Though many institutions make claims and battle for the title of “First Ever Homecoming,” our very own Baylor University celebrated the official first collegiate homecoming with the Thanksgiving football game and parade in 1909. The event has morphed since its inception 115 years ago, but one thing remains true – homecoming serves to reunite the community and welcome Baylor alumni home.
Whether you’re a seasoned Baylor Homecoming veteran (you know the best place to see the parade, you’ve packed your lawn chair, and you know the nearest place to find a Dr Pepper Float) or you’re a first-timer, our guide has you covered for an exciting homecoming weekend Oct. 24-26.
Baylor Football vs. Oklahoma State
Some 5,000 people showed out on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 4, 1909, to watch Baylor beat TCU on Carroll Field in the first ever collegiate football homecoming game. The whole two-day event – speakers, seminars, games, processions, and activities – was chronicled in the January 1910 issue of The Baylor Bulletin. “As usual on such occasions the old bell pealed forth the glad tones of victory. Hardly ever was there such rejoicing on Baylor campus,” the Bulletin said of the victory. “Even certain of the visitors who were inclined to think that football is a doubtful sport for college youth caught the spirit and helped to swell the shout of victory.”
This year, the Bears will face the Oklahoma State Cowboys, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at McLane Stadium. The theme is Stripe Out – look at this map to find out if your section is wearing green or gold to the game.
Don’t worry if you can’t come home to Waco for game day this year or if 80-degree October heat isn’t your style – you can also catch the game streaming live on ESPN+ or broadcasted on the Baylor Sports Media Network. (But if you are brave enough for this heat, please bring a clear, empty water bottle to fill up at a free water station throughout the stadium’s concourse.)
Don’t know where to park? Need to know where to catch a quick bite during crunch time (the few short hours between the parade and the game)? Want to know where to tailgate? Check out our comprehensive game day guide.
Traditions
Football is only one piece of the homecoming puzzle. Baylor is rich with several other traditions, from the typical homecoming court to uniquely Baylor experiences like Pigskin Revue. To learn more about each of these traditions, visit the University’s official event page.
Dinner with the Livingstones – 6-8 p.m. | Tuesday, October 22 | Albritton House
President Linda Livingstone and First Gent Brad Livingstone will welcome students to the Albritton House for some quality time and a free meal from one of several food truck participants parked along Third and Fourth streets. Students may take a family picture on the front porch from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Pigskin Revue – Thursday, Oct. 24-Saturday, Oct. 26 | Waco Hall
The eight winning sororities and fraternities are invited back to Waco Hall to perform the best routines this Spring’s All University Sing had to offer. Tickets went on sale in September and sold out fast (if you did get tickets, remember the clear bag policy at Waco Hall), but streaming tickets are available for $21 to watch the performances from home at 8 p.m. on Oct. 26.
Ten at Ten: A Mass Meeting Experience – 10-11:30 p.m. | Thursday, October 24 | Fountain Mall
First-year students will gather on Fountain Mall to learn the story of and honor the Immortal Ten – a group of Baylor basketball players who were killed in a bus-train accident in 1927 – and to witness the presentation of the Eternal Flame. Can’t make it to the event? Stop by the Immortal Ten Memorial and the Eternal Flame in Traditions Square between Pat Neff Hall and the Bill Daniel Student Center.
Extravaganza, Pep Rally, and Bonfire – 6-10:30 p.m. | Friday, October 25 | Fountain Mall
Extravaganza kicks off at 6 p.m. with food trucks, carnival games, and family-friendly activities. Next, the Pep Rally, featuring the Golden Wave Marching Band and Spirit Squads starts around 9 p.m. on Fountain Mall. The iconic bonfire built by the freshman class will be lit by four torchbearers around 9:45 p.m.
Royal & Pure Homecoming Stroll-Off – 7-9 p.m. | Friday, October 25 | Bill Daniel Student Center
Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) will take the stage in the Bill Daniel Student Center in a step-dancing competition, honoring “a historical form of communication and storytelling that has become an integral part of historically Black national sororities and fraternities,” according to Baylor’s event page.
Homecoming at the Hurd – Friday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Oct. 26 | Hurd Welcome Center
The Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center will serve as an alumni hub for two whole days, with programs, activities for the whole family, and presentations running from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday and reopening at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Golden Grads will celebrate their 50-year reunion, acrobatics and tumbling Head Coach Phylicia Mulkey will speak about the nine-time National Championship team, Dr Pepper Hour will take place, and much more.
Want to fill up your itinerary? Check out these additional homecoming attractions:
- Honors College Ribbon Cutting & Open House
- Pop-up Vintage T-Shirt Shop
- Volleyball vs. TCU
- Singspiration
- Air Force and Space Force ROTC Homecoming Open House
Homecoming Parade
Called “the procession” in that original 1909 homecoming, the country’s oldest and largest collegiate homecoming parade remains one of the most grand features of Baylor’s homecoming experience.
Parade Route
The 2024 parade will start downtown at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Austin Avenue and 12th Street, but you may want to arrive at your desired viewing location at least 30 minutes early to secure the best view. The parade will continue up Austin Avenue to Fourth Street where it will turn and continue toward Interstate 35. After crossing the highway, the parade will progress down Fifth Street on campus, past Penland Hall and the Rosenbalm Fountain. The parade arrives on campus approximately 30 minutes after the parade starts.
Where to Park
Roads along the parade route will be closed and unavailable for parking, though plenty of free parking will be available throughout downtown surrounding the parade route.
Free parking lots within walking distance to the parade include:
- Third Street and Washington Avenue lot downtown
- 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)
- Visitor lot in front of Pat Neff Hall
- Visitor lot behind Bill Daniel Student Center
Where to View
You can stand or sit anywhere along Austin Avenue or Fourth Street downtown and on Fifth Street on campus to view the parade.
Grandstand Seating is available near the end of the parade, in front of the Bill Daniel Student Center at the corner of Fifth Street and M.P. Daniel Esplanade. General admission seating costs $50, tickets for children 3-12 years old costs $22.50, and children under 3 are free but must still have a ticket. Accessible seating reserved for those with disabilities is available for the same price on ground level in front of the grandstand.
Can’t make it to the parade? It’s also streaming live on Baylor’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
Need more to do in Waco on your trip? Check out these guides from Baylor Line:
