The Texas Longhorns will open a new basketball arena and entertainment facility in 2021, and the university has dubbed Matthew McConaughey as the venue's “Minister of Culture." According to the school, the Academy Award-winning actor from the Class of '93 will help "create a fan experience unlike any other," though the specific duties of the "Minister of Culture" were not detailed.
“It’s time to raise the bar. It’s time to excel, on the court and in the stands. It’s time for an authentic home court advantage for our Longhorn basketball teams. It’s time for a choice experience for our fans. It’s time to be a preferred venue for headliners from across the globe. It’s time for quality, success, and victories for the Longhorns and for Austin. It’s time for the big show. It’s time. Hook ’em,” said McConaughey in a press release.
The University of Texas is building the $338 million venue in partnership with ArenaCo, a corporation in which McConaughey and concert promoter Live Nation are invested. According to USA Today, the on-campus arena will have a capacity of 10,000 for men's and women's basketball games, but it will be capable of expanding to 15,000 seats for touring concerts and shows.
The Longhorns men's basketball team is currently 7-3 for the season, as they prepare to kickoff Big-12 play against Kansas State on January 2nd.