Steve McReynolds, owner of Texas-based Groves Equipment Rental and an alumnus of Baylor University decided to give back to his alma mater by donating a custom-painted Grove RT880E rough-terrain crane to assist in the construction of the school's new football stadium.
The construction of Baylor’s new football stadium is a unique project. It’s located next to the Brazos River, the longest waterway in Texas, and will have boat slips so fans can enjoy water-access to the games. The crane will be erecting steel for the stadium’s structure and installing a variety of construction materials.
McReynolds had the crane painted in the school’s colors – “Baylor Green” and “Baylor Gold” – and had decals of the school’s logos placed on the crane. The crane is meant to boost school spirit when students and alumni see it working.
“I am happy to give back to my alma mater in a unique and meaningful way,” McReynolds said. “Also, this crane, with its reach, capacity and mobility, is ideal for the work that needs to be done on the stadium.”
The RT880E has a 128 ft. (39 m) Megaform boom and boasts an 80 USt (75 t) capacity. The crane has a 20 degree tilt and full vision cab that is outfitted with ergonomically designed crane controls.
When finished, Baylor’s new football stadium will hold 45,000 spectators and will have the flexibility to expand to a 55,000-seat capacity in the future. It’s expected to not only bring more football games to the Baylor campus, but to stimulate riverfront development and revitalize downtown Waco, as well as bring jobs and other economic development to the region.
Work on Baylor’s new stadium began the first week of February in 2013 and is expected to be complete in the fall 2014 -- just in time for football season.
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