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McLane Stadium - home of Baylor in Waco, TX
NCAA FBS

McLane StadiumWaco, Texas

Baylor

👥
Capacity
45,140
🏆
Conference
Big 12
📅
Opened
2014
🌱
Surface
Matrix Artificial Turf

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📖About McLane Stadium

McLane Stadium holds 45,140 and sits on the banks of the Brazos River—one of the most unique settings in college football. Opened in 2014 and named for Drayton McLane Jr. (former Astros owner), it features boat tailgating and views of downtown Waco.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened August 31, 2014 with a 45-0 win over SMU. Built for $266 million to replace Floyd Casey Stadium. Drayton McLane Jr. donated $25M for naming rights.

Major Renovations

2014Stadium opened with 45,140 capacity
2020Video board upgraded

Notable Moments

Aug 31, 2014Stadium opener: Baylor beat SMU 45-0
Oct 16, 2021#19 Baylor upset #5 BYU 38-24
Nov 13, 2021Baylor beat #8 Oklahoma 27-14 en route to Big 12 title

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Touchdown Alley Club on the river side offers premium views. Sections 100-108 provide midfield sightlines. West side has shade.

Parking Tips

Boat tailgating on the Brazos is iconic—dock space available. Cashion Lot is closest. Free shuttles from I-35 lots. Uber/Lyft pickup on University Parks Drive.

Game Day

Sailgating on the Brazos River is a must-see. The Bear Walk brings team through fans. Watch for Bruiser the bear mascot. Visit the Bill Daniel Student Center before games. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

George's Restaurant & Bar

$$

Waco institution famous for the Big O margarita and Baylor game-day crowds.

📍 1.1 miles1925 Speight Ave

💡 Grab a Big O and order early—tables fill up fast on Saturdays.

Crickets Draft House + Grill

$$

Sports bar with lots of taps, TVs in every direction, and solid pub food.

📍 1.2 miles221 Mary Ave

💡 Great spot for watching other games before heading to the stadium.

Brotherwell Brewing

$$

Local brewery in East Waco known for lagers and a laid-back patio.

📍 1.3 miles400 E Bridge St

💡 Try a flight if you’re waiting out postgame traffic.

🍽️Restaurants

Vitek's BBQ

$

Classic Waco BBQ spot known for the “Gut Pak” (Frito pie + brisket).

📍 1.5 miles1600 Speight Ave

💡 Order the Gut Pak for a true Baylor-tailgate experience.

Guess Family Barbecue

$$

Highly regarded Texas BBQ with brisket, ribs, and a cult following.

📍 1.5 miles1727 S 7th St

💡 Go early—when it sells out, it’s done for the day.

Magnolia Table

$$

Popular breakfast and brunch spot from Chip & Joanna Gaines.

📍 2.2 miles2132 S Valley Mills Dr

💡 Join the waitlist online before you arrive on game day.

🏨Hotels

Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor

$$$

Boutique hotel along the Brazos River with walkable access to campus.

📍 0.7 miles211 Clay Ave

💡 Ask for a river-facing room for skyline views.

Hilton Waco

$$

Downtown hotel with easy access to the stadium and Magnolia Market.

📍 0.9 miles113 S University Parks Dr

💡 Plan for a short rideshare if you want to avoid the game-day walk.

🎭Attractions

Baylor Bear Habitat

$

On-campus habitat home to Baylor’s live bear mascots.

📍 0.6 miles110 Bagby Ave

💡 Great pregame stop—check feeding times for the best viewing.

Magnolia Market at the Silos

$

Waco’s signature shopping and food truck park from HGTV’s Fixer Upper.

📍 1.3 miles601 Webster Ave

💡 Go early to beat the crowds and heat.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Cashion Lot

Varies
Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 Closest official lot—arrive early for tailgating spots.

🎉

Brazos River Sailgating Docks

Varies
Tailgate📍 0.2 miles

💡 Reserve dock space if you want to tailgate by boat.

🚌

I-35 Park-and-Ride Shuttle Lots

Varies
Shuttle📍 2-4 miles

💡 Use shuttle lots to avoid downtown traffic after the game.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near McLane Stadium? Share it with us.

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Stadium Rankings

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🔥Rivals

→

Amon G. Carter Stadium

TCU

Fort Worth, TX

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Kyle Field

Texas A&M

Battle of the Brazos

College Station, TX

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Jones AT&T Stadium

Texas Tech

Lubbock, TX

Stadiums Near McLane Stadium

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Memorial Stadium

Tarleton State Texans

Stephenville, Texas79 mi
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Kyle Field

Texas A&M

College Station, TX80 mi
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Amon G. Carter Stadium

TCU

Fort Worth, TX81 mi
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AT&T Stadium

Dallas Cowboys

Arlington, TX82 mi
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Globe Life Field

Texas Rangers

Arlington, TX82 mi
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Gerald J. Ford Stadium

SMU

University Park, TX90 mi

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.