81st annual Texas Relays kick off

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- The 81st annual Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays are kicking off Wednesday afternoon. The action will continue until Saturday at the University of Texas.

The relays schedule for Wednesday is as follows:

Noon Decathlon - University/College Men
12:30 p.m. Heptathlon - University/College Women
6 p.m. 3,000 Meter Steeplechase - University Men (Section B)
6:15 p.m. 800 Meters - University/College Women
6:25 p.m. 800 Meters - University Men
6:35 p.m. 1,500 Meters - University/College Women (Section B)
6:45 p.m. 1,500 Meters - University Men (Section B)
6:55 p.m. 5,000 Meters - University/College Women
7:20 p.m. 5,000 Meters - University Men

According to the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Relays generate about $8 million for local business.

Possibly even bigger than the track-and-field events themselves is the party scene that has come to be known as the Black Mardi Gras. One would be hard-pressed to find a bigger social gathering in Texas of African-Americans except for perhaps the Beach Party in Galveston. 

Among the key social gatherings for this year's event are:

THURSDAY

Texas Relays Kickoff Party

Canvas, 105 E. Fifth St.; doors open at 9 p.m.

Free, but must R.S.V.P.

FRIDAY

Official Texas Relays Party

Sky Lounge, 416 Congress Ave.; 9 p.m.- 2 a.m.

SATURDAY

Urban Music Festival

Auditorium Shores; gates open at 11 a.m.

$25 in advance; $30 at gate.

For a list of more parties, go to the Texas Relays Web site .

The Austin Police Department has not yet determined what time the I-35-related closures will begin but expects it to be late evening.  For more information on street closings, visit the Downtown Alliance Web site .