Baylor Univ. has released a rendering of an on-campus football stadium "that university officials are considering as part of a larger strategic plan for the school," according to KWTX-CBS. Baylor AD Ian McCaw said that architectural firm Populous "has been hired to develop a master plan for the stadium." The preferred site is "along the Brazos River next to Interstate 35 across from the Highers Athletics Complex." The school will "survey season ticket holders and members of the Baylor Bear Foundation as part of a feasibility study." Baylor currently plays at Floyd Casey Stadium and is the "only school in the Big 12 that doesn't have an on-campus stadium." Sources said that the cost "could be as high as $250 million" (KWTX.com, 11/5). The rendering has the new stadium "connected to the athletic complex via a bridge walkway." McCaw noted that the project "still needs approval and that the next step would be a survey issued to students and fans regarding naming rights, amenities, and other options." Along with approval from the school's regents, "funding for the proposed stadium would need to be arranged" (KCENTV.com, 11/5).
NO URGENCY FOR MEMPHIS STADIUM: Univ. of Memphis President Shirley Raines said the idea of a new on-campus football stadium is dead "for the time being." Raines has indicated that she "wants an on-campus stadium." However, it is "not at the top of her priority list." In Memphis, Kyle Veazey noted UM's contract to play its home games at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium runs through the '14 season, and the school "pays $60,000 for each game at the stadium -- $35,000 in rent, $25,000 for use of the video board." The presence of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl game and the annual Southern Heritage Classic "seems to complicate the stadium's future." Veazey: "If the U of M were to build its own facility, it would leave the Liberty Bowl to be operated for just two dates a year. It's unlikely the Liberty Bowl game or the SHC would want to move to the U of M campus in a stadium that would likely seat significantly fewer than the current capacity" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 11/6).
