University of Texas to Build New Multipurpose Arena for Volleyball & Other Sports

Rendering courtesy of the University of Texas Athletics

The University of Texas has recently announced plans to construct a new multipurpose public arena that will ultimately become the home of the Longhorns four-time National Championship women’s volleyball program. Also on tap to be constructed is an adjacent student-athlete housing complex.

Built on the former site of Frank Erwin Center, the Longhorns old basketball venue, the four-acre site aims to seat approximately 6,000 fans, but be able to add additional seating for concerts, shows, and University of Texas events. Adjacent to Moody Center, the Longhorns current basketball arena, the new volleyball venue will ultimately replace the existing Gregory Gymnasium.

“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 in a news release. “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.”

While no timetable for construction or completion is currently available, UT sent a request for proposal (RFP) during the week of December 8th, looking for private developers to plan, design, construct, equip, finance, and operate the new facility. According to the wording of the RFP, UT would own the arena and student-athlete housing properties, while the outside partner would operate them.

“This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes' housing experience,” said Athletics Director Chris Del Conte in the same news release. “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 University of Texas Longhorns Women’s Volleyball team is currently in the middle of the NCAA playoffs, and are a strong contender for the National Championship again this season.

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