mclanestadium - Tumblr blog

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We’ve been a little quiet on Tumblr but plan to change that in 2016! Check out our new video blog (or a vlog if you’re down with the lingo). We’ll be positing these regularly so you can see what’s going on at McLane Stadium. 

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Just announced! Visit www.mclanestadium.com for more information. #BrazosRiverRibfest #mclanestadium

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#MclaneStadiumTours start this February. Tickets available for purchase this Thursday Dec. 18 at 10am via #ticketmaster.

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On sale today at 10am! Don't miss the No Limits Monster Truck Championship coming to #mclanestadium in May 2015!

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Gorgeous sunset over #waco tonight.

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We're loving the guy in the chair hanging out in the back. #mclanestadium #ESPNCollegeGameDay #baylor

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Mart returns after the half. #ThursdayNightLights #mclanestadium

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It's halftime ladies and gentlemen. #mclanestadium # fridaynightlights

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Looking good #baylorline. #mclanestadium #baylorhomecoming #waco

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Cold? What cold? It's a goregous day for #baylorhomecoming. #mclanestadium #waco

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The lagoon is looking particularly photogenic this morning. # nofilter #mclanestadium #waco

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The perks of an early start...beautiful sunrises. #mclanestadium #sunrise #wacotown #texas

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#KWTX is here this morning for a behind the scenes look of the #SAVOR kitchen. #brisket #mclanestadium

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Clear blue skies. Awesome day for the #2014wacoheartwalk

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Who's behind the curtain?

It's been a few crazy months for the staff at McLane Stadium but in a rare few minutes of down time, SMG General Manager, Scott Neal and SMG Event & Operations Manager, Sandi Carretero were able to sit down for quick Q & A. 

How did you find yourself in Waco, Texas?

Sandi: I was working in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center and I saw the job on SMG’s website.  It was a great opportunity to advance my career while gaining invaluable experience in venue management; and being part of the team that opened this state-of-the-art building was a chance I couldn’t pass up.

Scott:  I was offered a position with SMG to be a part of this stadium and the community and it was a great opportunity.  My family and I are from the Midwest so it was nice to be closer to our family.

  What was it like the first time you walked into McLane Stadium?

Scott: The first time I walked into the stadium it was eight months into construction.  I had the privilege of visiting the site almost every day and seeing the progress to completion.

Sandi: Muddy! It was the day of my interview and we were in the middle of one of those Texas rainstorms. All kidding aside it was breathtaking. 

  What is your favorite thing about the stadium?

Scott: The entire venue is so photogenic.  There are so many great views of campus and the surrounding areas from a lot of locations within the venue.  Whether it be daylight or night time, the stadium shines.

Sandi:  This may sound funny but I love the passage way from the home team locker room to the post-game interview room.

  Scott, I've heard rumors that you actually have your degree in education. How did you end up managing arenas and stadiums across the country?

I have a M.S. in Educational Policy & Leadership (University Administration). While earning my M.S. degree I was heavily involved in student activities at the University of Kansas and made a lot of contacts in the entertainment industry.  The rest is history.

  What’s your favorite things about Texas?

Sandi: The people for sure.

Scott: I love the pride that everyone takes in being a Texan.

  Sandi, we were told that you are quite the seasoned Rugby player. Is this true?

It is! I was recruited to college to swim, which is the least contact sport ever when you think about it.  When I met the coach he wasn’t the most positive or inspiring leader so I decided not to swim but I knew I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t a part of a team.

So I did a complete 180 and tried out for the most contact sport ever- Rugby! I’ve never looked back, I’m now going on my 11th year of playing; I love it.

  Thank you for taking the time for this little Q&A; now for the final question. If you could create one event, with no limitations, to bring to the stadium what would it be?

Sandi:  I would love to do a bowl game but make it a two day event with a fan fest and really showcase the whole site.

Scott: The next concert we do!

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Loving some of the snaps that we got from opening weekend back in August. #MclaneStadium  #Baylor #Waco

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Look how far we've come!  Now that we've nearly been open a month, let's pat ourselves on the back for a job well done.  Now check out some of these fun facts.....

- There are 870,000 square feet of walking surface in the stadium.

- 2,150 paved parking spots.

- The Bear Walk is constructed of nearly 24,000 bricks.

- The video board is 106' wide x 45' tall.

- 24,000 bottles of water were sold at the first game on August 31, 2014.

- There is 330,000 square feet of sidewalks on the site

- The Baylor locker room is 50 yards long x 17 yards wide

- 1,300 lbs of BBQ were sold at the first game on August 31, 2014.

- There are 5 miles of underground piping.