Horns hoops nets new arena, starring Mr. McConaughey

AUSTIN, Texas — The time is more than alright for ‘Horns hoops to have a new home.

In a groundbreaking agreement announced Thursday afternoon by The University of Texas, the Longhorns are building a state-of-the-art new basketball (and more) arena right on the Forty Acres known as the UT campus.

Slated to open in 2021, a group led by the Oak View Group (OVG) will build a world-class arena on campus that will be home to Texas Men’s and Women’s basketball games, graduations, concerts and other events.

Texas’ own Academy Award-winning and renowned ‘Horns fan Matthew McConaughey is a part of the project — and will garner the title “Minister of Culture” at the venue (you read that right).

The UT System Board of Regents on Thursday authorized UT Austin to complete negotiations and enter into agreement with OVG and its partners.

“It’s time to raise the bar. It’s time to excel, on the court and in the stands,” said McConaughey in a release from UT.

Along with the 1993 UT Austin graduate McConaughey, the 35-year agreement between UT and ArenaCo — which includes C3 Presents, Live Nation as well as OVG and the more than ‘alright, alright, alright, man himself — is expected to cost taxpayers a grand total of nothing.

That’s right, nothing.

On the heels of UT’s announcement this past fall for expansions and improvements of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, UT Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte is becoming quite a star around Austin.

Revisit UT's historic announcement for the $175M expansion slated to come to DKR.

If nobody has suggested a name yet, how about the Del Conte Dome?

“This is a truly wonderful opportunity for The University of Texas, our basketball programs and the City of Austin,” said Del Conte in the announcement. “We’re building one of the nation’s finest arenas that will provide an awesome home court advantage for our men’s and women’s basketball programs. The 10,000-seat facility will bring our fans and students close to the action and provide an exciting and engaging game day experience. On top of that, it will have the capacity to expand to 15,000 when needed and be a big-time concert venue that draws premier performers to our great city.”

As stadiums across the country cost cities millions upon billions of dollars, this unique and groundbreaking agreement for the $338 million venue will be constructed on land fully owned by UT without using any university or public money.

“UT’s historic agreement with this highly regarded company will result in a modern arena on campus for our students, alumni, supporters and the Austin community,” said UT Austin President Gregory L. Fenves said in the announcement. “The arena will provide for an unforgettable UT basketball experience and represent the best of our university.”

For those ready to replace the outdated Erwin Center, known fondly or not-so-fondly as The Drum, the brand new arena will be constructed on the current parking lot south of Mike A. Myers Stadium.

See some of OVG's current facilities and partners.

Along with the announcement of the new digs, UT also said that the Erwin Center is now slated for eventual demolition. The 41-year-old Frank C. Erwin Center’s fall will give rise to a future expansion of the Dell Medical School, and UT may be responsible for certain infrastructure improvements near the site to make it ready for construction.

“What a great day for the future of Texas Basketball,” Texas Men’s Basketball coach Shaka Smart said right after the announcement. “Everyone in our program is extremely excited to see things move forward with today’s announcement. I want to thank President Fenves and Chris Del Conte for their leadership and vision on this project. We all want to give our players a true home court advantage for every home game. For our students and fans, this new arena will create a completely new and improved game day experience. This is a major step forward for our program.”

Added Women’s Basketball coach Karen Aston of the amazing new agreement, “We are thrilled that our Women’s Basketball program soon will have a new home. We all will feel an enormous amount of excitement playing in an arena that is closer to the center of campus and our students and faculty. I want to thank President Fenves and Chris Del Conte for their leadership. We have all the trust in our administration in forming a plan that we know will put the student-athletes and fans first. I appreciate all those who are making this possible.”

According to Texas, the 10,000-seat arena will feature student seating surrounding the court and will also be utilized location for university, campus, community and high school events. Additionally, the new arena is designed to expand to 15,000 seats and will provide a world-class venue for touring concerts and shows.

“It’s time for an authentic home court advantage for our Longhorn basketball teams,” added McConaughey in the announcement. “It’s time for a choice experience for our fans. It’s time to be a preferred venue for headliners from across the globe. It’s time for quality, success, and victories for the Longhorns and for Austin. It’s time for the big show. It’s time. Hook ’em.”