Austin FC: Deal finalised for new MLS stadium | OneFootball

Precourt Sports Ventures, LLC and the City of Austin announced on Wednesday that a partnership between the two sides has been finalised.

As part of the partnership, a privately-funded €200m soccer park and 20,000-seat stadium will be built in North Austin, Texas.

According to a report from MLS, construction will start next year.  The stadium is set to be ready in the spring of 2021.

“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 Austin 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.”

“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 taxpayer.”

Just over a year ago, Precourt had announced plans to relocate the Columbus Crew to Austin.

However, thanks to a year-long effort and constant pressure from the City of Columbus and Crew supporters, Precourt was bought out by MLS and now the Crew will remain in Ohio, while Austin will be an expansion franchise.

Austin FC is set to take part in their first MLS season in either 2020 or 2021.