Baylor University played its first-ever game at Foster Pavilion on January 2, 2024. The brand-new arena was build as part of a $212 million upgrade to the school’s basketball facility.
It is a state-of-the-art fieldhouse that holds a capacity of 7,000 and it is awesome. The entire venue was built with fans in mind. Vertical, elevated seats make it feel as though you are right on top of the court. Two 2,000-square-foot video boards bookend the hardwood.
Scott Drew built a premier program in Waco, Texas and its new facility reflects that standing. Foster Pavillion is a phenomenal home arena.
However, the builders neglected one key piece of the equation and it is extremely frustrating for people who watch the Bears at a bar or from the comfort of their couch. The television camera angle is abysmal.
Baylor’s camera angle is abysmal.
ESPN may as well film its broadcast from outer space. And it is not positioned to where the the entire court is visible on either end of the floor whenever the camera does zoom in.
Here is how it looked when Baylor hosted BYU for a top-20 matchup last week:
The view on the other side of the court was not any better.
People were furious and understandably so. You shouldn’t have to squint or get nauseous while watching a college basketball game played at a brand-new $212 million arena.
Fans hoped that the Bears would see the frustrations and make a change. Perhaps they could bring the camera to a lower level or find a space that is more conducive to viewing.
Nope! That appears to be the permanent angle moving forward.
Baylor hosted Cincinnati on Saturday and it was not any easier to watch. The zoomed-in angle is somehow worse.
New viewers were shocked to discover the visual failure.
Even Jon Rothstein chimed in!
Dear Baylor,
Your new arena is beautiful, but the camera angle on TV is the epitome of brutality.
PLEASE FIX ASAP!
Sincerely,
America
— @JonRothstein on X, formerly known as Twitter
Cameron Indoor, home of Duke basketball, has an equally as terrible camera angle. It first opened in 1940.
Foster Pavilion is less than one month old. Whomever was in charge of the logistics completely neglected the television broadcast. Epic fail.