Austin FC soccer stadium on time with construction

Structures are taking shape at the site of the Austin FC soccer stadium in North Austin, and it will not be long before the steel and concrete resembles a stadium.

“We’re on time right now, which I think is a testament to the 450 people that are out here every day, and specifically with the demand of the Austin [construction] market,” said Jordan Enke, vice president of stadium operations for Austin FC. “The nice thing about working in sports is it has an appeal to it. While it is difficult, and this is a complex project, in talking to all the people who are out here [working], they’re excited to be a part of this.”

At the site of the stadium at 10414 McKalla Place, Austin, off Burnet Road, crews are now erecting the stands and structure for the canopy that will cover the stands.

At a Feb. 4 construction update for media, Austin FC President Andy Loughnane pointed to the south end where the supporters section is underway.

“That’s the pulse of the stadium, the chanting, the singing, the flag-waving—3,500 or so supporters,” he said.

Austin FC, the city’s Major League Soccer team, broke ground on the 20,500-seat stadium in September. The stadium is slated to be finished in spring 2021 for the team’s first season.

Crews are working six days a week, and this summer, residents will see construction hit a major milestone.

"Our largest milestone that will be most recognizable and iconic is the completion of our roof canopy. That will happen in our July timeframe,” Enke said. “That will also give us a good idea of when we can schedule our first match here.”

Enke is also overseeing design and construction of the Austin FC training facility that will be built at the new Parmer Austin mixed-use development in Northeast Austin. He said the two projects will wrap up at the same time.