COTA to build USL Soccer stadium, host team

Circuit of The Amercas is expanding its events portfolio beyond motorsports and music festivals by doing a deal with the United Soccer League. A new stadium will be built on the COTA property to serve as the home of the Austin team of the Division II league. COTA Chairman Bobby Epstein will lead the organization after taking majority ownership in the club.

"The USL's return to Austin is a major moment for the league as it continues to lead the growth of professional soccer across the country," said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. "We could not be happier to be doing so with Bobby Epstein as the new leader of the organization's ownership group. His work alongside the league's leadership over the past two years to ensure professional soccer's long-term stability in an outstanding city with a passionate fanbase has been exceptional, and we are delighted that this day has arrived.

"Bobby was named as one of the most influential people in Formula 1 racing in 2016 by Paddock Magazine, a sign of the high regard he is held by his peers in sport that encompasses the world. He is another outstanding addition to the strong ownership groups that have helped drive the USL toward its goal of being viewed in the same light as the English Championship, Liga Adalante and 2. Bundesliga."

Epstein told the Austin American-Statesman that the new arena puts soccer in Austin, which has been without a USL soccer team for three years, on a competitive level. "For the first time, we'll have our own intimate, purpose-built stadium, an international-size field, no football lines, no track," he said. "We'll get fans close to the action, have a true home field and allow players to play the game the way it is intended."

The Statesman reports that the stadium will be located between the Austin 360 Amphitheater and the circuit's grand plaza, and will be an expansion of COTA's the FC Barcelona training academy scheduled to open this month.