AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas officials, with the help of Minister of Culture, Matthew McConaughey, officially broke ground on the new Moody Center on the UT campus. 

The site is just south of the Myers Stadium and Soccer Field, and southeast of Darrell K. Royal Stadium. 

It is set to replace the 42-year-old Frank Erwin Center, which will allow for the expansion of the Dell Medical School. The new arena will have 15,000 seats and aims to not only elevate the UT Basketball experience, but also be a world-class concert venue. 

Addressing the crowd at the ceremony, McConaughey spoke about how he hopes the Moody Center will add to not just the UT campus, but the City of Austin. 

“Together let’s create and grow a classic establishment that grows older with grace. Let’s make the Moody Center a very formidable home for UT basketball teams. Let’s make the place that every Austinite and Longhorn respects and is proud to call home," said McConaughey. "With our help and support let’s make this a place where we make damn sure we celebrate a hell of a lot more Longhorn victories.” 

The Moody Center is scheduled to open in 2022. ​​