.png&type=webp)
Rice University Athletics
Construction Set to Begin on New Practice Pavilion
8/10/2026 1:41:00 PM | Football
Work on the Patricia Lipoma Kraft ’87 and Jonathan A. Kraft Football Pavilion begins August 24
Houston-Construction is about to begin on the first phase of Rice's historic Gateway Project, the Patricia Lipoma Kraft '87 and Jonathan A. Kraft Football Pavilion.
Thanks to a principal gift from Patricia '87 and Jonathan Kraft, the 80,000-square-foot Patricia Lipoma Kraft '87 and Jonathan A. Kraft Football Pavilion will feature a full-length turf football field under a split gable roof, with immediate access from the Owls' current grass practice field behind the Patterson Center. The open-air design will maximize airflow and cooling during Houston's hot summer months, allow Rice student-athletes to safely train during inclement weather, and maintain an outdoor environment.
The construction of the state-of-the-art training facility will provide Owls fans with a first taste of the dramatic changes on the horizon as part of The Gateway Project.
"The Krafts' extraordinary generosity will have a transformative impact on our athletic department and the daily experience of our student-athletes," said Eric George, interim director of athletics. "This state-of-the-art practice pavilion provides a safe, efficient and elite training environment directly adjacent to our existing facilities, allowing our team to prepare at the highest level while prioritizing student-athlete well-being. We are deeply grateful to Patti and Jonathan for their belief in Rice Athletics and their investment in the future of our program."
Staging and fencing for the project is scheduled to begin the week of August 24, with completion projected for early in the spring of 2027. The Owls' current indoor practice facility, the Waltrip Indoor Training Center, will remain in use during the construction of the new practice pavilion.
In November of 2025, Rice University announced the Gateway Project, a $120 million development designed to create a pedestrian-friendly link between the campus and Rice Village. The initiative will transform the university's west side, with the renovation of Rice Stadium serving as a central feature. Grounded in Rice's 30-year Campus Land Use Plan, the project aims to integrate infrastructure, student life, athletics, and community engagement in a cohesive vision that supports both the university's growth and Houston's future.
The project includes a major renovation of Rice Stadium, reimaging the venerable landmark as a "stadium in a park" — a sustainable, community-centered venue designed for a wide range of sports, events, and gatherings.
For more information on the full details of The Gateway Project, please visit https://www.rice.edu/gateway
Thanks to a principal gift from Patricia '87 and Jonathan Kraft, the 80,000-square-foot Patricia Lipoma Kraft '87 and Jonathan A. Kraft Football Pavilion will feature a full-length turf football field under a split gable roof, with immediate access from the Owls' current grass practice field behind the Patterson Center. The open-air design will maximize airflow and cooling during Houston's hot summer months, allow Rice student-athletes to safely train during inclement weather, and maintain an outdoor environment.
The construction of the state-of-the-art training facility will provide Owls fans with a first taste of the dramatic changes on the horizon as part of The Gateway Project.
"The Krafts' extraordinary generosity will have a transformative impact on our athletic department and the daily experience of our student-athletes," said Eric George, interim director of athletics. "This state-of-the-art practice pavilion provides a safe, efficient and elite training environment directly adjacent to our existing facilities, allowing our team to prepare at the highest level while prioritizing student-athlete well-being. We are deeply grateful to Patti and Jonathan for their belief in Rice Athletics and their investment in the future of our program."
Staging and fencing for the project is scheduled to begin the week of August 24, with completion projected for early in the spring of 2027. The Owls' current indoor practice facility, the Waltrip Indoor Training Center, will remain in use during the construction of the new practice pavilion.
In November of 2025, Rice University announced the Gateway Project, a $120 million development designed to create a pedestrian-friendly link between the campus and Rice Village. The initiative will transform the university's west side, with the renovation of Rice Stadium serving as a central feature. Grounded in Rice's 30-year Campus Land Use Plan, the project aims to integrate infrastructure, student life, athletics, and community engagement in a cohesive vision that supports both the university's growth and Houston's future.
The project includes a major renovation of Rice Stadium, reimaging the venerable landmark as a "stadium in a park" — a sustainable, community-centered venue designed for a wide range of sports, events, and gatherings.
For more information on the full details of The Gateway Project, please visit https://www.rice.edu/gateway
Wednesday, March 09
Saturday, December 04
Thursday, December 02