
Construction of the upcoming Austin FC stadium is making visible progress, as steel rises out of the ground at the project site.
Expansion Austin FC is slated to begin play as MLS’s 27th team in 2021, and is backed by Anthony Precourt‘s Two Oak Ventures. Home matches will be played at a privately financed $250 million stadium that is currently being constructed at McKalla Place in North Austin.
Ground was broken on the stadium in September, and construction crews have made steady progress over the months since. Steel is rising at the site, with a few key areas of the stadium–including the south supporters stand and the east side stands–gradually taking shape. While some major parts of the construction process, including the assembly of the stadium’s canopy structure, await in the months ahead, Austin FC officials are pleased with the progress that is being made at the construction site. More from the Austin American-Statesman:
“It’s a pretty rewarding emotion,” Austin FC president Andy Loughnane said. “Just in the last two weeks alone we’ve gone vertical quickly. I think the community is probably starting to become aware that this is real.”
On Tuesday, vice president of stadium operations Jordan Enke peered out from the future northeast concourse and painted a picture of what will be the first view for many fans entering the Major League Soccer franchise’s 20,500-seat stadium for the first time in spring 2021.
“It gives you chills,” he said.
Taking shape across the way was the south supporters stand, already being affectionately referred to as the “Grackles’ Nest,” that will be the epicenter of fan culture cultivated by Austin Anthem, as well as the east stands. Steel skeletons will be filled in with concrete beginning later this month.
Austin FC will be one of two expansion teams that begins play in 2021, joining a Charlotte club that was announced by MLS in December. Backed by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper, the Charlotte team will join the Panthers at a renovated Bank of America Stadium.
Construction photo, tweeted February 5, courtesy Austin FC.
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