Baylor moving forward with plans for new basketball facility

WACO, Texas (AP) — Baylor is moving forward with plans to build a new basketball facility on the banks of the Brazos River.

Athletic director Mack Rhoades said Tuesday that a portion of a record $100 million gift from an anonymous donor to a university-wide campaign will provide a significant lead gift for the Baylor Basketball Pavilion. Baylor can now work to secure additional funding and approvals needed to move forward with a formal plan for design and construction of the fieldhouse concept with an arena of at least 7,000 seats.

There was no immediate timetable provided for when construction could begin and when the facility could open. The Ferrell Center has been the school’s basketball home for the past 31 seasons.

Baylor’s women won their third national championship last month. The Baylor men went to the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in the past 12 seasons.