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Waco
Game Day

Next Home Game — TBA· Sep 5
172Days
06Hrs
21Min
00Sec
TBA

Quick Facts

School

Baylor University

Stadium

McLane Stadium

Capacity

45,140

Conference

Big 12

Local Bar Scene

Bar Districts in Waco

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.

Downtown Waco / 6th Street

Historic downtown district with bars, restaurants, and the Brazos Riverwalk. Main post-game celebration area with walkable venues.

Notable Bars

Barnett's Public House
Cricket's Grill & Draft House
Pivovar
Balcones Distilling

Speight Avenue (Campus Area)

Directly adjacent to Baylor campus with student-friendly bars and restaurants. Walking distance to McLane Stadium.

Notable Bars

George's Restaurant & Bar
Hellas Greek Restaurant & Bar

South 8th Street District

Emerging entertainment district with outdoor venues and live music. Popular with younger crowds.

Notable Bars

Backyard Bar Stage and Grill

Waco Drive Corridor

Local dive bars and neighborhood spots away from the tourist areas. Authentic Waco experience.

Notable Bars

Treff's Tavern

2026 Football Schedule

Plan your game day around the Baylor University Bears home schedule

TBAHome

Sep 5

TBA
TBAAway

Sep 12

TBA
TBAHome

Sep 19

TBA
TBAHome

Sep 26

TBA
TBAAway

Oct 3

TBA
TBAHome

Oct 10

TBA
TBAAway

Oct 17

TBA
TBAHome

Oct 24

TBA
TBAAway

Oct 31

TBA
TBAHome

Nov 7

TBA
TBAAway

Nov 14

TBA
TBAHome

Nov 21

TBA
TBAAway

Nov 28

TBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

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.

❄️ Toughest

September

Hot & Dry

92°

High

/

71°

Low

5 rainy days
Brutal heat at McLane Stadium. Arrive early for shaded spots and drink water constantly.
⭐ Best Month

October

Warm & Sunny

82°

High

/

60°

Low

5 rainy days
Perfect for riverside tailgating! Mornings are cool, afternoons warm. Light layers work well.
⭐ Best Month

November

Mild & Pleasant

71°

High

/

50°

Low

5 rainy days
Ideal football weather. Bring a jacket for evening games drop quickly after sunset.

Game Day Packing List

  • Green and gold Baylor gear
  • Breathable clothing for early season
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Light jacket or fleece for November
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Portable fan for September games

Best Time to Visit

OctoberNovember

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to McLane Stadium.

Toughest Months

September

Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.

Local Bar Guide

Best Bars in Waco on Game Day

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.

Barnett's Public House

from McLane Stadium

#1

Atmosphere

Upscale sports bar

Known For

Downtown Waco's premier sports bar with extensive craft beer selection and gameday specials. Multiple screens, outdoor patio, and walking distance to the Brazos Riverwalk.

Cricket's Grill & Draft House

from McLane Stadium

#2

Atmosphere

College sports bar

Known For

Baylor alumni favorite with 100+ beers on tap and legendary wings. Green and gold everywhere on gameday with Bears fans packing the patio.

Backyard Bar Stage and Grill

from McLane Stadium

#3

Atmosphere

Outdoor bar & music venue

Known For

Massive outdoor venue with live music, yard games, and food trucks. Popular post-game destination with a laid-back Texas vibe.

Treff's Tavern

from McLane Stadium

#4

Atmosphere

Dive bar

Known For

Classic dive bar with cheap drinks, pool tables, and no-frills gameday atmosphere. Local favorite for decades.

George's Restaurant & Bar

from McLane Stadium

#5

Atmosphere

Historic college bar

Known For

Baylor institution since 1930, right across from campus. Chicken fried steak and cold beer in a historic setting.

Pivovar

from McLane Stadium

#6

Atmosphere

Craft brewery

Known For

Czech-inspired brewery in downtown Waco with house-made lagers and European pub fare. Sophisticated gameday option.

