Texas AD: ‘No added value’ in MLS team at stadiums

If Columbus Crew SC is to play the 2019 season in Austin, it will be at a temporary facility.

Two stadiums at the University of Texas — Mike A. Myers Stadium and Royal-Memorial Stadium — fit the parameters for size, location and accessibility, but UT athletic director Chris Del Conte said Thursday that the school has not been approached by either Precourt Sports Ventures or Major League Soccer about the Crew playing at either venue.

As for the idea, Del Conte said at first blush it may not make sense for Texas.

“There’s no added value there,” Del Conte said. “Our facilities are for the University of Texas. There’s no added value of having someone else use those. There’s added value to the community, but there’s no added value for the University of Texas. There’s wear and tear.”

The Longhorns women’s soccer team plays its home games at Myers Stadium, which contains a grass playing surface and seating for about 20,000 fans. It’s also used by the track and field teams and for events such as this week’s Texas Relays and the UIL state track and field championships. The MLS season lasts from March until the fall.

“Myers probably is not a field you could use,” Del Conte said. “There’s too many things going on there. It’s not practical for that particular space. Obviously the football stadium is FieldTurf, which is a completely different surface.”