There are now more details surrounding proposed Austin MLS stadium plans, as Columbus Crew SC continues to eye a move to the city.
Austin and Precourt Sports Ventures have been exploring the city-owned McKalla Place as the potential site of a new stadium. Crew SC investor-operator Anthony Precourt would privately finance a $200 million facility in exchange for use of the land. The 24-acre site in North Austin would be developed through a project that calls for the stadium occupy nine acres, with the remaining land featuring parking, trails, an outdoor performance space, and other amenities. The Crew would relocate to Austin in time for the 2019 MLS season, marking the beginning of a two-year stay at a temporary home in the area until the new stadium opens in 2021.
The city and PSV will have to work to pin down details on several aspects of the project, including potential infrastructure upgrades to the site. However, a city report predicted a strong economic impact from the stadium and determined that McKalla Place is a viable site. More from The Austin American-Statesman:
The city report said a stadium could generate $474 million in economic activity for Travis County over 20 years.
“Overall, staff’s assessment indicates that McKalla Place is a suitable site for a Major League Soccer stadium,” the report stated. “There is current compliant zoning, sufficient utility capacity, and daily on-site trips would be low.”
With few exceptions, the report provided fuel to those who say the project can work.
“We don’t see a lot of obstacles,” [PSV president Dave] Greeley said. “The report mentioned the height of the stadium as an issue that would require zoning approval, but that can be worked out. The results lend themselves to the partnership we want to form with the city.”
This information comes in advance of what will be a critical few weeks for stadium discussions. PSV is still working to relocate the Crew in time for the 2019 season, but wants to secure an agreement with the Austin City Council this month, before the council goes on a summer break that lasts until August 9. It was publicly announced last October that the Crew was exploring a move to Austin, but no final decisions have been made about the club’s future.
Rendering courtesy Gensler Sports Practice.
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