(Texas Scorecard) – The University of Texas at Austin has announced plans to build a new arena for its volleyball team along with new housing for student athletes.
According to the Wednesday announcement, the university “has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to seek private developer(s) to plan, design, construct, equip, finance and operate a small multipurpose public arena to serve as the competition home for the Longhorns’ four-time National Champion Women’s Volleyball [team] and an adjacent student-athlete housing facility.”
The announcement states that this project will require “minimal financial outlay from the University.” The phrase “minimum financial outlay” was not defined.
The proposed arena will be across the street from the Moody Center, which houses the university’s men’s and women’s basketball programs and opened in 2022. The area in question is currently a parking lot.
The proposed arena will seat approximately 6,000 spectators. Texas Volleyball currently plays home matches at Gregory Gym, with a seating capacity of approximately 4,000.
Demand for seats at Gregory Gym has exploded following Texas Volleyball’s unprecedented recent success. Texas Volleyball won back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023 and is in the final four of the current season.
University of Texas System regents discussed this project during executive session at their most recent meeting, but did not make public comment.
“We are excited to find developers to bring these projects to fruition as they will create 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,” athletic director Chris del Conte stated in his weekly update.
UT-Austin is a component institution of the University of Texas system. It is overseen by a board of regents that is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate. Kevin Eltife is the current board chairman.