IMPORTANT: Aug. 29 classes/operations

Note: More information and details were provided by the President and Provost on August, 21. 

Faculty, Staff and Students,

As we prepare for the beginning of the Fall semester, we also are looking ahead to Baylor Football kicking off the 2025 season vs. Auburn in a nationally televised game on Friday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. at McLane Stadium.

As we transition on that Friday, Aug. 29, to gameday operations, it will be challenging to navigate around campus due to the closure of some parking garages, parking lots and streets, as well as increased traffic. Motorists and pedestrians should follow the direction of personnel on site and posted signs. We also strongly encourage you to avoid I-35 on Friday and seek alternate routes to and from campus.

Below is important information to give students, faculty, and staff ample time to begin planning for the impact this upcoming football game on Friday, Aug. 29, will have on our campus.

Friday Classes as Scheduled

Faculty

Baylor University will not cancel classes or close the University on Friday, Aug. 29.

• If faculty want to discuss options for Friday classes, they can discuss possibilities with their chairs.
• For those faculty members who teach Friday classes that start after 2 p.m., the Provost’s Office will be following up by email with a few additional details.
• Students should remain in communication with their instructors about any potential changes.

Staff

Since Friday, Aug. 29, falls within the first week of classes, the need for employees to be present on campus will vary from department to department.

• Employees should discuss with their managers whether on-campus work will be required or if work can be performed from home for all or part of the day.
• Managers will make these decisions based on departmental needs, job responsibilities and operational requirements.
• If you are a manager and have questions about your team's ability to work from home, please reach out to your assigned HR Consultant for guidance.

Football Gameday Street, Parking Garage and Parking Lot Closures

On Thursday and Friday, Aug. 28-29, we will alter parking in the Dutton Avenue and Speight Avenue Parking Garages, as well as the parking lots of the Ferrell Center, Baylor Law School and Mayborn Museum.

However, to avoid confusion with this week’s Move2BU parking lot and street closures scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19-Thursday, Aug. 21, we will communicate the specific gameday impacts with faculty, staff and students after Move2BU concludes on Thursday, Aug. 21.

Increased Traffic

Due to I-35 construction underway south of the Baylor campus, traffic through Waco has increased, and with a Friday night football game, we anticipate heavier traffic than usual. To get to other parts of Waco or to access I-35, please plan to use other routes, such as La Salle Avenue or Loop 340.

It’s also wise to “Know Before You Go” anytime you plan to travel on I-35. Stay up to date on I-35 construction activities and lane closures by signing up for My35 email alerts on My35WacoSouth.com  and by following TxDOT Waco District on Facebook and X (Twitter) @TxDOTWaco.

Game Information

Baylor vs. Auburn will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at McLane Stadium in a nationally televised game on FOX. Touchdown Alley opens at 4 p.m., with the traditional Bear Walk in the South Plaza beginning at 5:10 p.m. McLane Stadium gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

A Clear Bag Policy is in effect for all Baylor Football games at McLane Stadium.

For more information, visit baylorbears.com/gameday.

Sincerely,

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D.
President

Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D.
Provost