Game Changer

by Karen Kemp, Associate Vice President for University Marketing & Brand Strategy, Baylor University

When site work began in 2021 on what will become the Paul & Alejandra Foster Pavilion, hopes for the facility’s future impact began to soar. Not only would it be a game changer for Baylor men’s and women’s basketball, it would continue to change the Waco cityscape viewed by millions of I-35 travelers, strengthen a dynamic partnership between Baylor University and the City of Waco, and anchor a highly visible and growing Riverfront District.

“The City of Waco has been an invaluable partner of Baylor University for well over a century, and we are excited to move forward together on the spectacular riverfront location of the Paul & Alejandra Foster Pavilion,” said Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. at the announcement of the facility’s construction. “The Foster Pavilion will be home for our championship men’s and women’s basketball programs in a highly visible area of remarkable growth and development along the Brazos River, I-35 and University Parks Drive. We are honored to be part of the exciting developments in the city Baylor calls home.”

As a stop on the Riverwalk, the Foster Pavilion will be woven into the established traditions of the Waco community. Fans will enjoy time at local businesses before taking in a game or event, with the Riverfront District’s future office, living, retail, restaurant and eventual hotel development concepts earning tremendous interest from potential partners. Just across the interstate from the new Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center and McLane Stadium, the 223,547-square-foot Foster Pavilion also will add to the growing Baylor campus landscape.

The Foster Pavilion was designed with fans and event participants in mind. With a capacity of more than 7,000 and seating arranged closer to the floor, every seat in the facility will have full view of the court. Fans will feel closer to the action and provide a highvolume, high-energy game or event environment. With premium and standard seating, fans may choose the experience that best fits their needs. Two 2,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art video boards will enhance the in-venue experience. Visiting locker rooms allow the facility flexibility to accommodate up to four teams at a time – a must to attract important tournaments and large events.

The concourse will feature a wide range of concession opportunities as well as unique vendor activations. Fans will be welcomed by an energetic atmosphere, cultivated by both the Baylor and Waco communities. Those with premium seating will have access to two separate premium club spaces – the Courtside and Sideline Clubs – with a combined 8,500 square feet of gathering space.

“Facilities like this don’t just happen,” said Mack B. Rhoades IV, Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “It takes a shared vision and commitment to excellence for our athletic department and our 500-plus student-athletes, the Baylor Family and the City of Waco. Elite programs deserve an elite facility. This state-of-the-art facility will create an exciting environment unlike any other for both our students and fans alike. The future is bright for Baylor and Waco.”

Serving a pair of national championship-winning programs, the accompanying Development Center will offer the women’s and men’s basketball programs elite facility enhancements to support studentathletes, including separate practice courts, dedicated locker rooms and team lounges, office facilities for coaches and staff, shared sports performance-related spaces, including strength and conditioning, athletic training and treatment, hydrotherapy, nutrition and more.

The partnership with the City of Waco and the downtown community extends beyond gamedays. The Foster Pavilion will provide a new opportunity to support additional events – concerts, performances and public events.

After substantial work to prepare and bolster the riverfront site, the first steel beams were raised in October 2022, with the shell of the facility rapidly taking shape ahead of the facility’s first scheduled games in January 2024.