Central Texans know McLane Stadium as the home of the Baylor Bears, but it is also a top-tier entertainment venue for some of the most exciting spring events in the area.
On April 1, the stadium will host the Baylor Spartan Stadion Weekend, which includes Spartan’s 5K Stadion race and kids’ races. Spartan is one of the biggest outdoor competition events in the world, and now they are bringing their races to Central Texas for the first time, thanks to a partnership with the stadium and the sports commission.
“The cool thing about this event is that it’s a 3.5-mile event with multiple obstacles throughout the course,” said McLane Stadium Director of Operations, Josh Bearden. “The event itself will take place on the field, in the concourses, bleachers, the South Plaza as well as Touchdown Alley. So, it’s really going to consume the whole stadium grounds.”
The race will be broken down into different categories for athletes of all fitness levels as well as kids. The kids’ division includes half-mile and one-mile races.
“[Spartan] has only been to two other college stadiums, Penn State and Notre Dame,” Bearden said. “So, for us to bring them to Baylor University is a big win for us and the community as well.”
“Imagine a large outdoor festival with live music throughout the day and a big crawfish boil from a vendor from Louisiana,” he said. “There will be multiple food trucks as well, and a kids’ zone set up inflatables, crafts, and other fun activities.”
Music includes live performances from Giovannie & The Hired Guns, Huser Brother Band, Kin Faux, Holly Beth, and more. The event begins at 2 p.m. on Touchdown Alley, which overlooks the Brazos River.
Tickets for both events can be purchased on the McLane Stadium’s website under the Calendar tab.
And when the stadium isn’t hosting big family events, they offer community members the chance to rent the field for everything from birthday parties to private events to church gatherings.
McLane Stadium is also open for public tours on Thursdays and Fridays and a few select Saturdays, and anyone can book a private tour any day of the week. All they need to do is click on the contact tab and submit an inquiry.
For more information about upcoming McLane Stadium events or other information, visit www.mclanestadium.com, call (254) 710-1000 or visit the stadium at 1001 S MLK Jr. Blvd, Waco, TX 76704
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
