Situated proudly along the banks of the Brazos River, McLane Stadium formidably towers over the Baylor campus. Built in 2014, this horseshoe shaped structure is one of only three on-campus venues that are accessible by water – Tennessee and Washington are the only others that can boast this claim. Despite the stadium’s youth, it’s design and location make it feel like a classic.
Gamedays in Waco are fueled with a feisty fervor that electrifies the green and gold. The pregame Bear Walk showcases this fandom as the football squad is greeted by a throng of Baylor backers. Mascots Bruiser and Marigold, The Golden Wave Band, and a colorful spirit squad add flair to the festivities. Move to the heart of campus to view the Bill and Eva Williams Baylor Bear Habitat where university pride is embodied by the live American black bear exhibit. The first bears arrived on campus in 1917, and today, this thoroughly accredited habitat provides excellent care and education for these beautiful living symbols of Baylor.
As tailgating heats up, the Brazos River becomes a focal point as boats drift toward McLane and set up for sailgating. Very few spots on the college football landscape offer a floating vantage point for pregame partying. Bear fans line the river’s shoreline adding a boisterous bump to Baylor gameday. Connecting campus to the stadium over the Brazos is the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Pedestrian Bridge. A dense flow of fanatics carry the frenzy over the river to fill the stadium’s seats.
Once inside McClane Stadium, a rousing battle cry builds as the team prepares to make its entrance. Raised arms with hands forming a bear claw, a screaming crowd projects a “Heyyyyyy – Sic ‘Em! Bears!” as the claw strikes down and up to conquer its prey. This is followed by a unique tradition that features the freshman class. Incoming students wearing a goldenfootball jersey bearing their graduation year, collect in mass at the south end of the stadium. As cheers ring out, the freshman race across the field to form a gigantic human tunnel for the football team to pass through. Known as The Baylor Line, this tradition connects the fanbase with its team like no other and saturates the soul with enthusiasm.
The state of Texas is football’s epicenter. Baylor contributes mightily to Lone Star State lore by pouring rich gameday traditions into the atmosphere. The home of the Bears is a special place of spectacle and song. “The Old Baylor Line” is more than a lyric – it’s the thread of unity across all Baylor faithful.
