Save Players

The University of Texas at Austin intends to use the power of Eminent Domain to acquire the property upon which Players currently resides and replace Players with a parking garage for the Hotel and Conference Center UT intends to build. UT does not need another "Conference Center", nor does it need a Hotel since the graduate program in Hotel Management never happened. It is our understanding the Eminent Domain was intended to allow a political entity to acquire land for the public good rather than as a way of destroying Players, a long time Austin tradition (since 1981) and minority owned business, for the purpose of replacing that business with another for-profit endeavor. Carlos and Eddie, the owners of Players, saved for 18 years in order to buy the property. In 1999, they were finally able to purchase Players properties and structures, now UT wants to take it away from them.

We, the petitioners, don't agree with UT's plans for Players and ask them to cease and desist, to reconsider their actions, and to reevaluate their plans. In light of our serious and, we believe, justified request, UT should feel ashamed.