Austin FC has signed a multiyear deal with St. David’s Healthcare, making the Texas-based hospital system the first founding corporate partner of the MLS expansion club. Per the terms of the deal, St. David’s Healthcare will have the naming rights for the team’s training and medical-care facility, as well as have its branding on the front of the official training jersey worn by the team. St. David’s will be the official healthcare partner of the team and will also provide healthcare services at all of the team’s home matches and events. The team, which was granted earlier this year and is owned by former Crew Owner Anthony Precourt, is aiming to begin play in MLS in ’21 at a new stadium that is to be built at McKalla Place in Austin. The location of its training facility has not yet been announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed (Ian Thomas, THE DAILY).
STADIUM CLOSER TO REALITY: In Austin, Daniel Salazar reported the Austin Planning Commission has "recommended approval of a rezoning" for Austin FC's planned stadium at McKalla Place. The rezoning case will be heard by the Austin City Council on June 6. Should that discussion go well, the issue "could be up for final approval during the following Council meeting on June 20." City documents show the stadium's height "would be limited to 130 feet -- with impervious cover capped" at 85% (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/20).
