Texas reveals plans for new volleyball arena, athlete housing

Nearly two years ago, Texas Longhorns athletics director Chris Del Conte teased the potential for a “mini-Moody” with a capacity of 5,000 to 6,000 to allow the volleyball program to move out of Gregory Gymnasium, the venerable building built in 1930.

On Wednesday, the school revealed a request for proposal as Del Conte tries to build the new multipurpose arena with minimal outlay from the university, reprising the game plan for the Moody Center, which constructed and operated through a partnership between the university, Oak View Group, Live Nation/C3 Presents, and Matthew McConaughey as Texas managed to avoid the $375 million price tag for the facility, which hosts men’s and women’s basketball games.

Del Conte is looking for a similar partnership to plan, design, construct, equip, finance, and operate the public arena and an adjacent housing facility for athletes on a four-acre parcel of land next to the Moody Center north of East MLK Jr. Boulevard between Robert Dedman Drive and Interstate 35.

One of the few relatively undeveloped areas left, the planned site for the arena and housing is also conveniently located next to the new football facility under construction across Robert Dedman Dr. that will also have an underground parking garage with 500 spaces.

“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. “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.”

The plan is for 6,000 seats at the multipurpose arena with the ability to expand seating for concerts, shows, and university events, hence the “mini-Moody” moniker.

The housing facility could also offer retail opportunities on the ground level to encourage investment.

“This is a critical step for the future of Texas volleyball and our student-athletes’ housing experience,” said Del Conte. “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.”