Baylor Game Day Guide: Where to Tailgate, Eat, and Park
There's nothing quite like a fall Saturday in Waco when the Bears are playing at home. McLane Stadium sits right on the Brazos River, and the whole city lights up on game day — from the tailgate smoke drifting across campus to the roar that echoes down University Parks Drive after a big play. Whether this is your first Baylor game day or your fourth season, this tailgate guide covers where to park, where to eat, where to set up your tent, and how to make the most of every home game in 2026.
2026 Baylor Home Football Schedule
Mark your calendar. Baylor hosts six games at McLane Stadium this season:
| Date | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 12 | Prairie View A&M | Season opener |
| Sept 19 | Louisiana Tech | Family Weekend |
| Sept 26 | Colorado | Big 12 matchup |
| Oct 17 | TCU | Revivalry rivalry game |
| Nov 7 | Iowa State | Homecoming |
| Nov 21 | Texas Tech | Regular season home finale |
The Big 12 Championship is set for December 4 in Arlington at AT&T Stadium. But first — six Saturdays in Waco you don't want to miss.
Where to Tailgate
Tailgate Guys Zones
Most organized tailgating at McLane Stadium is managed by Tailgate Guys, who offer reserved sites in four named areas: Bear Park, Bear Island, Bear Walk, and Bear Lawn. These range from basic tent spots to full-service setups with TVs, catering, and cold beer waiting when you arrive. Reservations fill up fast, so book early if you want a premium spot.
Sailgating on the Brazos
This is the experience that sets Baylor apart from every other college in the country. Sailgating means tailgating from boats along the Brazos River, right next to the stadium. Reserved boat slips in the Baylor Basin sell out, but tie-down areas along the riverbank are available for sailgaters who bring their own watercraft. Even if you're not on a boat, walking along the river before kickoff and watching the scene is worth the trip.
Student Tailgate Area
Baylor students have a dedicated tailgating zone just across the Brazos from McLane Stadium. It's the rowdiest spot on game day and the best place to soak in the student energy before heading into the Bear Pit.
Touchdown Alley
Located on the southeast side of McLane Stadium (on the old Floyd Casey turf), Touchdown Alley opens three hours before kickoff and closes 30 minutes before game time. It's free, family-friendly, and packed with food vendors, drinks, and activities for kids. This is where you go if you want the game day atmosphere without a full tailgate setup.
Parking: How to Get There Without the Headache
McLane Stadium has roughly 2,500 parking spots across four lots plus 350 tailgating spots. Here's the breakdown:
- Prepaid stadium lots — Season parking available via mclanestadiumparking.com. Lots open 3 hours before kickoff.
- Brazos Parking — $400 for vehicle season parking or $725 for season tailgate. Includes 358 parking spots and 128 tailgating spots. About a 5-minute walk to the stadium.
- Neighborhood parking — Residents near campus offer spots for $10-$20. Get there early for the best deals.
- Paid lots across MLK Jr. Blvd — Around $20 per game. Easy walk to the stadium.
- Free downtown shuttle (The Tailgater) — Picks up at 3rd Street & Franklin Avenue near Heritage Square. Runs from 3 hours before kickoff through 1 hour after the game. All shuttles are ADA accessible.
Pro tip for Centre residents: You can walk to McLane Stadium from Centre Apartments. No parking fees, no shuttle wait, no fighting traffic after the game. Just walk home. It's one of the biggest perks of living at 1901 S 11th Street.
The Bear Walk
About two hours before kickoff, the team buses roll up and the players walk through a corridor of fans on their way into the stadium. The Bear Walk is one of Baylor's best traditions — bring your voice and get there early for a good spot along the route.
Where to Eat on Game Day
Pre-Game Picks
- Brazos Landing — The closest restaurant to McLane Stadium. Cajun and Gulf Coast seafood with patio seating overlooking the Brazos River. Sunset views here before an evening kickoff are hard to beat.
- Slow Rise Slice House — NY-style pizza and craft beer on N MLK Blvd. Massive space with long tables — perfect for groups. The kitchen moves fast, so you won't miss kickoff.
- Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop — A Waco institution since 1975, originally on Baylor's campus. Still packed every day at lunch. Get there early on game day.
- Casa de Castillo — Tex-Mex staple near campus. Huge portions, fast service, and the queso is legendary among Baylor students.
Post-Game Spots
- Cricket's Draft House — The go-to spot to kick your feet up after a win (or drown your sorrows after a loss). Nachos, cold drinks, and every screen showing highlights.
- Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant (220 S Third St) — Walking distance from the downtown shuttle pickup. Margaritas and enchiladas to close out the night.
- Billy Bob's Burgers Bar & Grill (300 S Second St) — Central Texas spin on game day favorites right in downtown Waco.
For a full rundown of the best eats near campus, check out our guide to the 10 best restaurants near Baylor University.
Game Day Tips from Locals
- Arrive early. Parking fills up fast, Touchdown Alley closes 30 minutes before kickoff, and the Bear Walk starts 2 hours out. Plan to be there at least 3 hours before game time.
- Bring cash. Neighborhood parking is cash-only, and some food vendors at Touchdown Alley prefer it.
- Wear layers in November. September games are hot — bring water and sunscreen. But by the Iowa State and Texas Tech games, Waco evenings drop into the 40s and 50s.
- Download the Baylor In-Game App. Live video, replays, parking assistance, and real-time stats right on your phone.
- Walk the pedestrian bridge. The bridge across the Brazos connects the tailgate areas to the stadium and is one of the best photo spots on game day.
- Take the shuttle if you're coming from downtown. The Tailgater is free, runs frequently, and drops you right at the stadium. No stress.
Beyond Football: Basketball at Foster Pavilion
Game day in Waco isn't just a fall thing. The Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion — Baylor's 7,000-seat basketball arena on the banks of the Brazos — delivers an electric atmosphere for both men's and women's basketball. The Bear Pit student section creates a wall of green and gold, and the intimate seating means you're close enough to hear the sneakers squeak.
Tickets are delivered electronically to your phone, and the Ticket Center at the west entrance opens 60 minutes before tip-off. Check the Baylor Bears schedule for upcoming home games.
Live Close, Walk to Every Game
Centre Apartments is within walking distance of both McLane Stadium and Foster Pavilion. That means no parking passes, no sitting in traffic on University Parks Drive, and no waiting for shuttles. After the game, you're home in minutes.
Explore our floor plans to see two-bedroom, townhouse, and three-bedroom options, or schedule a tour to check out the neighborhood for yourself. Living this close to the action is something you'll appreciate every single game day.