To kickoff Baylor's 2018 Homecoming, Baylor President Linda Livingston announced a lead gift from Mark, BBA '79, and Paula Hurd to recently announced fundraising campaign Give Light on Thursday evening. The gift is among the largest in school history as part of a $1.1 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign.
According to Baylor's official website, the gift will go "to create a new front door to the University – the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. This transformational gift is one of the largest in Baylor's history. The Hurd Welcome Center will be constructed at the entrance to Baylor's campus on University Parks Drive alongside Interstate 35."
In addition to the announcement of the lead gift, Baylor also released details of their Athletics Master Plan.
According to the official website of the Athletics Master Plan:
"Baylor plans to develop a new fieldhouse concept that takes its lessons from other Power 5 schools who have renovated or constructed smaller venues that create a more intimate atmosphere that elevates home-court advantage and focuses on fan experience.
Construction of a football operations center that would house coaches' offices and include meeting rooms, weight rooms, rehab, and sports nutrition support would enhance the overall complement of resources for the football program. Once complete, the vacated space in Simpson Athletics and Academic Center - where football operations now resides - would be used for additional academic support and student success services.
Rounding out the plan is a venue where Baylor's volleyball and acrobatics and tumbling teams would practice. Currently utilizing the 80-year-old Marrs McLean Gymnasium, these nationally ranked programs have increasing demands for student-athlete support and substantial needs to engage a loyal and growing fan base."
You mean like all of college basketball?Stranger said:
I got a report early yesterday that the Hurd building was actually going to have a smaller seating capacity than the current Ferrell Center. Supposedly, Mack Rhoads and some of the regents were concerned that the Baylor fans rarely fill Ferrell and a smaller arena is more desirable.
Can anyone confirm this information?
Like just about everybody I agree with downsizing, but I really hope we go with something at least in the 7,500 to 8,000 range. We rarely get into the 9,000 - 10,000 range, especially without the opponent bringing a significant portion of the crowd, but IMO we've had enough 7,000 to 8,000+ type crowds between our men and women to build it that large.GoldReaper said:
This is awesome! New arena and upgraded football facilities tells Baylor fans and everyone in the county, we are going to keep moving forward. We are not going to quit we will eep fighting and winning. I think 8,000 seats is perfect. Lets start surveying and digging!
capacity will be in the 7000-8000 range even if there are only 6800 seats in the arena because they count everyone that comes in the door- refs, players, coaches, media, concessions, facilities, medical, etc... I bet Ferrell only had around 9000 seats.Johnny Bear said:Like just about everybody I agree with downsizing, but I really hope we go with something at least in the 7,500 to 8,000 range. We rarely get into the 9,000 - 10,000 range, especially without the opponent bringing a significant portion of the crowd, but IMO we've had enough 7,000 to 8,000+ type crowds between our men and women to build it that large.GoldReaper said:
This is awesome! New arena and upgraded football facilities tells Baylor fans and everyone in the county, we are going to keep moving forward. We are not going to quit we will eep fighting and winning. I think 8,000 seats is perfect. Lets start surveying and digging!
yeah trust me there are not 10,284 "seats" in there. That is max in the building. All arenas do it that way.Michibear said:
Per Wikipedia:
Within the center is the Paul J. Meyer Arena which seats 10,284 for basketball
Dia del DougO said:
So when is the field house expected to be started/finished?
the goal is to be playing in the new fieldhouse by 2020.Russell Gym said:Dia del DougO said:
So when is the field house expected to be started/finished?
Will dirt fly before the next GOR? I hope it's finished well before. Current GOR expires in 2024?
Will streaming rights change the landscape or business as usual?
