Austin Finalizes Deal for New MLS Stadium

Officials in Austin, Texas, have finalized a partnership for a new 20,000-seat stadium for the eventual Major League Soccer club Austin FC.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Officials in Austin, Texas, have finalized a partnership for a new 20,000-seat stadium for the eventual Major League Soccer club Austin FC.

The deal with PreCourt Sports Ventures will build a $225 million privately funded stadium on city land. It would be open spring 2021 when Austin FC is expected to start playing.

It's official -- the lease has been signed. #GrowTheLegend #MLS2ATX #AustinFC https://t.co/HmfFDwo0MC pic.twitter.com/c6OSH4PzrV

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) December 19, 2018

The stadium project was born out of Columbus Crew owner Anthony Precourt's efforts to relocate the franchise to Austin. That plan drew fierce resistance from Crew fans as well as local and state officials in Ohio. The Crew is expected to stay in Columbus under a new ownership group led by Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam.

The Austin venue will be an open-air facility with a natural grass playing field built on land that has been vacant for 25 years.

“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, the league and the city is a great deal for Austin. I can’t wait for us to celebrate our first MLS championship.”

Austin FC would be the first major league professional franchise in the Texas capital.