Big news…the city of Waco is stepping up its game with Baylor University’s brand-new basketball complex in the heart of downtown! The pavilion is on track to finish in time for the Big 12 Conference play in January 2024, and its fundraising efforts have produced significant momentum.

The construction of the new arena, dubbed the Foster Pavilion, will come with a variety of economic advantages to the Waco community.

“The influx of visitors to the arena for college basketball games, concerts and events will create new jobs, increase foot traffic to local businesses and generate revenue for the city,” Waco Mayor Dillon Meek said.

The community is gaining more than just a basketball stadium. Baylor’s complex will hold a student training center, along with a parking garage and hotel tower on the same block as University Parks Drive. The garage will be eight stories with 435 parking spaces. The podium-style hotel above the garage will have 170 rooms and will be one of the tallest buildings in downtown Waco! 

“The energy and excitement generated by the arena will attract people from all over Waco and beyond, making downtown Waco even more of a destination for entertainment and leisure,” said Meek.

Overall, the Foster Pavilion will usher in a brand-new atmosphere to the city, introducing new opportunities for the community to come together. Mayor Meek is confident the complex will “bring in economic activity, increase cultural vitality, and provide more accessibility to entertainment and events for residents.”

It’s safe to say the Baylor University basketball complex is a slam dunk for Waco. Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest Foster Pavilion construction updates.