Protecting McLane Stadium at Baylor University

The problem

Baylor University, a cornerstone of higher education in central Texas, boasts a sprawling campus that spans over 1,000 acres in Waco. Renowned for its academic excellence, the university has produced a host of remarkable alumni, from Pulitzer Prize winners and CEOs to influential politicians.

Baylor's dedication to education is matched by its fervor for sports, with the Baylor Bears being a dominant force in the fiercely competitive Big 12 Conference. Football, a cherished Texan tradition, holds a special place in the hearts of the university's community.

The crown jewel of Baylor's athletic facilities, the McLane Stadium, was unveiled in 2014 as a $250 million investment. Nestled alongside the grandeur of the Brazos River, this state-of-the-art stadium not only elevates Baylor's athletic prestige but also has the potential to reshape the city of Waco. With the advent of the stadium, new hotels, restaurants, and shops sprouted, all geared toward catering to the exuberant game-day crowds.

Beyond its role in sports, the stadium serves as an engine of economic growth, predicted to generate 6,000 new jobs in its inaugural year of operation.

Given the immense significance of this venture, the stadium's designers recognized the paramount importance of a dependable and robust flood protection system. At the heart of this system are three powerful 75-horsepower pumps, strategically placed to discharge water that would otherwise wreak havoc on the stadium during torrential rains or the surges of the flood-prone Brazos River. The pumps operate with precision, individually responding to demand.

However, a critical challenge arises when one or more pumps are deactivated. In such situations, there's a tangible risk of water flowing back through the pumps, potentially causing damage and compelling the operational pumps to work harder, thereby escalating energy consumption.

Baylor University faced an additional challenge stemming from the unpredictable nature of the Brazos River. When the river's waters surpassed the level of the stormwater outfall, backflow surged up the pipes, imperiling the stadium's field. Such inundation could render the field unplayable, leading to substantial disruptions during the season and incurring hefty repair costs.

Furthermore, the nearby athletics arena was also vulnerable to flood damage during periods of elevated river levels. These challenges underscored the need for a comprehensive flood protection strategy to ensure the safety and functionality of Baylor's prized athletic facilities.