While discussions continue to unfold, officials say they are still early in the process of reviewing options for an Austin MLS stadium for Columbus Crew SC.
In December, the Austin City Council was presented a report on possible city-owned sites for a new stadium and training academy for Crew SC, the MLS club owned by Anthony Precourt. Precourt announced in October that he is exploring a potential move of the franchise to Austin, and discussions have unfolded since.
For Austin officials, the next big date on the agenda is February 15, when the city council is expected to be presented a more detailed report on prospective stadium sites. It is possible that the council will take action during that meeting, but City of Austin spokesperson David Green has emphasized that the city is still in the early stages of a much longer process. More from The Columbus Dispatch:
While there is likely to be more detailed analysis and outreach for each site, McKalla Place included, conducted between now and Feb. 15, Austin’s stadium identification process is a long way from complete.
“I think that there are some people out there that are under some sort of perception that on the 15th of February, the council is going to pick a site and that’s it, and that’s not what’s happening,” Green said. “There are still a ton of nuances and this is very early in the process.”
Crew SC will spend the 2018 MLS season at Columbus’s MAPFRE Stadium, its home since 1999. If the club does ultimately relocate, which is not a guarantee at this point, it remains to be seen when it would play its first season in Austin.
Rendering of Austin MLS stadium courtesy Precourt Sports Ventures.
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