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School
Baylor University
Stadium
McLane Stadium
Capacity
45,140
Conference
Big 12
The neighborhoods where Waco fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.
Historic downtown district with bars, restaurants, and the Brazos Riverwalk. Main post-game celebration area with walkable venues.
Notable Bars
Directly adjacent to Baylor campus with student-friendly bars and restaurants. Walking distance to McLane Stadium.
Notable Bars
Emerging entertainment district with outdoor venues and live music. Popular with younger crowds.
Notable Bars
Local dive bars and neighborhood spots away from the tourist areas. Authentic Waco experience.
Notable Bars
Plan your game day around the Baylor University Bears home schedule
Sep 5
Sep 12
Sep 19
Sep 26
Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
Oct 31
Nov 7
Nov 14
Nov 21
Nov 28
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Waco's Central Texas location brings scorching heat in September, transitioning to pleasant fall weather by November. The Brazos River valley can trap heat and humidity early in the season. October and November offer ideal conditions for outdoor tailgating along the river.
92°
High
71°
Low
82°
High
60°
Low
71°
High
50°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to McLane Stadium.
Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.
The definitive guide to Waco's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.
from McLane Stadium
Atmosphere
Upscale sports bar
Known For
from McLane Stadium
Atmosphere
College sports bar
Known For
from McLane Stadium
Atmosphere
Outdoor bar & music venue
Known For
from McLane Stadium
Atmosphere
Dive bar
Known For
from McLane Stadium
Atmosphere
Historic college bar
Known For
from McLane Stadium
Atmosphere
Craft brewery
Known For
from McLane Stadium
Atmosphere
Distillery tasting room
Known For
from McLane Stadium
Atmosphere
Greek restaurant & bar
Known For
The best order to hit Waco's top bars on game day — optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.
Start
George's Restaurant & Bar
Est. Time
3 hours
Total Distance
2.2 miles
Start Here
George's Restaurant & Bar
1925 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706
221 Mary Ave, Waco, TX 76701
508 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701
320 S 8th St #100, Waco, TX 76701
511 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706
1001 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Waco, TX 76704
End Point
McLane Stadium
Start at George's 3-4 hours before kickoff for the authentic Baylor experience. Walk the scenic Brazos Riverwalk from downtown to McLane Stadium (15 minutes) — it's one of the best gameday walks in college football. After Baylor wins, the walk back becomes a green-and-gold victory parade.
What makes Bears game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.
McLane Stadium sits directly on the Brazos River, and fans arrive by boat to tailgate on the water before games. Dozens of boats anchor along the river, fans party on the decks, and the whole scene is visible from the stadium. It's one of the most unique and photogenic traditions in all of college football.
The "Sic 'Em Bears" hand sign — fingers curled like a bear claw — is flashed by every Baylor fan at every big play and every photo. It's the universal symbol of Baylor pride, and you'll see it everywhere from the stands to the bars on 6th Street.
Before every home game, the entire freshman class — the Baylor Line — sprints onto the field through the student section tunnel, creating a wall of green and gold. It's a beloved tradition that symbolizes the energy and enthusiasm of new Baylor students joining the Bear family.
Since 1930, Baylor fans have gathered at George's Restaurant across from campus before every home game. It's the oldest gameday tradition in Waco — alumni return year after year, and the walls are covered in decades of Baylor memorabilia. Cash only, arrive early.
After Baylor wins, fans flood the Brazos Riverwalk connecting the stadium to downtown Waco. The 15-minute walk becomes a green-and-gold parade, with fans celebrating along the river before hitting 6th Street bars. It's a scenic, joyful tradition unique to Waco.
Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.
Texas BBQ · 1.2 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium
Waco BBQ legend since 1915, home of the original Gut Pak — a Texas gameday staple. Smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs piled on Fritos with cheese and jalapeños. Cash only, arrive early on gameday.
American Bar & Grill · 0.4 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium
Baylor institution since 1930 — the oldest gameday tradition in Waco. Walls covered in decades of Bears memorabilia. Chicken fried steak is legendary. Cash preferred, arrive 3+ hours early on gameday.
Tex-Mex & Tacos · 1.8 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium
Austin-born taco chain beloved by Baylor students. The Trailer Park taco is a cult favorite — fried chicken, green chiles, lettuce, pico, and queso on a flour tortilla. Quick service, perfect pre-game fuel.
Classic Burger Joint · 2.1 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium
Waco burger institution since 1948. Classic drive-in with carhops, hand-cut fries, and thick milkshakes. The double cheeseburger is a Waco rite of passage. Cash only, expect a wait on gameday.
Breakfast & Brunch · 2.3 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium
Chip & Joanna Gaines' breakfast spot — Waco's most famous restaurant. Fluffy biscuits, homemade jam, and massive pancakes. Expect 1-2 hour waits on gameday mornings. Reservations not accepted.
Texas BBQ · 1.5 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium
Family-owned BBQ joint with award-winning brisket and homemade sides. The jalapeño cheese grits are a Waco original. Friendly service, generous portions, and a loyal local following.
The top districts in Waco for game day bar crawls and nightlife.
Historic downtown district with bars, restaurants, and the Brazos Riverwalk. Main post-game celebration area with walkable venues.
Directly adjacent to Baylor campus with student-friendly bars and restaurants. Walking distance to McLane Stadium.
Emerging entertainment district with outdoor venues and live music. Popular with younger crowds.
Local dive bars and neighborhood spots away from the tourist areas. Authentic Waco experience.
Turn your love of Bears football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at McLane Stadium
McLane Stadium sits on the Brazos River - arrive early to watch the famous 'sailgate' boats
Parking is limited near stadium - use shuttle from downtown or walk from campus
6th Street downtown gets packed after games - arrive early for tables
George's Restaurant is a Baylor tradition - cash speeds up service
Magnolia Market (Chip & Joanna Gaines) is nearby but avoid on gameday - massive crowds
Brazos Riverwalk connects stadium to downtown - scenic 15-minute walk
Many bars offer shuttle service to/from McLane Stadium
Texas heat is real - hydrate and use sunscreen for day games
Cricket's has the best beer selection - try local Texas craft brews
Book hotels early - Waco has limited options and fills up fast for big games
Top hotels near McLane Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Waco game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
Baylor University Athletics
Official athletic department website for schedules and tickets
McLane Stadium Info
Stadium policies, parking maps, and fan guide
Waco Visitor Bureau
Official city tourism and hotel information
Big 12 Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast info
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage
Waco Bar Scene Guide
Explore the best bars and bar districts in Waco on game day
Explore every bar district, find the best spots near McLane Stadium, and discover where Bears fans drink on game day.