McLane Stadium: Home to more than just Baylor football

McLane Stadium made its debut in 2014, complete with sailgating, the RG3 statue dedication, the class of 2019’s very first Baylor Line run, and a 45-0 win over SMU. Every fall since then, fans have packed the stadium to cheer on our Baylor Bears.

But this “jewel of the Brazos” wasn’t built with only football in mind. The Bears play only six or seven home games a season; the rest of the year, McLane Stadium and its grounds host everything from weddings to summer camps to worship services to high school football games.

Races such as the Bearathon, the Waco Wounded Veterans 5k and the March of Dimes walk either finish at McLane or take place around the stadium and its riverfront setting. Already this spring, the stadium has hosted events such as the Illectric River Music Festival, Waco’s first-ever music and arts festival, and The Gathering Waco, a massive community worship service. Next on the calendar: Baylor football’s Green & Gold spring game; the Blacklight Slide, a neon, glow-in-the-dark waterslide party; and a series of summer camps.

Last summer, McLane Stadium hosted the Brazos River Ribfest as well as Waco’s biggest Independence Day celebration, Fourth on the Brazos. At Halloween, it was the site for the Stadium Spooktacular, a chance for future Bears to trick-or-treat, get their face painted, and play plenty of Halloween-themed games. And the university often hosts free events for students, alumni, faculty and staff at McLane, such as movie nights and watch parties.

Year-round, members of the Baylor Club — one of the most successful stadium club membership services around — enjoy fine dining along with gorgeous views of the stadium, the main Baylor campus and downtown Waco. The club is also constantly hosting fundraisers, business events, and even weddings. (Other parts of the stadium can also be rented for special events, including the president’s suite.) Stadium tours are also regularly available for just $10.

If you’ve only visited McLane Stadium during football season, then you’ve only seen one side of it. It’s one of Waco’s best venues for parties and community events, and we’re proud to call it our own.

Sic ’em, McLane Stadium!