Senate Bill 551 would allow cities to undergo a competitive bidding process for hosting high school athletic, academic, and music competitions held by the University Interscholastic League.
Last week, Senator Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) filed legislation to allow communities from across Texas to have the opportunity to host University Interscholastic League (UIL) competitions.
SB 551 would level the playing field by requiring the UIL to implement a request for proposal process, specifying the factors to be considered for selecting statewide competition locations. Interested hosts would undergo a competitive bidding process, highlighting their capabilities related to facilities and local accommodations.
The University of Texas created the University Interscholastic League in 1910 and has assumed responsibility for facilitating all official high school athletic, academic, and music competitions in Texas. The UIL remains headquartered in Austin to this day, and as a result, many feel that Austin holds an unfair advantage over other locations when it comes to hosting large-scale high school events and competitions.
Currently, there is no clear process for selecting host locations for statewide UIL competitions.
“Some of the finest athletic and academic facilities in Texas are right here in the Brazos Valley,” said Senator Charles Schwertner. “Our central location makes us an ideal location to host UIL competitions, and as the UIL makes decisions regarding where to host state championships in high school football, basketball, debate, or marching band, it’s only right that they give our community the fair and transparent consideration it deserves.”
