Baylor Regents Unanimously Approve Proposal For On-Campus Football Practice Facility

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Baylor University President John M. Lilley announced today that in a special meeting held this morning, Baylor's Board of Regents unanimously adopted a proposal to construct an on-campus football training facility. The facility, which is being funded with private resources, is expected to be located on University Parks Drive adjacent to Baylor's other athletics facilities at the Turner Riverfront Complex. A final review of the project plans and specifications has been scheduled for the February 2007 meeting of Baylor's Board of Regents.

"The project affirms Baylor's commitment to the future success of its football program, which is expected to benefit enormously from the new practice facility," President Lilley said. "Construction of this facility has been a high priority in the Victory with Integrity Campaign for our athletics program and accomplishes an important component of Imperative X of Baylor 2012, the university's 10-year vision."

The on-campus practice facility means that for the first time in the modern era Baylor will have its football operations located on its campus. Games will continue to be played at Floyd Casey Stadium.

In comments made after the Regents meeting, Jim L. Turner, Chairman of the Board of Regents, said, "Baylor University is dedicated to pursuing and supporting excellence in every area of its operation. This new football training facility will contribute powerfully to the pursuit of excellence in athletics and in particular in our football program."

"The facility will house football operations and integrate the football program into the campus environment, providing a significant boost to recruiting student-athletes and to our football operations," said Ian McCaw, Athletics Director at Baylor.

The project will be funded at $22 million, and the scope of the project could increase with the addition of other private support.

"I would like to thank Baylor's Board of Regents, President John Lilley and Ian McCaw for making the on-campus football practice facility a reality for Baylor University," Bears' Head Football Coach Guy Morriss said. "This state-of-the-art facility will have a positive impact on the success of Baylor football for years to come."

Construction of the facility will take approximately 18 months.

Further details about the project will be released following the February Board of Regents meeting.