Austin FC and the Austin Soccer Community
AUSTIN, Texas — It took 15 months of uncertainty that embroiled soccer fans in two similar-yet-different cities, a protracted debate over whether to construct a stadium City of Austin land, and a recent sale of Columbus Crew SC operating rights to a new ownership group — but it all came to an apparently happy ending Tuesday, when Austin FC officially was announced as Major League Soccer’s 27th team.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Austin Mayor Steve Adler, and Austin FC Chairman/CEO Anthony Precourt will be at Rustic Tap on Tuesday at 3pm for a “legendary announcement.”
While the official word from the club doesn’t say what the announcement is about, I think we all know what this is about.
If you were not able to snag a spot for the announcement, there will be an Austin Anthem (Austin FC supporter’s group) after party (also at Rustic Tap) from 5pm to 9pm.
Austin FC announced today that they have appointed Andy Loughnane as president. He previously served as the Columbus Crew SC’s president of business operations.
“Some of the responsibilities he will be in charge of include overseeing supporter engagement, ticketing, sponsorships, marketing and communications, digital and social platforms, content creation, media distribution, merchandise, food and beverage, and stadium operations.
Plans for a Major League Soccer stadium in Austin were finalized in December. Precourt Sports Ventures and the City of Austin are set to break ground on the more than 20,000 seat capacity stadium in 2019.”
The Austin Business Journal selected Anthony Precourt as their person of the year for 2018.
“This is sure to be a controversial pick. But in bringing Major League Soccer to Austin, Anthony Precourt has opened debates on some urgent issues for this town, and ushered a huge deal through a City Hall known for slowing down even simple projects.”
Austin Business Journal: In bringing pro soccer to Austin, Anthony Precourt has won fans, angered critics, captured attention of city
Soccer Park and Stadium Construction to be Fully Funded by Precourt Sports Ventures
AUSTIN, Texas—Precourt Sports Ventures, LLC (“PSV”) and the City of Austin today announced that they have finalized their partnership
The city-owned 24-acre parcel of land, located at 10414 McKalla Place, has been vacant for over 25 years and will be transformed into a state-of-the-art park and stadium, which will be entirely funded by PSV, including all construction costs and operating expenses during the course of the club’s lease of the stadium from the City.
“Bringing major league sports to Austin will help bring all parts of our diverse city together, so today’s lease signing is very exciting for our community,” said Mayor Steve Adler. “The partnership between the team
“We are thrilled to have taken this significant step toward bringing Major League Soccer to Austin and building a world-class soccer park,” said Anthony Precourt, chairman of Precourt Sports Ventures. “We are extremely grateful to the City of Austin for allowing us to become a part of this wonderful community, and we are honored that through building this stadium we will be able to create jobs, provide a first-rate soccer and entertainment complex and bring a unifying platform for all of Austin to rally behind – all at no cost to the
The natural grass, open-air stadium will be a top destination for professional and local
Austin FC will not only provide a positive economic impact to the City, but also a substantial social impact as the club will invest in supporting youth soccer, nonprofit groups
“Austin is a thriving, dynamic and multi-cultural city, and we are very excited that the city and Precourt Sports Ventures have finalized their lease which will allow for the construction of a soccer stadium and for the launch of an MLS club in the capital of Texas,” said Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber. “The tremendous support from Austin’s passionate soccer fans, corporate community
MLS is determining if Austin FC will begin play in either 2020 or 2021.
“This agreement solidifies our partnership to bring MajorLeague Soccer to Austin,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo, who sponsored the resolutions to pursue this opportunity. “Along with a professional sports franchise, PSV will also bring youth soccer programs, discounted and free tickets, and numerous other community benefits that will enrich our city for years to come.”
On August 15, Austin City Council voted to negotiate and execute an agreement to build a privately funded soccer stadium and park at10414 McKalla Place in north Austin near The Domain.
In addition to revitalizing the underutilized site at no cost to the City, highlights and benefits of the redevelopment over the initial 20-year lease term (and any renewal terms) include: