GENSLER

New Renderings of the Austin FC Stadium (June 2019)

June 10, 2019 by Shawn Collins

Austin FC has released updated stadium renderings and they are dazzling and cool (there will be 100% roof coverage for fan comfort).

The stadium is expected to break ground in September 2019 at McKalla Place.

Check out these updated renderings of our new 🏠 #AustinFC pic.twitter.com/VPQHtVB2HQ

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) June 10, 2019

Austin Commercial is the construction manager, Gensler is the lead architect, and CAA ICON is the project manager and representative for PSV for the 100%-privately financed 20,500-seat soccer park and stadium.

Get more details and see more renderings of the Austin FC stadium on the Austin FC Facebook page.

Recap of Austin FC Meet & Greet with Andy Loughnane and Jonathan Emmett

April 28, 2019 by Shawn Collins

The Austin FC April Meet and Greet took place April 24 at Jack & Ginger’s in the Domain.

Austin FC President Andy Loughnane and Jonathan Emmett, Principal Design Director from Gensler (the lead architect for the Austin FC stadium), were there to answer questions about the upcoming Austin FC stadium.

Here are some summary Tweets from Austin FC on Twitter…

First question is about designing the supporters section of the future stadium. Emmett talks about the importance of the collaboration between the team and the community to build a sense of belonging among the fans. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: What's being done to keep the sound in the stadium? Emmett: You want to keep the sound in, but also balance it with climate issues (that Texas heat!). One of the key elements of that will be the roof canopy. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: What transportation infrastructure improvements will be ready by kickoff? Emmett: It's critical that we design a site that can work for people even if the improvements aren't ready. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: Can you elaborate on the features outside of the stadium? Emmett: We're creating a park-like environment. It's not just a game day space. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Emmett: We're trying to make sure this is a green space. This is part of the DNA of the city. This will not be a successful place if it does not have that feel. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: Are there any plans to add extras to the supporters section? Emmett: Right now it's a blank canvas. Every group wants something unique. These are the conversations we want to engage in to build them into the design from day one. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: What is being done in the stadium to incorporate our youth and youth soccer programs? Loughnane: Roughly 17k seats will be dedicated to family opportunity. We want kids to be able to high five players and be part of the process. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q from @ChrisBils: When will we see new renderings of the stadium? Emmett: Within the next month or two new renderings will come out. The design has been very consistent since day one. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Second q from @ChrisBils: What will be done to address homophobic chants sometimes heard during soccer games? Loughnane: There is zero flexibility. @MLS has a code of conduct for supporters. Offensive chants will not be tolerated. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: How quickly can we load 3k supporters from Braker Lane to the stadium's supporters section? Emmett: The lack of parking onsite is a benefit to avoid congestion in the immediate area. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: A lot of stadiums have issues with wifi & cell phone connectivity. What measures are being taken to ensure Austin stays connected? Emmett: Sharing the game day experience is hugely important. When the stadium is opened, this needs to be seamless. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: Will there be a formal process to give input on the stadium? Loughnane: The team is open to establishing a process that allows us to hear those voices. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: Will there a public outdoor bar space? Emmett: We are looking at various spaces to create that environment. We need to find a balance between having people in their seats and enjoying other areas of the stadium. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: How will technology be applied to the stadium? Loughnane: We want to think of a frictionless experience. It's more common to have a paperless environment. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Emmett: The best technology is the technology you don't even know is there. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: What will be different about the #AustinFC stadium from other @MLS stadiums? Emmett: You.

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Emmett: We're trying to stay away from the gimmicks in a big way. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: Where will the queso fountain be? Emmett: In @andyloughnane's suite. #AustinFC 😉

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: Do you anticipate any delays in the stadium process? Emmett: No. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Q: Will solar be implemented in the stadium design? Emmett: Solar tends to be very visible. We're going through an evaluation on whether it is a worthwhile aspect of the project. #AustinFC

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2019

Follow Austin FC on Twitter @AustinFC to stay up to date on the latest news for the club.

Meet & Greet with Austin FC President Andy Loughnane and Jonathan Emmett from Gensler

April 20, 2019 by Shawn Collins

The Austin FC April Meet and Greet is taking place Wednesday, April 24 at Jack & Ginger’s (11500 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, Texas 78758) in the Domain.

Austin FC President Andy Loughnane and Jonathan Emmett, Principal Design Director from Gensler (the lead architect for the Austin FC stadium), will be there for the Meet and Greet.

The Meet and Greet is starting at 7:30 PM. RSVP and receive a complimentary drink.

Austin FC Stadium Construction Manager and Design Team Announced

March 25, 2019 by Shawn Collins

Precourt Sports Ventures (PSV), the investor-operator of Austin FC, has selected their construction manager and design partners for their 100%-privately financed 20,500-seat soccer park and stadium.

The Austin FC stadium is set to break ground in mid-September at McKalla Place.

Austin Commercial has been named as the construction manager, Gensler is the lead architect, and CAA ICON is the project manager and representative for PSV.

PSV has committed to privately funding the Austin FC stadium, which is now estimated to cost $240 million, as well as building a training facility, which brings PSV’s total investment in Austin, including the value of the team, to over $475 million.

Additionally, PSV will fulfill numerous community benefit pledges related to affordable housing, equity, and youth health/wellness.

PSV will also build and refurbish soccer fields in the area, and increase access to soccer programs, particularly for underserved communities.

Here are details on the companies working on the Austin FC stadium.

Austin Commercial
Austin Commercial is a subsidiary of employee-owned, Austin Industries. Founded in 1918 and employing more than 6,000 employee-owners, Austin Industries is one of the nation’s largest, most diversified construction companies. Austin Commercial serves customers in advanced technology, aviation, corporate build-to-suit, industrial and manufacturing, interiors, health care, hospitality, office and high-rise, public/institutional, retail, sports and university market segments.

GENSLER
Gensler is a global architecture, design and planning firm with 48 locations and more than 5,000 professionals networked across Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and the Americas. Founded in 1965, the firm serves more than 3,500 active clients in virtually every industry. The Gensler Sports + Convention Centers practice is committed to creating unparalleled game day experiences through collaborative venue design and placemaking. Notable projects include the new home of the Golden State Warriors, Chase Center, the MLS gamechanger, LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium, as well as the reinvention of Hohokam Field and the Lew Wolff Training Complex in Mesa, Arizona for the Oakland A’s.

CAA ICON
A division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), CAA ICON is the worlds-leading owners’ representative and strategic management consulting firm for public and private sports and entertainment facility owners/operators, professional franchises and leagues. With more than 50 sports, entertainment and public assembly projects and over 1,000 consulting engagements, CAA ICON has managed the development of many of the most successful venues around the world, including 11 professional sports leagues totaling nearly $20 billion. CAA ICON offers world-class service in the areas of project management, strategic advisory, feasibility and planning and beyond.