There are two MLS teams in Texas already, but there's potential for a lot more. If only the circumstances weren't as controversial. Please remember: if this stadium goes forward, Columbus Crew will disappear.

It's been one of the hottest subjects in American club football over the past half a year. Ever since Anthony Precourt announced he wants to relocate Columbus Crew to Texas and rebrand the franchise, fans across MLS have been expressing their displeasure with such move.

Usually in American sports such threats are part of a power play with local authorities, pushing them to give more to the sports team. It was also partly true for Columbus, where Precourt got bored with the aging MAPFRE Stadium and asked for a new downtown venue or else he'd move to Austin.

While the entire strategy is regrettable, it seems the son of a billionaire is serious in his attempt to move the franchise to Texas. He's already been sued by the Ohio attorney general and city of Columbus, but still claims he'd like to build a new team as soon as possible and see them play at a purpose-built stadium in 2021.

Now we know where the stadium might be built and how it might, at least roughly, look. Designed by Gensler (in cooperation with CAA ICON and TBG), the new football-specific stadium in Austin would be built along McKalla Place, in a post-industrial area, north of the centre.

It's considered the most viable location throughout the metropolis, with 100,000 m² of space available, enough to fit a 20,000-seat stadium and 1,000 parking spaces, accompanied by public green areas. Within 20-minute walk there should be 10,000 parking spaces in total, while public transport options include light rail and bus.

© Gensler, TBG, CAA ICON

The renderings show preliminary concept, inspired by both the 'European model' and current trends in MLS stadium designs. It's thus no wonder that within the 20,118 seats there are 3,420 business seats (including 16 boxes, sideline seating, clubs, etc.) but also a single-tier supporter section for 3,772 people.

© Gensler, TBG, CAA ICON

The north and east stands would have lower tier based on land slope, while two remaining sides would have infrastructure from field level, reaching as many as 4 floors. Outside of its football use, the stadium would also be able to hold concerts. Open-air events outside the ground might hold 500 – 2,000 people, while inside configurations range between 5,000 and 20,000 spectators.

© Gensler, TBG, CAA ICON

The entirety is promised to cost no more than $200 million and would be funded entirely privately. Once delivered on public land, the stadium would be transferred to the municipality and leased by the tenant team. Whether this is indeed how the financial structure would look remains unclear and will depend on negotiations with the city of Austin, who have only received the 189-page bid from Precourt Sports Ventures.

Should planning go as planned from this summer, we might see such stadium built in 2021, following 16 months of design and up to 20 months of actual construction.

© Gensler, TBG, CAA ICON