By JIM VERTUNO, AP Sports Writer, and staff
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Council has voted to move ahead with a plan for a new, privately funded stadium on city land sought by the owner of the Columbus Crew for a move to Texas.
Crew owner Anthony Precourt has been courting Austin for a potential move since late 2017 and has sought a deal to build a 20,000-seat stadium on 24 acres of city property in time for the 2021 MLS season.
Ohio officials have sued to try to block the move and Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther vowed to maintain the city’s opposition.
“Clearly, the decision to move Crew SC to Austin was made long before today’s vote in Texas, with no consideration to the history of the team or the integrity of soccer in the U.S. We believe MLS and PSV have a responsibility to our fans – and to every resident in Columbus — to keep Columbus Crew SC in its home. We will continue our fight to keep the Crew where it belongs – in Columbus.” -Mayor Andrew Ginther
Crew fan groups have also rallied in hopes of keeping their team in Ohio.
The 7-4 council vote Wednesday allows city staff to “negotiate and execute” a stadium plan with Precourt Sports Ventures. It was seen as the crucial vote in moving the team.
Precourt bought the Crew in 2013, and a move would uproot a bedrock MLS franchise.
Austin is the largest metropolitan area in the country without a major league sports franchise.