Balcones Distilling Tasting Room

from McLane Stadium

#7

Atmosphere

Distillery tasting room

Known For

Award-winning Texas whiskey distillery with tours and tastings. Unique pre-game experience for spirits enthusiasts.

Hellas Greek Restaurant & Bar

from McLane Stadium

#8

Atmosphere

Greek restaurant & bar

Known For

Greek food and full bar near campus. Popular late-night spot with gyros and strong drinks.
Bar Hopping Guide

Waco Game Day Bar Hopping Guide

The best order to hit Waco's top bars on game day — optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.

Interactive Bar Hopping Map6 stops · 2.2 miles

Start

George's Restaurant & Bar

Est. Time

3 hours

Total Distance

2.2 miles

Start Here

George's Restaurant & Bar

Starting point
1
Stop 1First Stop

George's Restaurant & Bar

1925 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706

Baylor institution since 1930 — the oldest gameday tradition in Waco. Chicken fried steak, cold beer, and walls covered in decades of Bears memorabilia. Cash preferred, arrive early. This is where alumni return year after year.
Get Directions
12 min walk (0.6 mi)
2
Stop 2

Cricket's Grill & Draft House

221 Mary Ave, Waco, TX 76701

Baylor alumni favorite with 100+ beers on tap and legendary wings. Green and gold everywhere on gameday. The outdoor patio fills with Bears fans, and the shuttle service to McLane Stadium makes it easy.
Get Directions
5 min walk (0.3 mi)
3
Stop 3

Barnett's Public House

508 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701

Downtown Waco's premier sports bar with extensive craft beer selection and gameday specials. Multiple screens, outdoor patio, and walking distance to the Brazos Riverwalk. The perfect spot to watch pre-game coverage.
Get Directions
6 min walk (0.3 mi)
4
Stop 4

Pivovar

320 S 8th St #100, Waco, TX 76701

Czech-inspired brewery with house-made lagers and European pub fare. The beer flights showcase authentic Czech brewing traditions. Reservations recommended for gameday — this is Waco's most sophisticated pre-game spot.
Get Directions
3 min walk (0.2 mi)
5
Stop 5

Backyard Bar Stage and Grill

511 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706

Massive outdoor venue with live music, yard games, and food trucks. The post-game party headquarters with cornhole tournaments and live bands. Family-friendly until 9pm, then the party kicks into high gear.
Get Directions
15 min walk (0.8 mi) via Brazos Riverwalk
6
Stop 6Final Stop

McLane Stadium

1001 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Waco, TX 76704

Home of the Baylor Bears since 2014. Capacity 45,140. Built on the Brazos River with unique sailgate tradition. Arrive early to watch boats anchor along the river.
Get Directions

End Point

McLane Stadium

Pro Tip

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.

Fan Culture

Waco Game Day Traditions

What makes Bears game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.

The Sailgate on the Brazos

3–4 hours before kickoff

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 only stadium in college football with a river tailgate

Sic 'Em Bears Hand Sign

All game long

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.

The universal symbol of Baylor pride

The Baylor Line Rush

Pre-game

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.

The freshman class sprints onto the field together

George's Restaurant Pre-Game

2–3 hours before kickoff

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.

A Baylor tradition since 1930

Brazos Riverwalk Post-Game Parade

Post-game after wins

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.

A scenic victory parade along the Brazos River
Fuel Up Before the Game

Best Game Day Food in Waco

Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.

$$Open Game Day

Vitek's BBQ

Texas BBQ · 1.2 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium

4.6 (2,847 reviews)

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.

Must order: Gut Pak (Fritos, BBQ, cheese, jalapeños)
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

George's Restaurant & Bar

American Bar & Grill · 0.4 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium

4.3 (3,421 reviews)

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.

Must order: Chicken Fried Steak & Cold Beer
Get Directions
$Open Game Day

Torchy's Tacos

Tex-Mex & Tacos · 1.8 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium

4.5 (2,156 reviews)

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.

