Austin, Texas
October 9, 2023
Back in September of 2014, the University of Texas at Austin announced plans to replace the Frank Erwin Center. The aggressive plan included the construction of a new events center and a medical complex. It was expected to take 10 years to complete.
The Erwin Center was built in 1977 as a six-story multipurpose arena with 97,000-Sq ft with 17,000 about seats. Its primary purpose was to be the home of the UT Men’s Basketball team as well as host concerts and special events. Its round shape earned it the nickname of “The Drum”.
In my youth, I was lucky enough to enjoy many, many concerts there including AC/DC, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, KISS, and so many others. That’s back when concert tickets were $10 bucks. As a University of Texas student, I had the pleasure of seeing the men’s team play countless games. And as a student I endured the unique ritual of “Add’s and Drops”. Anyone remember that?
The “Drum” hosted just about every major event from 1977 to 2007 in the area and I’m sure I’m not the only one who might feel a sense of nostalgia by the news that it will be gone by in the end of 2024.
The site demolition begins by fencing off the area to protect the public. The process includes sorting debris, abatement of hazardous materials, site drainage, tree protection, utility removal and reconfiguration, etc. For the folks looking for a small piece of history, UT Surplus Property will be auctioning off lots of memorabilia from the center including stadium seats, signs, rugs, and even the nacho cheese warmers!
The good news is the replacement building is extremely worthy. The site will the future home of the Dell Medical School expansion and will be in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer center. Additionally, UT’s Moody Center now serves as the home of Texas Basketball, as well as arena tour concerts and other events. It is a state-of-the-art complex with exceptional amenities.
I’ve seen several events at the Moody center and am always amazed when I walk the campus of the University of Texas and see all the incredible additions and upgrades that have happened over the last 30 years.
Hook ‘em Horns!
Lance Lemanski (Texas Ex 1990)
Metalink Metals and Fence erects the construction fence barrier as one of the first phases in the demolition of the Frank Erwin Center in Austin Texas. September 2023
Metalink Metals and Fence completed cantilevered construction gates on the site of the Frank Erwin Center, Austin, Texas. September 2023
About Metalink: Metalink is a people-oriented company with a passion for providing quality, service, and value. We are a designer, manufacturer, supplier, and installer of quality miscellaneous metal products such as fencing, gates, handrails, carports and light structural. Although we got our start as a fence company, we have diversified our product offerings to include all types of miscellaneous commercial and residential metal fabrication. We are a certified vendor providing a wide range of custom metal fabrication via our in-house metal shop and powder coat operation with over 25 years of experience serving the Austin and Central Texas area, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner delivering quality products and service.