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
Project Team
Connect with the designers

Earl Santee

Sherri Privitera

Jeff Spear

Stacey Fithian

Tristan Anderson

Kobi Bradley

Ben Thowe

Sean Mongey

Justin Cox

Brooke Craig