Baylor’s McLane Stadium readies for Bear hugs

WACO – Baylor University’s McLane Stadium is on track to finish in time for a sold-out first game August 31, according to university officials and contractors. The $260 million project is about 80 percent done and speeding toward completion with about 850 workers on the site.

The pedestrian bridge over the Brazos River is structurally complete, along with walkways and a bridge along the riverfront. The $20 million shade canopy is largely in place, chair backs are going in and the giant video board is being installed. Workers are preparing to install turf on the field in the next few weeks.

The 45,000-seat stadium will be completed by August 29 when Aledo High School and Cedar Park High School play a game that will be the stadium’s trial run before the August 31 Baylor vs. Southern Methodist University game.

The university still is raising funds for a $20 million alumni events center that will be built on the side of the stadium. The foundation and infrastructure are already in place and the project is expected to be built next summer.

Meanwhile, the new Baylor track facility next to the stadium is ahead of schedule and expected to be finished this fall.