Why We Love Game Day
Photographic look at some of our favorite Game Day traditions.
"That Good Old Baylor Line is a tradition at the heart of Baylor, but it's also special for the Golden Wave Band. The band performs an instrumental version, but we also have our own vocal version that is typically performed at our football postgame shows referred to as 'Fifth Quarter.' This tradition has brought me so much joy because it's not just about singing; it’s about the years upon years of Golden Wave members who have come before me and those who will follow. I know they will sing the same lines we do and feel the same kind of passion and love for Baylor University. The alma mater radiates from all of us, 'as long as stars shall shine.'"
-Jeremiah Green, B.B.A. '23,
Golden Wave Marching Band drum major
"Getting to actually sign the Baylor Line the night before the first home game truly is an experience like no other. In years past, watching eager students sign the Baylor Line was so exciting as they begin their Baylor story. I can't wait to welcome them to the Baylor Family this year when they can make their mark on the Baylor Line."
-Marshall Garcia, B.S. '21,
Baylor Line chair, Baylor Chamber of Commerce
"Touchdown Alley is pretty cool. The big Baylor chair and sno cones were my favorites. And there was a river with boats that was cool. I didn't try running with the football because the big kids were playing. The college students let me play cornhole with them, and that was fun too."
Jacob Franklin, Age 8
"We've been TAILGATING since day one at the stadium. It's been a big part of our experience. It's no longer just go to a football game. It becomes a weekend experience with all of our friends, former classmates and family, and having the opportunity to get together and fellowship."
-Chris Carson, B.A. '85
"My dad (Marty Dunbar, B.A. '94) being a Baylor football player influenced my love for football. During my years as a cheerleader, I always loved seeing the little girls in cheer uniforms because I had been that little girl at a time in my life. I remember staring at the Baylor cheerleaders at the Bear Walk and watching their every move. I looked up to them a lot, which made me seek out those little girls and make time to chat with them and take pictures with them on game days."
-Jillian Dunbar, B.A. '22
"Joy and Lady's Game Day Pick 'Em has quickly become a fan favorite. Whether it's getting to see it live at the habitat on game day or catching it on social media, it's a fun way to celebrate the day while also enriching our beloved bears."
-Dakota Farquhar-Caddell, B.B.A. '11, Robert L. Reid Director of the Baylor Chamber of Commerce, Associate Director of Student Activities
"We love sailgating. There's nothing better than taking a great group of family and friends from the river house to the game by way of the Brazos River."
-Jeff Reeter, B.B.A. '84,
football letterwinner
"There's a strong sense of community at games. From the students, parents, alumni near and far to local Wacoans, Baylor fans unite around all the game day festivities. I especially appreciate how the Bears take the opportunity at games to celebrate the partnerships with local nonprofits, such as United Way, that have generated substantial resources for the community. Game day was fun as an undergraduate but, as a working professional, I can take even greater pride in my alma mater knowing they continue to do their part to make our community stronger."
Justin Rice, B.A. '14, Manager of Grants and Impact at United Way of Waco-McLennan County
"Game day is a special time at Baylor as fans converge on McLane Stadium in one of the nation's most picturesque college football settings. Baylor faces elite opponents in and out of the Big 12 Conference in an exciting environment indicative of being a Power 5 Conference member. From tailgating (and sailgating) to tickets to concessions and other areas within the stadium, hundreds of people tirelessly work behind the scenes to make home football games happen. While much work is involved, it is truly our fans that make game day special, and we stay committed to giving the Baylor Family a first-rate experience with each kick-off."
-MACK B. RHOADES IV,
Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
"Having our student section show up every game -- rain or shine -- is huge for us. They support us no matter what, and we're so grateful for that. Nothing is better than coming off the field at McLane Stadium, seeing all their excitement and getting to high-five them after a game. We couldn't do what we do without them."
-Christoph Henle,
B.B.A. '20, M.B.A./M.S.I.S. '22, football letterwinner
“We’ve been TAILGATING since day one at the stadium. It’s been a big part of our experience. It’s no longer just go to a football game. It becomes a weekend experience with all of our friends, former classmates and family, and having the opportunity to get together and fellowship.”—Chris Carson, B.A. ’85
“Getting to actually sign the Baylor Line the night before the first home game truly is an experience like no other. In years past, watching eager students sign the Baylor Line was so exciting as they begin their Baylor story. I can’t wait to welcome them to the Baylor Family this year when they can make their mark on the Baylor Line.”—Marshall Garcia, B.S. ’21,
Baylor Line chair, Baylor Chamber of Commerce
“Touchdown Alley is pretty cool. The big Baylor chair and sno-cones were my favorites. And there was a river with boats that was cool. I didn't try running with the football because the big kids were playing. The college students let me play cornhole with them, and that was fun too.”—Jacob Franklin, age 8