Stories by Jimmy Maas
Erwin Center's replacement is on track to open next spring. The new arena is already booking shows.
In about a year, Austin’s newest arena, Moody Center, will open on the UT Austin campus. The arena is a $338 million public-private project that will eventually replace the Frank Erwin Center. But unlike its predecessor, it will be managed…
Music & Entertainment • By Jimmy Maas • Apr 29, 2021
Safety concerns grow in Austin as the first day of the Texas legislative session dawns
Today is the opening day of the Texas legislative session. And after last week’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, security is a much bigger concern than it has been in recent memory. Lawmakers are having to consider what was unimaginable…
Texas State Legislature • By Jimmy Maas • Jan 12, 2021
Austin construction workers to receive thousands of donated masks
Thousands of masks are on their way to construction workers in the Austin area. The 100,000 masks were donated Monday by the Austin Emergency Supply Foundation, a new nonprofit composed of business leaders with specific medical supply and logistics expertise.…
Austin • By Jimmy Maas • May 19, 2020
Rodeo Austin, Luck Reunion are the latest events called off in Austin over coronavirus concerns
Rodeo Austin and Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion will not be held this spring. Organizers received word from Travis County officials Thursday that the public health risk was too great. There will also be no fans at Austin sporting events for…
Travis County • By Jimmy Maas • Mar 13, 2020
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Austin and Travis County voters will decide the future of hotel tax revenue: Here's what that means
Expansion of the Austin Convention Center and the Travis County Expo Center could be on the line with two local ballot propositions this November. At the center of those two propositions is tax revenue from hotel stays – and how…
Bonds & Propositions • By Jimmy Maas • Nov 1, 2019
Austin City Council vote brings new management to Butler golf course after 70 years under one family
The Austin City Council voted 8-3 on Thursday to lease Butler Pitch and Putt golf course to Pecan Grove Partners, marking the end of an era for the Kinser family, who have run the course since construction began in the…
Parks • By Jimmy Maas • Jun 21, 2019
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Lifeguard shortage forces Austin to stagger openings of city pools
With the opening of the Walnut Creek and Mabel Davis pools over the weekend, all municipal pools in Austin are up and running for the summer. The city says it’s waiting until smaller neighborhood pools are properly staffed before opening…
Parks • By Jimmy Maas • May 28, 2019
Paperwork could cost Circuit of the Americas $20 million for last year's F1 race
The Circuit of the Americas could be out as much as $20 million in incentives from the governor’s office. The office informed COTA officials they missed a critical filing date for a human trafficking prevention plan in advance of the…
Music & Entertainment • By Jimmy Maas • Feb 21, 2019
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Major League Soccer and Precourt Sports sign lease for stadium site in North Austin
Precourt Sports Ventures signed a lease with the city of Austin today for 24 acres in North Austin to build a Major League Soccer stadium. “Bringing major league sports to Austin will help bring all parts of our diverse city…
Music & Entertainment • By Jimmy Maas • Dec 20, 2018
Austin's bid is in for Amazon's second headquarters
Austin is officially in the race for perhaps the biggest corporate prize ever. “This afternoon, we formally submitted the Austin-region bid for Amazon HQ2,” Mike Berman, senior vice president at the Austin Chamber of Commerce, said. Austin Texas Region Bid…
Austin • By Jimmy Maas • Oct 19, 2017
Travis County seeks new way to appoint attorneys for poor defendants
Travis County is considering revamping its system to assign court-appointed attorneys. For years, its system was a model for defending the poor. But now, judges and staff are looking west for a new model to adapt to the county’s needs,…
Local Government • By Jimmy Maas • Apr 17, 2014
Travis Commissioners again delay decision on condo project
Developers of a proposed condominium project on Lake Travis — and those who oppose it — are still waiting for a decision from Travis County Commissioners. For the second week in a row, commissioners heard from neighbors and developers, but…
