Bears Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Dave Aranda

Team Mascot: Bruiser and Marigold

Year Opened: 2014

Capacity: 45140

City / State: Waco / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

The Revivalry

Rival Team: TCU Horned Frogs

TCU: By far their biggest & oldest rival, TCU and Baylor have battled over 110 times since 1899, and once shared the city of Waco Texas, until TCU’s main building burned down in a fire. They are now just 90 miles away, but the competition has never been fiercer. The epic battle in 2014, a 61-59 win by Baylor, will go down as one of the most exhilarating and exciting games ever, and we’re sure that the next few years will deliver some great ones as well!

Baylor vs Texas Tech

Rival Team: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Baylor and Texas Tech have been meeting on the gridiron since 1926 when the Bears beat the Red Raiders 34-0. The rivalry is one of the most closely contested of all time with the series tied at 37-37-1. If you’re looking to make a trip to Waco, then the rivalry game against Texas Tech is as good of a time to come as any.

Bears Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The recent success of the Baylor Bears football program has reinvigorated the city of Waco, Texas and the tens of thousands of Baylor Alumni throughout Texas, resulting in an energetic tailgate & pre-game atmosphere that was essentially non-existent ten years ago.  Baylor’s brand new  $266 Million Dollar McLane Stadium has positioned itself to be built around tailgating, which can be seen with their “BAYLOR THING,” the BAYLOR BAY & sailgating, and XYZ.

The stadium is actually about 2.5 miles from Campus, which benefits the tailgating because most fans will just stay near the stadium, making a louder & better experience for all.  You’ll see tons of small Tailgating tents, plenty of giant BBQ’s & smokers serving up fantastic Texas food, while also a fair share of Baylor Bear Cookies.  Baylor fans love playing ‘bags’ and other typical tailgate games, but it seems like they do it much more than other schools.  Since Baylor is a Christian school, you won’t see people ‘getting after it’ as much as some other places, but that’s not to say there isn’t drinking, eating, and good times.  

Finally, while walking around, you’ll see people throwing up a “Sic-Em” Bear gesture, so be sure to send one back and yell out “Sic-Em!!” as you’re doing it.  Go Bears!

Traditions

Bear Walk

In the heart of the tailgating area next to Touchdown Alley and the Baylor Alumni Network Tent, the proud Baylor Bears will walk along the basin bridge and onto the stadium three hours before kickoff. It is a fun and exciting way for the town and fans to fire up the Bears as they prepare for the game.

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Touchdown Alley

Baylor has created an entire pre-game area for fans called “Touchdown Alley” on the turf of their old stadium. Touchdown Alley is the epicenter of Baylor Tailgating, but is also family-friendly, free, and has activities for everyone to enjoy. There’s inflatable jumping pits, a climbing wall, a 40-yard dash test, and many other fun things that any Baylor fan would love. They also host the pre-game show from Touchdown Alley, as well as show other games on the jumbotron in the Alley.

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Robert Griffin III Statue

Situated proudly between McLane Stadium and Brazos River is the statue of Robert Griffin III, more commonly referred to as RG3. As Baylor’s only Heisman Trophy winner (2011), RG3 has been immortalized in a nine and a half foot tall bronze statue that many fans pass by on their walk to the stadium.

Sailgating

With the new McLane stadium sitting right near Brazos River, Baylor fans have recently started sailgating to the stadium. Nicknamed “Bearmada,” the river takes on a green and gold tint on game days as fans sail down the river in pontoons, houseboats, kayaks, and everything in between as early as 8 am.

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Where to tailgate

Bears Stadium Guide

In Game

Baylor is in the heart of Texas, and as a result, you better believe that Baylor fans live and die with their Bears. The newly opened McLane Stadium is a testament to the city of Waco’s love for the Bears as its one of the finest facilities in the Big 12. The $266 million state of the art facility is home to a wealth of amenities meaning you’ll find all of the creature comforts when attending a Bears game.

In addition to the Bears incredible new home, you’ll also experience a great in-game atmosphere when attending a Baylor football game. The love for the Bears can be felt all throughout Waco, especially inside McLane Stadium. The crowd works itself into a frenzy on game days, and you won’t be able to help but join in on the Baylor cheers and chants, unless you’re rooting for the other team of course.

Finally, you’ll find lots of pageantry on display at a Baylor game. The cheerleaders, marching band, and mascot Bruiser all do a superb job of enhancing the atmosphere with their performances. That said the most unforgettable part of a Bears football game is the Baylor Line, which takes place before the game so make sure to get to your seat early and take in this fun tradition.

The Bears beautiful new stadium, great fans, and wonderful traditions make attending a Baylor football game an unforgettable experience, so plan your trip to Waco today.

Things to check out

Baylor In-game App

The athletic department at Baylor University released a mobile app which showcases breaking news, live stats, instant replay, and real-time parking information. Don’t worry about data usage as McLane Stadium also offers free WiFi.

Joy and Lady

It’s only fitting to have two live bears on the stadium premise for the Baylor Bears. During the first half of the game, Joy and Lady can be seen housed and on leashes in the end zone by the video board.

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Bear Claw

Introduced by the Baylor Yell Leaders in the 1960s, the Bear Claw is a hand signal used by all Bear fans throughout the game. The hand signal is made by slightly curving all five fingers to form a claw.

