The overview
UT Austin released a request for proposals for the arena and housing complex Dec. 10. The solicitation, issued through the university real estate nonprofit 2033 Higher Education Development Foundation, outlines the multi-use project on 4 acres of UT's Athletics and Entertainment District. That area, also called the Bluebonnet Hill District, is situated north of East Martin Luther King Boulevard between Robert Dedman Drive and I-35.
“It is important for us to be strategic about how we use our space and how our students and visitors engage with our campus,” UT President Jim Davis said in a statement. “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."
The details
The new arena will serve as the home for Longhorns women’s volleyball and have capacity for roughly 6,000 attendees, with flexibility to expand for other events like concerts as a complement to the Moody Center next door. UT described the student-athlete residences as a "best-in-class housing experience" that could also include ground-level retail space.
“This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes’ housing experience,” UT Athletics Director Chris Del Conte said. “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 project will be developed through a public-private partnership, with the university maintaining ownership of the facilities while a third party handles operations. UT's solicitation is aimed at developers with past experience building and operating similar arenas, housing and retail spaces, and can support "all or a substantial portion" of construction and operating costs.
Stay tuned
UT issued its RFP in December, weeks after the university system's board of regents authorized the process. Proposals for one or both facilities must be submitted by Feb. 6.
Development details like timelines and financing will be determined through further negotiations, and a final agreement would be subject to further approval by regents.
