New Tailgate Experiences
Baylor Athletics is introducing a new way to tailgate this year’s football games with live concerts called Baylor Backyard Live, in honor of what the University is calling Baylor’s Fan First Era. Headliners this season include local R&B band Suede, ’80s cover band Members Only, and Grammy-nominated artist (and former Wacoan) Pat Green. The concerts are free for all fans to attend and will be located in the tailgate area at Touchdown Alley.
The concert tailgate series kicks off before the Bears’ first home game at 7 p.m. September 12 at McLane Stadium against Prairie View A&M.
Carter Faith Headlining Howdy at the Hurd
Pi Beta Phi will continue its annual tradition, this year celebrating the 64th All-University Howdy with local food trucks and vendors returning to the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center on September 25.
This year, the event will feature country music newcomer Carter Faith, who just finished a summer supporting well-known artists such as George Strait and Post Malone. Faith wrote her first songs when she was 16 and moved to Nashville from North Carolina to launch her singing career.
Students are welcome, as well as football fans in town for the Bears’ Big 12 opening game against Colorado the following Saturday.
Baylor Football Brings Back the Bear Claw
Baylor Athletics revealed a throwback uniform for the upcoming football season, featuring the nostalgic Bear Claw inspired by the 1982-1992 team. The fan-favorite look pays tribute to the uniforms worn under Hall of Fame coach Grant Teaff and includes 10 stars on a gold chrome helmet to represent the Bears’ first 10-win season and victories over Texas.
In honor of this, the 1991 Bears will be honored at this season’s home opener against Colorado.
“Seeing this uniform come back is special”, Baylor Hall of Famer Santana Dotson said in a Baylor Press release. “There is a lot of pride and tradition tied to these uniforms, and I think it’s special that today’s players and Baylor fans will get to experience it again.”
The Armstrong Browning Library and Museum Turns 75
As the library celebrates its 75-year anniversary, Baylor released a schedule including two days of events honoring the library’s history and legacy. Scholars from all over the world will come together for an Academic Symposium on September 17-18, as well as a Community Celebration on Friday, September 18.
Heisman Legends Recognized as Honorary Captains
At this year’s Aflac Kickoff Game, legendary alumnus Robert Griffin III returns to the field alongside the Bears to serve as honorary captain for their September 5 match against Auburn. Griffin won the Heisman award following the team’s first 10-win season in 2011 after over 30 years. After breaking Baylor records in career passing touchdowns and almost 5,000 total yards, Griffin became the highest NFL draft in Baylor history. As the second overall draft, he carried on to play for the Washington Commanders. Griffin, in his first professional season, was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Joining him to represent Auburn is 2010 Heisman winner Cam Newton. Newton led his alma mater to an undefeated season in 2011 and an all-time record in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Newton was the first overall draft chosen by the Carolina Panthers and was also named Offensive Rookie of the Year. Both RG3 and Newton will be on the field for the pregame coin toss, accompanied by current or former patients of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in support of “Kickoff for a Cause” and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
