AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday revealed plans for a new student-athlete housing facility and multipurpose arena that would serve as home to the school’s women’s volleyball team.
The university issued a request for proposal to find private developers to build and operate the facilities, with “minimal financial outlay from the University,” according to a press release. UT would own the facilities and an outside entity would operate them.
The arena, dubbed Bluebonnet Hill Arena, would seat approximately 6,000 people and be located north of East MLK Jr. Boulevard between Robert Dedman Drive and Interstate 35, just south of the Moody Center.
As with the Moody Center, home of Texas’ basketball programs, the new arena could also be used to accommodate concerts, shows and other smaller scale events.
The student-athlete housing facility is “envisioned to provide a best-in-class housing experience for the University’s student-athletes that reflects UT’s commitment to recruiting and developing premier talent,” according to the release.
Both facilities would encompass approximately 4 acres in the Athletics and Entertainment District of UT’s main campus.
“This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes’ housing experience,” said UT Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. “It is about creating an experience that our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans will be proud of in the heart of a district built for elite talent and entertainment.”
Developers have until Feb. 6, 2026 to submit proposals for both or each facility.