By FRANCO PANIZO
San Antonio is not the only city in Texas with reported MLS aspirations.
According to a report from the Austin Chronicle, a local project group that may include Austin Aztex founder David Markley is ramping up efforts to build a soccer-specific stadium and bring an MLS expansion team to the city. The plans include spending $100 million for a stadium, $100 million for entrance into MLS and $30 million for a possible retractable roof on the stadium to enable indoor events.
The recent activity began when a group led by local Michael Wilt incorporated Austin FC, LLC on Wednesday. Wilt has been making contacts, including several City Council members, but has vowed that he will not be asking for any public funding from the city.
Markley did not comment about what his USL Premier Development League team is working towards, but stated that it is currently trying to finalize a “very beneficial development.”
A study is expected to help identify potential stakeholders, the economic feasibility of an MLS team in Austin, and potential stadium sites that take into account traffic impact and more.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who visited San Antonio recently to talk about the prospects of that city landing an MLS franchise, briefly mentioned Austin as a candidate for expansion during his State of the League address in December.
Currently, the only MLS teams in Texas are the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas.
—–
Would you like to see Austin land an MLS team? Prefer San Antonio get one instead? Think there is enough room for both of them?
Share your thoughts below.