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Group plans to replace Expo Center with arena, stadium

A small local group with a big vision and political backing has unveiled plans for a wide-ranging project called the East Austin District, highlighted by a large arena and a multi-purpose stadium.

Austin Sports & Entertainment, co-founded by former University of Texas swimming star Sean Foley and New England sports entrepreneur Andrew Nestor, partnered with Rodeo Austin, intends to work with the city of Austin and Travis County governments to replace the Travis County Expo Center with a 15,000-seat arena adjacent to a 40,000-seat open-air facility.

“We have private land and private money, and our goal is to build a world-class sports and entertainment hub in East Austin,” Nestor said.

The University of Houston opened 40,000-seat TDECU Stadium in 2014 for $128 million after it was originally budgeted at $105 million. The Austin facility could far exceed the cost of constructing TDECU Stadium. If the project breaks ground in 2018, it could be completed by 2021, Nestor said.

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