West Texas A&M University’s Bain Athletic Complex grand opening set for July 23

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — West Texas A&M University’s announced that its Bain Athletic Complex (BAC) is complete, the grand opening is scheduled for July 23. The grand opening is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, at the BAC and is open to the public.

West Texas detailed that the new facility worth $12.5 million features over 14,000 square feet of meeting space, locker rooms, and administrative offices.

The complex was made possible due to the dream of Dr. Barbara and the late Dr. Ray Bain, whose family is among WT’s most generous supporters.

“Ray and I wanted to provide student-athletes at WT the best facilities possible because these young people work so hard to compete and keep up their studies,” Dr. Barbara Bain said. “The grand opening of the Bain Athletics Complex means a great deal to my family. Ray would be so proud that his children have worked to fulfill his vision and dream for WT Athletics.”

The new Vice President of WT Athletics Doug Lipinski explained that the complex will play a big role in WT’s future.

“The support of student athletes at WT is among the best in Division II athletics in the nation, and facilities play an important role in recruiting, retaining, and producing successful athletes, coaches, and teams,” Lipinski said.

The facility’s went through the following construction phases:

• Construction on the first phase of the complex was completed in 2012 with a 3,900-square-foot locker room for the football team.
• Phase II, which was completed in 2016, included a 7,600-square-foot weight room with capacity for 500 student-athletes.
• Phase III was completed in 2018, providing an athletic training room and locker rooms for the women’s and men’s soccer teams.
• The final phase provides more modern office space for administrators and coaches, academic and meeting room spaces for teams, and track & field locker rooms.

WT’s President Walter V. Wendler shared that he’s excited about the new facility.

“Shortly after arriving at WT, I was made aware of the vision and dream of Barbara and Ray Bain for a state-of-the-art athletic complex. I assured the Bain family completing their family’s dream would be a priority of mine,” said President Wendler. “I am excited to have the Bain Athletic Complex complete, ensuring WT pays attention to the physical, nutritional, intellectual and emotional needs of our student-athletes and coaches.”

For the latest Amarillo news and regional updates, check with MyHighPlains.com and tune in to KAMR Local 4 News at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m. and Fox 14 News at 9:00 p.m. CST.