Another BIG Texas Stadium?

Soccer has gained a lot of steam in the US over the last 15 years. There are 60 professional soccer teams across MLS, NASL and USL, and two more cities will be granted franchises next year in MLS.  Austin is not currently one of those cities being considered, but they could potentially be the new home of the Columbus Crew, if they do indeed relocate. The city just got a great boost towards that effort with the release of a stadium design that would easily be the most celebrated soccer venue in the country, if it is ever built.  It is a soccer stadium inside a larger complex being dubbed the East Austin District that includes a rodeo and concert venue, an outdoor market, a theater, and youth athletic facilities all connected by public courtyards. The design is by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), and if you’re not familiar with who Bjarke Ingels is, we highly recommend watching Netflix’s Abstract: Art of Design episode on him.  His work is among the most inspiring and creative architecture being done.  

Of course, there are some major obstacles that will potentially keep his stunning design from coming to life.  If the Columbus Crew do not relocate, the city will have to make a push for another team to come or bid for the next round of expansion. Either way, they could go forward with building the stadium to be more attractive for both scenarios.  But, they still need investors, and if parkland or public money is used for the construction of this stadium, then the whole deal would be subject to a public vote.  If all of these things align, then America may finally have a soccer stadium the great game deserves and that can be held up to the European shrines.