The University of Texas at Austin has issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking a private developer to plan, design, construct, equip, finance and operate a new small multipurpose public arena.
UT said the arena will serve as the competition home for the Longhorns’ four-time National Champion Women’s Volleyball team, while an adjacent student-athlete housing facility will also be built, with minimal financial outlay from the University.
The project will encompass approximately four acres in the Athletics and Entertainment District of UT’s main campus.
The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university in Austin, Texas (US), founded in 1883. The University of Texas was included in the Association of American Universities in 1929. The institution is composed of over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students and over 24,000 faculty and staff.
UT President Jim Davis said, “It is important for us to be strategic about how we use our space and how our students and visitors engage with our campus.
“This is a unique development that will enhance the University’s athletics facilities and housing portfolio and benefit students, Longhorn fans and our city for years to come. I am grateful to our Board of Regents for their support for our vision.”
The arena aims to seat approximately 6,000 fans, with the flexibility to expand seating for concerts, shows and University events that complement the adjacent Moody Center.
The 15,000-capacity Moody Center is a multipurpose arena on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas. The arena serves as the replacement to the Frank Erwin Center and was built on a former parking lot located immediately South of Mike A. Myers Soccer Stadium.
UT further stated that the student-athlete housing facility is envisioned to provide a best-in-class housing experience for the University’s student-athletes that reflects UT’s commitment to recruiting and developing premier talent.
Additionally, it could provide ground-level retail opportunities that will enhance the campus, community, and visitors’ experience.
Athletics Director Chris Del Conte said, “This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes’ housing experience.
“It is about creating an experience that our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans will be proud of in the heart of a district built for elite talent and entertainment.”
The RFP seeks private developers who have successfully developed and operated best-in-class, multipurpose public arenas, student housing and retail facilities, and who have the financial capability to contribute all or a substantial portion of the cost to develop, build and operate the new facilities.
Under the proposed public-private collaboration, UT would own both the arena and student-athlete housing properties, and an outside entity would operate them.
The 2033 Higher Education Development Foundation will lead the RFP process, and developer(s) will have the option to submit proposals for both or each facility by February 6.
The specific timeline and financial arrangement between the University and developer(s) will be determined through negotiations before any agreement is reached.
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