Baylor is giving fans a bigger pregame playground at McLane Stadium this fall.
The school announced an expanded Touchdown Alley experience that will run before every home football game, packed with more entertainment, activities and food options for fans of all ages. Touchdown Alley will open three hours before kickoff and stay open until 30 minutes before game time, giving Baylor supporters a longer runway to take in the scene before heading inside.
The schedule is built around the familiar gameday rhythms. Baylor Spirit Squad will perform two and a half hours before kickoff, then the extended Bear Walk arrives at the two-hour mark. That version of the walk includes the Bear Bell, the Golden Wave Band drumline and Bruiser and Marigold as the Bears move into McLane Stadium.
The Baylor Football Tailgate Show also begins two hours before kickoff, with John Morris, Derek Smith, Faith Lynch, Bryson Jackson and special guests on hand each home game. The show will feature gameday coverage and highlights from around college football.
After the Bear Walk, Baylor Backyard Live will take over one hour and 45 minutes before kickoff. For games that start before noon CT, that concert series shifts to after the game.
“Touchdown Alley gives Baylor fans a place to come together and begin their game day well before the Bears take the field,” Aaron Fordyce, Associate AD for Marketing and Fan Experience, said. “We have added more entertainment, more family-friendly activities and more opportunities for fans to experience the energy and traditions that make Saturdays at McLane Stadium special.”
There’s plenty built in for kids and casual fans alike. The Kids Zone will include an inflatable bounce house, obstacle course, pass-and-kick activation and the Bear Chair photo opportunity.
Baylor is also adding a rock-climbing wall, cornhole, giant Jenga, free face painting and a video game truck, which starts Sept. 19 vs. Louisiana Tech, to every home game.
Fans looking for a break from the heat can head to the Cooling Zone near the Baylor Alumni Tailgate Tent, where they can sit in the shade and catch some of the day’s biggest college football games.
Food options are part of the upgrade too. Three rotating food trucks will stay open until kickoff, and the first 500 fans to visit the cooling zone will get a $5 food truck voucher. The Baylor Bookstore trailer will also be set up with Baylor apparel and merchandise.
Baylor says there will be more touches throughout the day as well, including free Growl Towels for the first 500 fans who stop by the Astound tent and the first 500 fans who visit the cooling zone. A complimentary game day button will be available at the Baylor Athletics marketing tent while supplies last, along with new sponsor activations during the season.
The Baylor Club Touchdown Tailgate will also be part of the setup, serving food and beverages to Baylor Club members, who may bring up to 10 guests.
For more Baylor football gameday information, the school is directing fans to BaylorGameday.com.
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