Personally, I think everyone should experience the magic and tradition of a Baylor University home football game – but not everyone knows how. With Baylor’s first of six home games this season happening August 31 against Tarleton State, here are some tips on how to do game day the right way.
The Parking Problem
The University recommends using the Waze app to navigate road closures on gameday.
Parking at McLane Stadium lots 1, 2, 3, 4, Gold Lot, Umphrey Law School, Ferrell Center, Dutton Garage, and Speight garage may either be assigned lots or season-long prepaid lots, so check your ticket for an assigned space number.
If you didn’t pre-purchase a parking pass (and no worries if you didn’t!), there’s a mix of free parking (for those who arrive early enough) and paid parking between Seventh Street and Orchard Lane across the street from McLane Stadium. Parking in the neighborhood across from the stadium could cost up to $20 per car, but makes for an easy and pleasant solution for off-campus parking.
Free parking is also available at these locations downtown:
- Third Street and Washington Avenue lot
- The parking garage and lot at Fourth Street and Franklin Avenue
- Lots at Second Street and Franklin Avenue (across from Spice Village and Waco City Hall)
“The Tailgater,” a partnership between Baylor and Waco Transit System, is a free option for transportation between the stadium and downtown parking options. It starts picking up riders three hours before kickoff at Third Street and Franklin Avenue (near Heritage Square and City Hall).
A separate Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible shuttle service is also available for those with valid ADA credentials, running from the Baylor Research Initiative Collaborative at 100 Research Parkway. The shuttle runs from four hours before kickoff to one hour after the game. Parking in the BRIC lot costs $25.00.
Where To Stay
Check out these new hotels in downtown Waco:
- A new AC Hotel by Marriott opened in April
- If you’re looking for something more upscale and cutesy, Hotel 1928 and Hotel Herringbone are two new luxury hotels
- The Cambria is right down the street from McLane Stadium
If you prefer an Airbnb, take a look at these options:
- The famous Shotgun House, one of many downtown units renovated by Chip and Joanna Gaines for their HGTV show “Fixer Upper,” is a tiny-but-cute accommodation for those who want to experience the Magnolia Effect.
- This bungalow advertises itself as steps away from McLane Stadium, and can sleep five guests.
- Green Door Lofts, also featured on “Fixer Upper,” is a funky, beautiful space in downtown Waco with a heated pool and great reviews.
For Your Game Day Coffee Run
- Common Grounds is always a staple for current Baylor students and returners. I recommend getting the OG experience at their campus-adjacent location, 1123 S. Eighth St.
- Glory Bell Coffee, 600 Columbus Ave., recently popped up in the Waco coffee shop scene for those looking to feel downtown but remain close to their route to McLane Stadium.
- Grab a coffee and a glass of wine or beer at Pinewood, 2223 Austin Ave. The environment will make you want to channel your inner hipster and cozy up with the newest edition of Pinewood Press.
- We also have a rundown of the 14 best local coffee shops if none of these suit your fancy.
For Your Game Day Munchies
- Cafe Cappuccino, 100 N. Sixth St., specializes in affordable breakfast, lunch, and, of course, cappuccinos and lattes.
- Street Dog Cafe reimagined the old Lula Jane’s space at 406 Elm Ave. You won’t regret trying the brioche sticky bread or a new take on a breakfast pizza.
- Here’s a list we put together of 16 brunch spots around town.
- The Brazos Landing, formerly Buzzard Billy’s at 100 N. Interstate 35 Frontage Road, offers cajun dishes right on the river within walking distance of the stadium.
- Billy Bob’s Burgers Bar & Grill, 300 S. Second St. Suite 102, throws a Central Texas spin on a game day favorite food.
- Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant, 220 S. Third St., is within walking distance of the downtown shuttle pickup and is a local favorite for lunch, dinner, and every kind of margarita you can imagine. If you’re craving Mexican food but you’re not sure where from, check out our list of 10 Mexican restaurants in Waco.
Time To Tailgate
If you desire a traditional, family-friendly tailgating experience, Touchdown Alley and student tailgating directly adjacent to the stadium may be your pregame stop. Of course, sailgating on the Brazos River and Baylor Basin is always a good choice if you choose to pull up by boat.
Alcohol is not allowed or sold on campus, so if you’re looking to enjoy a beverage before entering the stadium, Brazos Parking is the place for you. You’ll find loads of tailgate tents set up filled with diehard Baylor fans. Swing by a friend’s spot or stop by our favorite George’s Party Zone for a drink with a side of Crazy Wings.
But students, you may want to skip tailgating if your goal is to run at the front of the Baylor Line (and subsequently rush through McLane Stadium’s tunnels to grab the best seat in the student section). Veterans of the run advise to show up two hours early to grab your spot in line, and to wear close-toed shoes.
Inside McLane
Make sure you show up knowing “That Good old Baylor Line,” sung before and after the game; “Old Fight!” sung after every score; and when to dance to “Word Up” with the tuba players. Practice your Sic ‘ems so you’ve mastered the art before kickoff.
At McLane, a clear bag policy is in effect. You may bring one unopened water bottle or an empty non-metal water bottle, and free refill stations are located around the stadium.
Don’t fret if you show up hungry. There’s a Chick-fil-A stand inside the stadium, and McLane offers all of the typical stadium foods, including hot dogs, pretzels with cheese, and popcorn.
Time To Celebrate (Or Commiserate, But Hopefully Not)
Win or lose, if you’re ready for fun following the game and crave a little bit of adventure, Waco offers an assortment of bars and nightlife downtown to celebrate the Bears’ victory … or drown the sorrows of their loss.
- If you’re looking for a place to kick your feet up after the game, grab a table, a plate of nachos, and a soda or frozen Jack and Coke at Cricket’s Draft House. Then slide over Trojan Cork and Keg for a fishbowl and jello shot; they’re in the same building, so you might as well.
- About a 15-minute drive from McLane, Main Event Waco offers bowling, billiards, games, food and drinks, and family-friendly entertainment late on Saturday night.
It’s a tale as old as time: you’re leaving the game and your next stop is Scruffy Murphy’s (that’s right, the kids are still going to Scruff’s – but you might have known it as Mothers). It’s pretty much a rite of passage for a Baylor student, plus they have a food truck now. But visitors beware – if you’ve never experienced Scruff’s this may not be your ideal spot to unwind and relax.- And if you’re wondering where Baylor students these days like to celebrate after the game: The Buckle makes a killer Washington Apple, Austin’s on the Avenue is back after a few years’ hiatus, Freight Icehouse and Yardbar is a nice outdoor venue, and everybody loves to grab a taco from Fuego Tortilla Grill on the way home. (It will never compare to the IHOP on South Fourth Street, now replaced by the Hurd Welcome Center, but it’s a close second.)
- Looking for more late-night activities around town? Here are 12 things to do in Waco at night.
