McLane Stadium

McLane Stadium is at 1001 South M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard, just east of Interstate 35 and north of the Brazos River. The stadium grounds are separated from the main Baylor campus by the river but connected by the 775-foot Umphrey pedestrian bridge. Downtown Waco sits southwest across I-35, while the Ferrell Center and Foster Pavilion are south along University Parks Drive. Traffic control makes the final approach highly directional, so follow the current parking map instead of relying solely on navigation software.

Driving & Parking

• From Dallas or Fort Worth
  Take I-35 south toward Waco. Leave the freeway well before the stadium if parking downtown; for east-side permit lots, follow the game-day routing toward Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
• From Austin
  Take I-35 north. Campus and downtown exits become congested, so allow at least an extra 30–45 minutes and do not wait until the stadium is visible to choose a lane.
• Stadium permits
  Lots 1–4 on the stadium grounds and Bear Foundation inventory at the Ferrell Center, Dutton Garage and Umphrey Law School are primarily permit-controlled. Buy a single-game pass in advance if inventory is offered; do not expect a cash space beside the gates.
• Downtown parking
  Waco offers free public parking in downtown lots and garages. This is the best default for visitors because it avoids the permit market and places restaurants within an easy pregame walk.
• Tailgater shuttle
  Waco Transit’s free football shuttle circulates between downtown and McLane Stadium. Confirm the season’s pickup point and hours, then note the return boarding location before entering the stadium.
• Campus walk
  Parking south of the river near Baylor creates a longer but scenic approach across the Umphrey Bridge. Wear comfortable shoes and leave time for the south-plaza crowd.
• Accessible parking
  Designated accessible inventory and drop-off arrangements vary by permit area. All public gates except Gate A are ADA accessible; contact Baylor Athletics in advance to match parking with the correct gate and seating level.

Public Transit

• Waco Tailgater
  The free downtown-to-stadium shuttle is the principal game-day transit service. It carries thousands of fans, avoids the I-35 crossing on foot and is especially useful after a night game.
• Walking from downtown
  The stadium is roughly a mile from the core of downtown. The route near I-35 is busy, so follow signed pedestrian paths or take the shuttle rather than improvising across ramps.
• Umphrey Bridge
  Fans already on campus should walk north across the dedicated bridge directly into the south plaza. It is the signature approach and avoids vehicle traffic entirely.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

• Pregame drop-off
  Choose a legal point on the edge of downtown or campus and complete the trip by shuttle or foot. A driver attempting to reach the stadium lots will be caught in permit traffic and closures.
• Postgame pickup
  Cross the Umphrey Bridge toward campus or shuttle downtown before requesting a ride. The immediate M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard area is difficult for drivers to enter after the final whistle.
• Accessible arrival
  Arrange the current ADA drop-off location with Baylor before game day; Gate A itself is not ADA accessible, while Gates B, C and D are.

McLane’s pregame spreads across the stadium grounds, south plaza, river and campus bridge. Baylor has reset the experience for 2026 under its “Fan First” program: tailgating is again managed in-house as Baylor Backyard, the original Bear Walk route returns, and a free live-music series follows the team arrival. The result is easy for an out-of-town fan to sample even without a reserved tailgate.

Tailgating

• Baylor Backyard
  The official 2026 tailgate area is managed directly by Baylor Athletics with season-long spaces, personalized add-ons and lower base pricing. Inventory is limited, so reserve before traveling rather than arriving with equipment.
• Baylor Backyard Live
  A free concert begins immediately after the Bear Walk, about one hour and 45 minutes before kickoff, and runs for an hour. The lineup changes by game and is open to all fans.
• REVELxp
  The company remains Baylor’s preferred provider for premium turnkey setups, corporate hospitality and visiting-team tailgates. It is the simplest option for a large traveling group that wants tents, furniture and catering waiting onsite.
• Sailgating
  Boats can approach on the Brazos and use the game-day dock area, making McLane one of the few college venues with a genuine water arrival. Slips are limited and boating rules, safety equipment and no-wake restrictions are enforced.
• South plaza
  Fans approaching from campus naturally collect between Gates A and D. It is the transition point from bridge to Baylor Line entrance and a good place to absorb the crowd without a private tailgate.
• Heat plan
  Bring shade and water to outdoor gatherings. Baylor allows one clear, empty bottle of up to one liter through the gates for refilling, but finish other outside food and beverages before entry.

