Construction on Rike Field Reaches New Heights

The elevator shafts and stairwells of the new Rike Field Complex are taking shape!  Pictured in the photo above are (left) the south side elevator shaft and (right) the north side stairwell. Note the future windows for the attic and second and third floors on the north stairwell.  These openings offer a glimpse of the building’s overall height and signal that construction on this stairwell is nearing its highest point.  In addition, wind screens have been installed along the chain link construction fence surrounding Rike Field.

New Parking Area

A new gravel parking area just beyond Roddy Theater toward TNACI (formerly the overrun parking for the Baylor/McCallie football game) has been created to offset the loss of parking on Rike and the art studio/music building lot.

Construction begins next month on Baylor’s new central energy plant that will support campus growth on the Rike Field Complex currently under construction, as well as Weeks, Roddy, the Ireland art studio, and the music building. 

The location of the energy plant is behind the art studio and music building, and the estimated completion date is December 2026.

The project will temporarily eliminate 12 parking spaces between the art center and the music building.  A new gravel parking area just beyond Roddy Theater toward TNACI (formerly the overrun parking for the Baylor/McCallie football game) has been created to offset the change, and no major disruption to daily campus activity is expected.

A central energy plant functions as a shared engine for campus buildings, providing heating, cooling, and power more efficiently and reliably than individual systems in each facility.  While much of the work will take place out of sight, the project is an important investment in campus infrastructure that will allow Baylor to support new construction while improving long-term energy efficiency across campus.

TIMELINE

Monday, Feb. 9 - Construction fence installation begins (parking lot outside of the art studio/music building closes)

Monday, Feb. 16 - Erosion control and demolition begin.

Tuesday, Feb. 24 - Digging of ground floor basement walls and foundation begins. 

December 2026 - Estimated completion date.