Overview
- The university issued an RFP to plan, finance, build and operate a multipurpose arena and adjacent student‑athlete housing on a roughly four‑acre site near East MLK Boulevard and I‑35, just south of Moody Center.
- The proposed venue targets approximately 6,000 seats with flexibility to expand for concerts, shows and university events.
- Under the framework outlined, UT would own the arena and housing while an outside entity operates them, echoing the Moody Center approach that minimized university capital outlay.
- Texas volleyball coach Jerritt Elliott said Thursday he does not anticipate an opening before the 2029 season, cautioning that construction timelines can change.
- The housing component could include ground‑level retail, and the site sits across from the new football facility now under construction, which will feature an underground garage with 500 spaces.