Pregame Bars & Restaurants

• George’s
  The Waco institution on Speight Avenue is known for chicken-fried steak and the oversized “Big O” beer. It is not next door to McLane, but it delivers the classic Baylor-weekend atmosphere many alumni want.
• Vitek’s BBQ
  South of campus on South Fourth Street, Vitek’s serves brisket and the Gut Pak—a layered combination of barbecue, sausage, beans, chips, cheese and more. Expect a crowd on football weekends.
• Union Hall
  This downtown food hall has roughly two dozen vendors under one roof, making it excellent for groups that cannot agree on cuisine. Park downtown and continue to the Tailgater shuttle.
• Cricket’s Grill & Draft House
  A downtown standby with burgers, wings, pool tables and a large beer selection. It is convenient for early games on television before the shuttle ride.
• Magnolia Market at the Silos
  Better as a Friday or early-Saturday Waco stop than a last-minute pregame meal. The food trucks and bakery are popular, and downtown parking puts the stadium shuttle within reach.

• Bear Walk
  Beginning in 2026, the original longer route returns two hours before every home game. Fans line the path through the tailgate footprint to welcome coaches and players; arrive at least 15 minutes early for a front-row position.
• Baylor Line run
  First-year students in gold jerseys sprint onto the field before kickoff, then form a human tunnel for the team entrance. Each jersey bears the student’s graduation year and chosen nickname.
• Baylor Line section
  After the run, students take their dedicated seats behind the opponent’s bench. Their proximity and standing energy make the east side one of the liveliest parts of the bowl.
• “Sic ’Em, Bears”
  Raise a clawed hand while joining Baylor’s signature yell. The hand signal and phrase appear throughout the pregame, third-down prompts and fight song.
• “That Good Old Baylor Line”
  The Golden Wave Band and crowd perform the school fight song as a game-day constant. The “Bear down, you Bears of old Baylor U” line is the easiest entry point for visitors.
• Bruiser and Marigold
  Baylor’s costumed bear mascots circulate through the stadium and family events. The university’s live American black bears, Indy and Belle, reside at the on-campus Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat rather than appearing inside the stadium.
• Golden Wave Band
  Baylor University Golden Wave Band—often shortened to BUGWB—provides the traditional pregame show and forms part of the team entrance sequence.
• Game themes
  Baylor assigns colors and identities such as Gold Rush, Blackout on the Brazos, Homecoming and Traditions Game. Check the specific game announcement before choosing green, gold or black.

• Brazos River frontage
  The open south end and marina make the river part of the event. Walk the bank or pedestrian bridge before kickoff for the stadium’s defining exterior view.
• Umphrey Pedestrian Bridge
  The 775-foot bridge reconnects Baylor football to campus after 64 seasons at off-campus Floyd Casey Stadium. On game day it becomes a broad green-and-gold procession.
• Sweeping canopy
  The asymmetrical roof shades much of the east and west seating while framing the open river end. Its curved white structure is McLane’s visual signature from I-35.
• South berm
  The grass seating area sits beneath the videoboard and beside the Baylor Line entrance. It creates a relaxed, family-oriented option with a view into the horseshoe.
• Brazos Suites presented by Magnolia
  Three climate-controlled hospitality suites opened along the berm in 2024, with patios facing the field and river. They are a modern Waco-branded addition to the open end.
• Bear Habitat
  On the main campus south of the river, the accredited habitat houses Baylor’s live bear mascots. Visit before crossing the Umphrey Bridge, subject to posted hours and animal-care schedules.

History & Notable Moments

• First stadium event (2014)
  Aledo and Cedar Park high schools played on August 29, two days before Baylor’s own opener.
• Baylor debut (2014)
  The Bears defeated SMU 45–0 before 45,733, returning home games to campus for the first time since 1935.
• 61–58 comeback against TCU (2014)
  No. 5 Baylor erased a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit against No. 9 TCU in the stadium’s defining early classic.
• Big 12 title clincher (2014)
  Baylor beat No. 9 Kansas State 38–27 to claim a second consecutive conference championship at the end of McLane’s inaugural season.
• Attendance record (2019)
  Oklahoma’s visit drew 50,223, well above the listed capacity through standing-room and special inventory.
• Oklahoma upset (2021)
  No. 13 Baylor beat No. 8 Oklahoma 27–14 during a season that ended with another Big 12 championship.

