Baylor’s new Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion made its debut this week, hosting a pair of facility-opening wins as the No. 18-ranked Baylor men defeated Cornell and the No. 6 Baylor women blew past No. 23 TCU.
But the play on the court was secondary to the awe and wonder felt by Baylor fans who filled the arena for both games, and by the coaches and players experiencing the new gameday atmosphere. The Foster was designed with a primary goal of creating a tremendous home-court advantage for the Bears. That shows up in multiple ways, from its size (a right-sized capacity of 7,500, making every game feel like a sell-out), to the student seating (including “Baylor Line”-style seats right behind the visitors’ bench), to the architectural design (which puts fans right on top of the action and maximizes the home crowd’s sound).
If you’re a Baylor basketball fan, you really need to experience it for yourself… But until then, here’s a look at the Bears’ new home:
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Looking back on the Foster’s first two games:
View this post on Instagram
A huge “thank you!” to Paul (BBA ’79) and Alejandra Foster, whose generosity paved the way for this new facility to become reality. (Their gifts have also been driving forces behind the Hankamer School of Business’ Foster Campus for Business and Innovation, and the Foster Success Center, among others.)
As noted above, you really have to see the Foster for yourself to fully appreciate it. Baylor men’s games are effectively sold out for the season (though some seats are available on SeatGeek), but tickets are available for women’s games at the Foster. (The 1,000-seat student allotment will continue to be made available to students on a game-by-game basis.)
Sic ’em, Foster Pavilion!