WACO, Texas -- The sparkling new Paul & Alejandra Foster Pavilion is projected to open with a pair of early January games for Baylor men's and women's basketball. 
 
The men's basketball team is projected to open the Foster Pavilion with a non-conference matchup vs. Cornell on Jan. 2. The women's basketball team is projected to face a Big 12 Conference foe on Jan. 3. 
 
"The opening of this incredible facility is an energizing step for the Waco community, and we are excited to create a first-class experience for our student-athletes and those who support them," Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades said. "We have targeted Jan. 2 and Jan. 3 as our first games at Foster Pavilion; however, these dates are projections based on the current construction timeline. We will make and communicate any necessary adjustments to our targeted opening dates should the construction timeline change."
 
The Foster Pavilion will serve as home for Baylor's tradition-laden men's and women's basketball program. Situated on the banks of the Brazos River, and across from I-35, the Foster Pavilion is a $212.6 million project that will provide an elite home-court advantage to the Bears, while serving as a tremendous venue for concerts, performances and public events for the Central Texas community. 
 
The Bears will open the first portion of their schedules at the Ferrell Center, the long-time home of Baylor men's and women's basketball. The women will open the season with an exhibition vs. Hardin-Simmons on Nov. 3, before officially opening the 2023-24 season with Southern on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. The men will open the 2023-24 season vs. Auburn in Sioux Falls, S.D., before opening up the Ferrell Center home slate with Gardner-Webb on Nov. 12 at 4 p.m.