AUSTIN - Expo Center Stadium & Arena (40,000 + 15,000)

A small local group with a big vision and political backing has unveiled plans for a wide-ranging project called the East Austin District, highlighted by a large arena and a multipurpose stadium.

Austin Sports & Entertainment, co-founded by former University of Texas swimming star Sean Foley and New England sports entrepreneur Andrew Nestor, partnering with Rodeo Austin, intends to work with the city of Austin and Travis County governments to replace the Travis County Exposition Center with a 15,000-seat arena adjacent to a 40,000-seat open-air facility.

The complex, designed to include office space, a convention area, medical facilities, retail and eight courtyards, could house a wide variety of sports events, concerts, trade shows and festivals.

“We have private land and private money, and our goal is to build a world-class sports and entertainment hub in East Austin,” Nestor said.

“We feel comfortable we can raise the money,” said Foley, who estimates as many as 5,000 jobs could be created, including temporary construction and full-time on-site employment.

He said investors already have been lined up.

Several city and county politicians interviewed by the Statesman voiced support for the plan.

Austin City Council Member Ora Houston, whose District 1 includes the Expo Center, said she is fully on board.

“When I saw the visual picture of what they wanted, I was so excited,” she said. “The opportunities for sports, music, area youth, health entities could be a generational kind of thing. This would repurpose, renew and refresh an area that needs it.”

Houston said the venues could fill the void for major concerts after the Erwin Center is torn down.

Houston also would consider supporting a Major League Soccer team in a new East Austin stadium.
Nestor said building the stadium is not dependent on luring an MLS team, although he acknowledged it would make sense.

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