WACO, Texas -- Baylor Athletics announced today an expanded partnership with Magnolia, a nationally prominent entity headquartered in Waco and founded by Baylor alums Chip and Joanna Gaines.
Magnolia, which has previously partnered with Baylor Athletics on a popular cupcake activation at Baylor Basketball games, will now expand its presence into Baylor Football as the presenting sponsor of Baylor’s newly constructed corporate hospitality structure at McLane Stadium.
The Brazos Suites, presented by Magnolia, are just one of many exciting enhancements added to McLane Stadium ahead of the 2024 season. The suites will be managed by Baylor Sports Properties and catered by the Baylor Club for all six Baylor home games this fall, creating a unique, new premium area for corporate hospitality.
"We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Magnolia and Chip and Joanna Gaines," stated Vice President and Director of Athletics Mack B. Rhoades, IV. "Their support of Baylor University, paired with the strong alignment of our two brands in both mission and values, is truly special. On behalf of Baylor Athletics, we are immensely grateful and proud to be associated with the Gaines Family, and it is an honor to have the Magnolia name in our athletics venues. In addition to being great brand partners, Chip and Joanna are often seen at Baylor sporting events, cheering on our student-athletes and supporting many other areas of campus. We thank them for all they do for Baylor, the City of Waco, and beyond."
“Baylor is a key piece of our Waco family, and we are absolutely thrilled to sponsor the ‘Brazos Suites,’” Theresa Palermo, Magnolia’s Chief Marketing Officer said. “Welcome Home to our Bear community.”
The addition of the Brazos Suites was announced in July by Baylor Athletics and made possible with a significant investment from Baylor Sports Properties and their parent company, Playfly Sports. The structure features three climate-controlled suites with outdoor seating and a stunning view overlooking the field from the North Endzone Berm, with each suite accommodating approximately 50 guests. The structure was erected over the summer by In Production, an industry leader in high-end temporary seating, structures and scenic production. The space has been dubbed the “Brazos Suites” by Baylor due to their location on the river side of the stadium.
“The Magnolia brand is the perfect match for the new Brazos Suites,” said Andrew Waters, Group Vice President for Playfly Sports Properties. “Chip and Joanna are pillars of the Baylor family and Waco community, and we are excited to work with them in supporting the Bears for years to come.”
As the presenting sponsor of the Brazos Suites, Magnolia has created custom branding for the top of the structure with the words “Welcome Home,” which reflects Magnolia’s ties to Waco and Baylor, while underscoring the company’s focus on all things home. Magnolia is a multi-faceted enterprise encompassing a wide range of enterprises including: Magnolia Market, Magnolia Home, Magnolia Table, Magnolia Network, Magnolia Journal, and Magnolia Realty.
Businesses interested in purchasing a suite during the 2024 season should contact Baylor Sports Properties General Manager Luke Holcomb (Luke_Holcomb@baylor.edu).
