Baylor University McLane Stadium
Waco, Texas, United States
-
Typologies
Stadiums
-
Building Activities
American Football
-
Services
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Brand Activation, Master Planning
-
Completion
2014
CHALLENGE. Bringing football back to campus for the Baylor Bears meant a lot more than designing a stadium. After playing off-campus for more than 60 years, Baylor University engaged us to create an entirely new experience. The $250-million facility had to visually and physically represent the Baylor University of the future, all the while integrating into existing campus architecture and extending the campus footprint across the Brazos River.
INNOVATION. The site and the traditions of the university’s football program were the driving forces behind the design process for our collegiate stadium designers. The new stadium’s location created the perfect opportunity to introduce the Baylor brand to the 43 million people who pass by the site each year.
Our planning team started by creating a lagoon around the stadium in order to promote ‘sailgating.’ An outdoor amphitheater and walking path invite visitors to enjoy the setting year round. The stadium’s impactful site design stitches together campus and downtown Waco, creating an important economic engine for both entities.
Inside the stadium, a variety of premium options create comfort for discerning fans while a beautiful canopy protects fans from the Texas sun. The Baylor Line has a rightful home in creating a menacing home field advantage.
IMPACT. Since the opening of McLane Stadium in the fall of 2014, downtown Waco has been revitalized, development has grown along the Brazos Riverfront, applications and donations are up and the Bears have a beloved new home. The stadium has reconnected a region, a city and a campus around the traditions, culture and passion of Baylor’s football program.
Baylor's McLane Stadium is a work of art in every way.
Richard Justice / Sports on Earth
Facts and Figures
- Site size
- 93 acres
- Canopy
- 147,000 sf
- Capacity
- 45,140
- Boat slips
- 16
- Bear Walk
- 24,000 bricks
- Combined length of bridges
- 875 feet