AUSTIN — Austin FC announced Thursday they have appointed Andy Loughnane as president.
Loughnane previously served as the Columbus Crew SC's president of business operations.
Some of the responsibilities he will be in charge of include overseeing supporter engagement, ticketing, sponsorships, marketing and communications, digital and social platforms, content creation, media distribution, merchandise, food and beverage and stadium operations.
Loughnane said the job is a once in a lifetime opportunity, especially since it is in Austin.
“Our league is on an incredible trajectory, and based on some of the marketplace dynamics, the fact that there is no other major league team here, based on the demographics of the market, exceptionally multicultural, very tech-savvy, very millennial, these are historically very good ingredients for a successful major league soccer market," Loughnane said.
Plans for a Major League Soccer stadium in Austin were finalized in December. Precourt Sports Ventures and the City of Austin are set to break ground on the more than 20,000 seat capacity stadium in 2019.
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“Andy’s long track record of success in the sports and entertainment industry, and his instrumental leadership of Columbus Crew SC, make him the ideal leader to serve as president of Austin FC,” said Precourt. “He is a proven operator who will be crucial to achieving our goal of developing a proud, winning Club in Austin. I look forward to continuing to work closely again with Andy as we embark on this great opportunity to build a Major League Soccer team in Austin.”
Loughnane's new role went into effect on New Year's Day.