The horseshoe opens south toward the river, with the west side carrying most suites and club areas and the Baylor Line energizing the east side. The canopy improves comfort, but its protection varies by row, time and sun angle. West-side seats generally receive better late-day shade; the east side offers proximity to students and the visitor sideline. Upper rows provide the best river-and-campus panorama.

• West sideline
  The home side and principal premium side, with strong shade coverage and direct midfield views. Resale prices rise substantially between the 20-yard lines.
• East sideline
  Close to the Baylor Line and opponent bench, making it louder and more confrontational in a good-natured way. Lower rows can remain exposed to sun.
• South berm
  General-admission grass seating has its own entrance, concessions and restrooms. Berm ticket holders cannot enter the main stadium concourses, and reserved-seat patrons cannot enter the berm.
• Bear Heights Club
  Club seats provide wider chairbacks, an indoor air-conditioned lounge and all-inclusive food and nonalcoholic beverages. Confirm that club access transfers with any resale ticket.
• Loge and terrace boxes
  Semi-private outdoor seating combines table space with access to climate-controlled hospitality. Terrace boxes are concentrated around the northwest end-zone area.
• Brazos/Magnolia Suites
  Group-focused suites at the berm offer indoor cooling, patio seating and inclusive food and beverages, including beer and wine under the current package.
• Upper level
  A strong value for sightlines and river views, but allow time for ramps or stairs. Public elevators are located near Gates B and C, and east-side ramps begin at Gate D.
• Accessible seating
  Wheelchair and companion locations are available on every level. Day-of-game relocations occur at Guest Services behind Sections 114 and 214 but depend on availability, so arrange in advance.

McLane is cashless and begins a major value-pricing reset in fall 2026. Baylor’s new 254 Classics are available at every home game, while Baylor-themed signature items give visitors more reason to eat inside than in prior seasons. One clear, empty water bottle per person—no larger than one liter—may be brought in and filled on the concourses.

• 254 Classics
  The 2026 menu offers $2 popcorn, $2 16-ounce fountain drinks, $4 hot dogs, $4 Bavarian pretzels, $5 nachos and a $5 souvenir cup.
• 1845 Baylor Bear Family Pack
  Four hot dogs, four 16-ounce sodas and four cans of Pringles cost $18.45, one of the best family-value packages in the conference.
• Sic ’Em Sliders
  Dr Pepper pulled pork or chicken sliders come with house-made chips and tie a distinctly Waco flavor to an easy stadium meal.
• Baylor Line Dog
  An all-beef hot dog is loaded with Texas chow chow, queso and chicharrones—messy, substantial and more memorable than the standard version.
• Sic ’Em Smashburger
  Double patties, queso, house jalapeños, crispy cheddar onions and tamarind barbecue sauce make this the richest new savory option.
• Indy’s and Belle’s Touchdown Tacos
  Al pastor chicken, pineapple salsa, cilantro, onion and queso honor Baylor’s live mascots.
• Bear Claw
  The oversized pastry carries cinnamon and green-and-gold glaze. It is the signature sweet item debuting in 2026.
• Payment and locations
  Cards and mobile wallets are accepted; cash is not. Vendor placement can change by game, so use concourse boards or the Baylor app to locate featured items.

• Approved bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and may not exceed 12 by 12 by 6 inches.
• A non-clear clutch no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 by 3 inches is permitted.
• Backpacks, briefcases, camera and computer bags, cinch bags, coolers, diaper bags, duffels, fanny packs and luggage are prohibited unless a necessary medical exception is approved and inspected.
• Bags cannot be left at the gates; unattended or rejected items may be removed and discarded. Return them to a vehicle before joining the entry line.
• Portable chairbacks and seat cushions are prohibited. Baylor-approved chairbacks may be rented at stadium locations.
• Outside food and beverages, umbrellas, video cameras and camera lenses longer than four inches are prohibited.
• One clear, empty water bottle per person is allowed, with a maximum capacity of one liter. Glass and backpack-style hydration systems are not permitted.
• General gates open 90 minutes before kickoff, and McLane has no reentry except for a documented medical emergency.