Baylor Waco Stadium Authority Established to Lease New Stadium Year-Round

Waco City Council votes in favor of city-appointed authority; University intends to retain SMG, ClubCorp for stadium services
Following favorable discussion, the Waco City Council voted Nov. 19 to establish the Baylor Waco Stadium Authority, a city-appointed board that will provide general oversight of non-Baylor events held in the new $260 million McLane Stadium.
In advance of the work of the Baylor Waco Stadium Authority, Baylor also announced its intention to retain SMG, a worldwide leader in venue management, and Dallas-based ClubCorp, a leading owner-operator of private golf and country, business, sports and stadium clubs in North America, as the University prepares to open its new stadium and community events center in August 2014.
The Baylor Waco Stadium Authority will be governed by a board of distinguished local citizens, including appointees Harold Cunningham, who will serve as chairperson, and directors Virginia DuPuy, Glenn Robinson, Jim Sartain and Joseph Wade. The entity will assume authority when the stadium opens in fall 2014.

"There are so many exciting things happening in our community right now, and the stadium represents a powerful and highly visible symbol of remarkable forward progress in our city," Glenn Robinson said. "As a year-round resource and attraction, we think the new stadium provides a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase our city and serve our citizens. We look forward to helping make the stadium a 'go-to' destination not only for those in our community, but for those across our state."
"From the beginning, Baylor and Waco have worked together to ensure the stadium complex is a vital part of Waco and Central Texas, helping to enhance economic development in the riverfront area and contributing to quality of life for our community," said Reagan M. Ramsower, senior vice president for operations and chief financial officer at Baylor. "We are appreciative of the enthusiastic support of Waco Council members, city and community leaders and local residents for the stadium, which will serve as a premier, year-round events center for the people of Waco."
"The Baylor Waco Stadium Authority represents another important step forward in the ongoing partnership between the City of Waco and Baylor University," said Waco Mayor Malcolm Duncan Jr. "Action by the Council helps ensure that the stadium will provide a valuable service for the citizens of our community."
SMG will provide pre-opening services for the University's new stadium, manage the venue during non-game day events, and book and manage all non-Baylor events to be held at the facility.
ClubCorp's plans include operating a private member club restaurant at the stadium that will provide members a full-service, fine dining experience. ClubCorp operates several alumni clubs in stadiums across the country, including The Texas Tech Club in Lubbock, the University of Texas Club in Austin and the Boston College Club. ClubCorp also operates several well-known business clubs in major U.S. cities, such as the Tower Club in Dallas, the Houston Club, The Commerce Club in Atlanta, The University Club Atop Symphony Towers in San Diego, and The Metropolitan Club in Chicago.
"ClubCorp's design for the Baylor Club will reflect the rich history of Baylor, central Texas and the Waco community," said Eric Affeldt, ClubCorp's president and CEO. "Amenities are designed to include areas for the preparation and service of premium food and beverage products for members to enjoy as well as serve private events such as business meetings, social and civic gatherings, private parties and weddings. The stadium provides a unique venue in a distinct setting on the banks of the Brazos River, and we look forward to bringing our unparalleled dining experience to the Waco community."