What’s New at McLane Stadium This Fall
9/10/2026 10:36:00 AM | Football, Fan Experience, Athletic News, Desk of the AD
New experiences, returning traditions and fan-friendly amenities await Baylor fans throughout the 2026 season
WACO, Texas – Baylor fans will notice plenty of changes when they return to McLane Stadium this Saturday for the 2026 home opener against Prairie View A&M.
From expanded tailgating and fan-friendly concessions to new stadium lighting and the return of familiar traditions, here is what fans can expect at McLane Stadium this fall:
From expanded tailgating and fan-friendly concessions to new stadium lighting and the return of familiar traditions, here is what fans can expect at McLane Stadium this fall:
- Baylor Backyard Tailgating: The game day party starts before kickoff with a dedicated tailgating experience for Baylor fans just outside McLane Stadium.
- Fan First Concessions: New signature items and fan-friendly pricing give guests more options than ever before, including the Bear Claw, 254 Classics Menu and $18.45 Baylor Bear Family Pack.
- LED Lights: A new stadium-wide lighting system will elevate key moments and bring even more energy to McLane Stadium.
- Baylor Backyard Live Concert Series: Fans can enjoy live music at Touchdown Alley before kickoff, including a Sept. 26 performance by Texas country music legend Pat Green.
- Expanded Touchdown Alley Experience: Fans can enjoy an enhanced pre-game destination featuring live entertainment, family activities, food trucks and more ways for the entire family to get involved before kickoff.
- Original Bear Walk Route: Presented by Alberta Boots, fans can gather along the extended and more fan-friendly route through the Baylor Backyard tailgating area and welcome the Bears as the team arrives at McLane Stadium.
- Bear Bell: For the first time in two decades, the Bear Bell is back for every home game and will also be featured in the Bear Walk.
- Game Day Experiences: Fans can purchase exclusive opportunities throughout the season, including participating in the Bear Walk and watching live game action from the sideline.
- Fan First Uniform Pic 'Em: Fans had the opportunity to help select the Bears' game-day look for the home opener on 254 Night through a social media poll this summer.
- Growl Towels: Game-specific rally towels will give fans another way to wave their Baylor spirit loud and proud. Fans can pick up a free towel at the Astound Tent in Touchdown Alley while supplies last or purchase one for $1 at the Baylor Bookstore kiosks and Sideline Shop inside McLane Stadium. The first 5,000 students can pick up their growl towel at the student pickup tent on the South Plaza.
- Gold Rush Shirts: Twenty-five years after the tradition began, the official Gold Rush t-shirt returns to help Baylor fans fill McLane Stadium in gold on Sept. 19 against Louisiana Tech.
- Cub Club Junior Line: On Sept. 19 against Louisiana Tech, Cub Club members can take the field and run a shortened route before kickoff.
- Waco Rush Pass: Waco residents can register at BaylorBears.com/WacoRush for access to exclusive ticket opportunities throughout the 2026-27 athletics season, including offers for the Sept. 12 game against Prairie View A&M and the Sept. 19 game against Louisiana Tech.
- Stroller Parking: Dedicated stroller-parking areas at the South Plaza and Gate B entrances make it easier for families with young children to enjoy game day together.
- BaylorBears.com -
Thursday, September 10
Tuesday, September 08
Monday, September 07
Sunday, September 06
