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.
