Chiefs at Arrowhead. Also, if we're comparing college sports, KC roots for two teams, KU + Mizzou (though never at the same time).

On the soccer front, Austin FC has a brand-new stadium and has performed well both seasons. Yet in comparison, Sporting KC has been around since 1995 + hoists two championships. The KC Current also just broke ground on the world's first pro women's stadium.

While Austin has Kansas City beat on pro basketball, KC wins baseball with the Royals and as the birth place of the Negro Leagues. Score one, Kansas City.

(Travis Meier, KCtoday)

Outdoors

OK, that's a pretty solid view from the Ann and Roy Butler Trail. | Photo by ATXtoday

I’m told Kansas Cityhas an extensive parks system, with 221 parks in the metro area alone. Swope Park is more than 1,800 acres — twice the size of Central Park.

Although Kansas City sits on the Missouri River, waterfront access is limited compared to Austin. Plus, you can’t beat our 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, or the other 130+ miles of trails + greenbelt.

Top that off with our perpetually sunny weather and the fact that the world’s largest urban bat population lives right in our downtown, and I think we can hand this one to ATX.

(London Gibson, ATXtoday)

Barbecue

And the beans? *And the cheesy corn?* | Photo by @jackstackbbq

Sure, Austin has good barbecue, but it simply can't match the history and scope of KC's scene. Who can deny a Z-Man from Joe's or a meat platter at Jack Stack?

Okay, okay, the brisket at Terry Black's was pretty life-changing, but we’re not willing to budge on this one. We’d take KC’s sweet + spicy sauce over Austin's rubs any day.

(Travis Meier, ATXtoday)

Champion: Kansas City

No surprise here — KC wins, 2-1. Naturally, our hearts are in the Heart of America. But don’t take our word for it — here’s what readers had to say about the City of Fountains.

“Yes Austin has a great vibe, but KC is the “heart” of the USA." — Pam T.

"The music scene is pretty awesome in Austin and Sonia lady bird lake! KC BBQ and Sports can't be beat!" — Cheryl S.

"We went to Austin for spring break for the food, which was amazing. That said, KC all the way!" — Anonymous
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