The Challenge
Settling for the status quo isn’t an option when you’re a multiple championship-winning program. When the construction of Foster Pavilion began in 2022, Baylor Basketball set out to create an electrifying atmosphere that would give the Bears an undeniable home-court advantage. Their new home needed to be an incubator of energy and an amplifier of noise, a place where the stands are always packed and everyone is on their feet. Through close collaboration, the Jack Porter team and AECOM aimed to establish a seamless interplay of architecture and branding for an all-encompassing experience.
The Strategy
Beyond being home to the Bear’s day-to-day operations, the modern-day arena is a hospitality venue. Program leaders recognized the value in creating a welcoming environment for all types of fans. Even before entering the building, visitors are greeted by the bold, interlocking BU logo dominating the arena lobby behind a 4-story glass expanse. The monumental letters, equipped with LED color-changing capabilities, draw visitors in like a guiding beacon. As visitors make their way to the concourse upstairs, digital display boards offer an opportunity to interact with storytelling content, adding yet another layer to the immersive experience.
Paying homage to Baylor’s impressive history was high on the list of priorities. From the moment fans step into the concourse, they are surrounded by nods to the program’s championship-winning legacy. There’s a story at every turn. Trophies and memorabilia proudly display the program’s achievements, illustrations trace the Bear mascot’s evolution, and reclaimed floors from Final Four games celebrate historic moments. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of pride in the program’s past and an eager anticipation of its future.
Impact
Foster Pavilion creates an electrifying home-court advantage that will transform the game days for players and fans alike. The inaugural game, resulting in a decisive win for the Bears, is a sure sign of great things to come.