Must order: Trailer Park Taco (fried chicken, green chiles, queso)
Get Directions
$Open Game Day

Health Camp

Classic Burger Joint · 2.1 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium

4.4 (1,923 reviews)

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.

Must order: Double Cheeseburger & Onion Rings
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Magnolia Table

Breakfast & Brunch · 2.3 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium

4.7 (4,512 reviews)

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.

Must order: Biscuits & Gravy, Pancakes
Get Directions
$$Open Game Day

Guess Family Barbecue

Texas BBQ · 1.5 miles from McLane Stadium from stadium

4.5 (1,834 reviews)

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.

Must order: Brisket Plate & Jalapeño Cheese Grits
Get Directions

Best Neighborhoods for Bar Hopping

The top districts in Waco for game day bar crawls and nightlife.

Downtown Waco / 6th Street

Historic downtown district with bars, restaurants, and the Brazos Riverwalk. Main post-game celebration area with walkable venues.

  • Barnett's Public House
  • Cricket's Grill & Draft House
  • Pivovar
  • Balcones Distilling

Speight Avenue (Campus Area)

Directly adjacent to Baylor campus with student-friendly bars and restaurants. Walking distance to McLane Stadium.

  • George's Restaurant & Bar
  • Hellas Greek Restaurant & Bar

South 8th Street District

Emerging entertainment district with outdoor venues and live music. Popular with younger crowds.

  • Backyard Bar Stage and Grill

Waco Drive Corridor

Local dive bars and neighborhood spots away from the tourist areas. Authentic Waco experience.

  • Treff's Tavern
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Waco GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Bears football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

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

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

Parking is limited near stadium - use shuttle from downtown or walk from campus

6th Street downtown gets packed after games - arrive early for tables

6th Street downtown gets packed after games - arrive early for tables

George's Restaurant is a Baylor tradition - cash speeds up service

George's Restaurant is a Baylor tradition - cash speeds up service

Magnolia Market (Chip & Joanna Gaines) is nearby but avoid on gameday - massive crowds

Magnolia Market (Chip & Joanna Gaines) is nearby but avoid on gameday - massive crowds

Brazos Riverwalk connects stadium to downtown - scenic 15-minute walk

Brazos Riverwalk connects stadium to downtown - scenic 15-minute walk

Many bars offer shuttle service to/from McLane Stadium

Many bars offer shuttle service to/from McLane Stadium

Texas heat is real - hydrate and use sunscreen for day games

Texas heat is real - hydrate and use sunscreen for day games

Cricket's has the best beer selection - try local Texas craft brews

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

Book hotels early - Waco has limited options and fills up fast for big games

Where to Stay

Top hotels near McLane Stadium for game day weekend

Hotel Indigo Waco

$$$
0.8 miles (15 min walk) from stadium
  • Boutique hotel in downtown Waco, walking distance to bars and Brazos Riverwalk. Modern rooms with local design touches.
Boutique hotel in downtown Waco, walking distance to bars and Brazos Riverwalk. Modern rooms with local design touches.

Magnolia Hotel

$$$$
2.5 miles from stadium
  • Chip & Joanna Gaines' boutique hotel near Magnolia Market. Upscale accommodations, books up far in advance for gameday.
Chip & Joanna Gaines' boutique hotel near Magnolia Market. Upscale accommodations, books up far in advance for gameday.

Hilton Waco

$$
0.5 miles from stadium
  • Full-service hotel connected to Waco Convention Center. Walking distance to downtown bars and stadium.
Full-service hotel connected to Waco Convention Center. Walking distance to downtown bars and stadium.

Courtyard Waco

$$
0.6 miles from stadium
  • Modern Marriott property in downtown Waco. Close to stadium and nightlife.
Modern Marriott property in downtown Waco. Close to stadium and nightlife.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Waco game day bar crawls

Know Waco's Bar Scene Better Than Anyone

Explore every bar district, find the best spots near McLane Stadium, and discover where Bears fans drink on game day.

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