Rice University has broken ground on a $120 million project that will add a state‑of‑the‑art football pavilion to its campus in Houston.
The Patricia Lipoma Kraft '87 and Jonathan A. Kraft Football Pavilion, named for the donors, will span 80,000 square feet and feature a full‑length turf field that links directly to the existing practice field behind the Patterson Center. Its open‑air design is engineered to maximize airflow and cooling, a crucial advantage during Houston’s sweltering summers.
Construction is slated to begin in August 2024, with completion targeted for early 2027. During the build, the current indoor practice facility, the Waltip Indoor Training Center, will remain in use, ensuring continuity for student‑athletes.
A vision for the future of Rice Athletics
The pavilion is part of the broader Gateway Project, which also includes a $120 million renovation of Rice Stadium. The stadium revamp aims to reimagine the venue as a ‘stadium in a park,’ creating a space that serves both athletic events and community gatherings.
Eric George, interim director of athletics, highlighted the generosity of the Kraft family, saying the gift will transform Rice Athletics and elevate the student‑athlete experience.