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The University of Texas seeks private developers for multipurpose arena, student-athlete housing

by: Evan Vieth2 hours ago

In a press statement released this afternoon, the University of Texas at Austin has issued a request for proposal (RFP) in search of private developers to plan, construct and operate an arena set to house the Women’s Volleyball team and an adjacent student-athlete housing facility.

The University of Texas at Austin 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 and an adjacent student-athlete housing facility, with minimal financial outlay from the University. The project will encompass approximately 4 acres in the Athletics and Entertainment District of UT’s main campus, located north of East MLK Jr. Boulevard between Robert Dedman Drive and Interstate 35.  

The building will be located in the far southeastern corner of the University of Texas campus, adjacent to the Moody Center.

“It is important for us to be strategic about how we use our space and how our students and visitors engage with our campus,” said UT President Jim Davis. “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 new arena is expected to seat nearly 6,000 fans, a 50% increase of Gregory Gym, where the Volleyball team has used as its permanent home for the last 27 years. The arena will be multi-purpose, with plans to host events alongside Volleyball games.

Site Plan

“This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes’ housing experience,” said Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. “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 is seeking private developers with experience in developing and operating ‘best-in-class, multipurpose public arenas, student housing and retail facilities’, while also being financially flexible to ‘contribute all or a substantial portion of the cost to develop, build and operate the new facilities’.

The University of Texas would own both the arena and the student-athlete housing properties.

Rendered image of the Volleyball Arena

UT issued the RFP on Dec. 10 following authorization from the UT System Board of Regents last month. Developer proposals must be submitted by Feb. 6 for both the arena and student-athlete facilities.

Aerial Render


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