
THE AUSTIN CUP
INVITATIONAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT
Companies must be in the technology sector. We qualify a tech company as having these characteristics:
Core Focus: Your primary business revolves around creating software, hardware, or internet-related services.
R&D: You invest in R&D to invent new products or improve existing ones.
IP: You own or license proprietary code, algorithms, or technology architectures that protect your market value.
Please reference the Qualifying section below for further details.
Registration materials will be available in early fall 2026 to previously participating companies. Bids will be distributed to other qualifying companies via email after the original batch is sent.
We register teams on a first-come, first-served basis. A company can reserve a second lane, which will be assigned once the deadline for registration is reached. Fees for registration are $1,000/lane and can be paid by the company or fundraised by employees.
Companies that have previously participated will receive the first round of bids.
We recognize participating companies that raise awareness and funds for our primary nonprofit partner, the Texas Advocacy Project (TAP). Based in Austin, TAP provides free legal and social services to survivors of dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking and human trafficking in Texas.
We will also be providing a donation to The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people.
Companies choosing not to raise additional funds beyond their lane fee may still compete for bowling awards although, in the spirit of our event, we encourage each company to do so!
QUALIFYING
This is an invitational event: Official Bids are sent only to qualifying technology companies in CentralTexas.* Service providers may participate as sponsors only.
Companies who participated in the immediate past Austin Cup event will receive early bids and have first right of refusal to register for a lane.
The first 38 teams to sign up and submit their $1,000 entry fee will be assigned a lane.
We will accept a SECOND team from each company; however, due to the limited number of lanes at Westgate, these second teams will be put on a waiting list and notified (on a first-come, first-served basis) after the registration deadline. Each additional team will also submit a $1,000 entry fee.
* We may overlook a company when our bid list is compiled. If a company did not receive an invitation and is eligible, they may submit their interest in competing to the Tournament Director who will confirm their qualification and participation.
Each 5-member team must consist of:
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One member of the executive team (VP or above) or board of directors. If this is a local team of a larger company based elsewhere, a "director-equivalent title" is admissible;
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At least one female employee; and,
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All employees (full-time) of the company; no contract personnel.
NOTE: A “Female Executive” CAN fill both requirements for an executive and a female player.
Each team must:
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Have the same 5 bowlers on their assigned lane for the three consecutive games; teams may not replace players between games, nor may they switch bowler positions (order of bowling) after their final Team Registration form is submitted.
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Bowl on the same lane for all three games; there will be no lane switching unless approved due to equipment malfunction.
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Have every team member SIGNED IN at Westgate Lanes by 12:20 p.m. on the day of the tournament.
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Have each team member wearing a distinct uniform (on the top ½ of their bodies). Company golf shirts, retro style bowling shirts, t-shirts, or costumes – as long as the five team members MATCH. Fans may also wear the uniform or costumes supporting their team’s theme.
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Understand that scores will not be handicapped.
If a team does not meet ALL of the above criteria on the day of the tournament, they will be disqualified with no refunds on lane fees.
REGISTRATION
Registration is only available to companies receiving bid confirmation.
STEP 1. Receive your bid package via email. These will be distributed Fall 2026.
These emails will be sent to either your previous Austin Cup Contact or to someone on your executive or human resources teams. If you did not receive a bid and are a qualified tech company wishing to participate, please contact the Tournament Director.
STEP 2. Huddle internally and decide if your company would like to participate.
If your company has participated in the past, we're sure this will be a fairly quick process. If your company has not previously bowled, we recommend finding the community minded and/or bowlers in your company (they are there!) If you'd like help rallying the troops internally, please reach out to the Tournament Director.
STEP 3. Accept your bid and confirm your company's participation.
Once you have decided to participate, please select 'Commitment Form' below. Your formal 'Team Registration' form(s) -- which will have you submit your team member names -- will be made available later in the process. If you are interested in reserving a second lane, please express that in the form.
STEP 4. Submit your entry fee and we will respond with information to get you rolling!
We understand you may need time to process a payment internally. We will accept your commitment to participate as your intention to also pay your entry fee within 60 days. If you need additional time or an invoice to process, please reach out to theaustincup@gmail.com. You will receive a receipt from Texas Advocacy Project upon paying your fee(s).
FUNDRAISING
Each year, we hear stories from company representatives about how they promoted their participation in The Austin Cup and raised money for our beneficiary. These have ranged from simple and elegant to fun and over-the-top. They usually reflect internal culture, but oftentimes create new cultural touch points and traditions within a company. We compiled some food for thought, without sharing corporate secrets! Getting to know more about our beneficiary always helps spark interest in your efforts.
Idea Starters
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That free beer in the break room -- sell it and raise a small fortune.
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Assign each of your five bowlers to spearhead financial support.
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Get sponsored -- the deli downstairs, your local pub, any of your vendors -- put their name on your shirt and you're sponsored!
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Hold a company-wide sale: Baked goods, boxed lunches, garage sale.
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Auction off a dinner with the CEO out on her boat?
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Host a bowl-off with all of your employees, having friends and family sponsor per pin. Give a prize for most money raised.
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Host an internal game -- sell bingo cards, host a wine pull,
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Get to Know TAP
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Peruse the Texas Advocacy Project website and get to know their services, statistics and more.
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Invite employees to register for one of their monthly virtual information sessions.
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Print and distribute free informational brochures - downloadable from their site.
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Stay informed and subscribe to receive their updates.
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Share this link to on-demand training through their Teachable courses -- these vary in content and contain some great insights!
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Training Requests for 15+ people are available for a wide array of topics - from safety planning to digital abuse and intimate partner violence.
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