Baylor Line

The Baylor line is of one Baylor’s longest, strongest, and most unique traditions over the years. It involves almost all the of the student section running onto the field before the game and then making a massive tunnel for the players to run through as they start the game.

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Sic em Bears

Raise your bear claw in the air with a sustained “heyyyy…” and shake your claw as if energy is surging through your arm, then explode with a booming “sic em!” as you swipe your bear claw down and across your body like a bear slashing it’s prey, and finish with your claw in the air like a bear holding the still-beating heart of its opponent and give a fierce “Bears!” yell

Fight Songs

  1. That Good Old Baylor Line

    That Good Old Baylor Line  

    That Good Old Baylor Line  

    We’ll march forever down the years  

    As long as stars shall shine  

    We’ll fling our green and gold afar  

    To light the ways of time  

    And guide us as we onward go  

    That Good Old Baylor Line!  

  2. Old Fight!

    Bear down you Bears of old Baylor U,

    We’re all for you (GO BEARS)

    Show dear old Baylor spirit

    Through and through (GO BEARS)

     

    Fight them with all your might

    You Bruins bold

    And win all our victories for the Green and Gold!

     

    (spellout) B – A – Y – L – O – R

     

    Baylor Bears Fight!

    Fight them with all your might

    You Bruins bold

    And win all our victories for the Green and Gold!

    BAY – LOR – Baylor Bears Fight!

Bears Bars & Restaurants

  1. Cricket’s Grill & Draft House

    Uncle Festers

    Convivial hangout known for its beer selection & pub grub, plus pool tables & shuffleboard.

    221 Mary Ave, Waco, TX 76701, USA

    254-754-4677

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Barnett’s Pub

    Barnetts Public House

    Specializing in rare whiskey, wine, craft beer and cocktails, Barnett's Public House strives to be best in a comfortable atmosphere.

    420 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701, USA

    254-714-1356

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Dancing Bear Pub

    Dancing Bear Pub beer

    If you're a local you already know this is Waco's place for amazing cold craft beer.

    1117 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706, USA

    254-753-0025

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Truelove Bar

    beer

    Laid back full bar in Downtown Waco. Craft beers, Karaoke, arcade, live music, patio.

    414 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701, USA

    254-732-6337

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Scruffy Murphy’s

    Bear Trap

    Scruffy's can be considered as one of the greatest places to crash especially on a Saturday night.

    1226 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706, USA

    254-753-0802

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Kitok Restaurant

    Kitok Restaurant

    No-frills Korean-American eatery doling out a range of noodles, burgers & stir-fries.

    1815 N 18th St, Waco, TX 76707, USA

    254-754-1801

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  7. Cafe Cappuccino

    Cafe Cappuccino

    Local cafe chain serving breakfast, sandwiches, tea & coffee drinks in a contemporary setting.

    100 N 6th St, Waco, TX 76701, USA

    254-756-0396

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  8. Schmaltz’s Sandwich Shop

    Schmaltzs Sandwich Shop

    Waco's favorite sandwich! Handmade breads baked fresh daily, salads, soups.

    1412 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710, USA

    254-776-3694

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Baris

    pasta

    Quaint Italian eatery dishing up traditional pasta plates & pizza in an easygoing, BYOB setup.

    904 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710, USA

    254-772-2900

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  10. Health Camp

    Health Camp burger

    Classic roadside pit stop for burgers & hot dogs washed down with shakes, malts & frozen custard.

    2601 Circle Rd, Waco, TX 76706, USA

    254-752-2186

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Dubl-R Burgers

    Dub R Burgers

    Tiny no-frills joint with a simple menu of burgers & classic sides such as fries & onion rings.

    1810 Herring Ave, Waco, TX 76708, USA

    254-753-1603

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Clay Pot Restaurant

    Clay Pot Restaurant

    Laid-back Vietnamese restaurant with a menu of soups, noodle bowls, rice plates & bubble tea.

    416 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701, USA

    254-756-2721

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  13. Common Grounds

    Common Grounds

    Welcoming venue with rustic decor draws a college crowd for coffee, snacks & live-music shows.

    1123 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706, USA

    254-757-2957

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  14. Poppa Rollo’s Pizza

    Poppa Rollos

    Enjoy their unique atmosphere where they show old movies and cartoons every day.

    703 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710, USA

    254-776-6776

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  15. George’s Restaurant

    Georges Restaurant

    Long-standing, Baylor-centric canteen offering down-home Southern meals & signature drinks.

    1925 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706, USA

    254-753-1421

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. La Fiesta

    La Fiesta

    Venerable, family-owned spot serving mesquite-grilled Tex-Mex, with full bar & banquet room.

    3815 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76710, USA

    254-756-4701

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  17. Vitek’s BBQ

    Viteks

    Local landmark serving classic Texas BBQ plus the Gut Pack, a signature corn-chips-&-beef dish.

    1600 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706, USA

    254-752-7591

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  18. Katie’s Frozen Custard

    Katies Frozen Custard

    Window-serve, family-owned stand with frozen custard, burgers & other basic eats, plus a drive-thru.

    602 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76711, USA

    254-754-5899

    Bar website

    american - $