The family of Baylor graduate Drayton McLane, former owner of the Houston Astros, has made a lead gift to help fund _ and name _ a new, on-campus football facility for the Bears.
The school’s board of regents announced the donation today, calling it the largest capital gift in university history. But the board did not reveal the amount. The gift includes naming rights and the McLane family has asked that the venue be called Baylor Stadium.
The facility will be built along the Brazos River, on a 93-acre tract near Interstate 35. Capacity will be 45,000, with the flexibility to expand to 55,000. Construction will include a bridge crossing the river to connect the stadium to the campus. School officials expect the facility to open for the 2014 season.
McLane, a 1958 Baylor graduate, said his family made the donation “to do something that would shine a light on the university we love, while enhancing student life at Baylor ... This is an incredible time to be a Baylor Bear.”
Baylor is coming of a 10-3 football season, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III. The top-ranked Baylor women’s basketball team (34-0) and the men’s team (27-7) begin NCAA Tournament play this week.
_ Jimmy Burch
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