Skye Duncan | Lariat Photographer
By Abigail Loop
Staff Writer
The Brazos River will welcome a new option for the game day experience via the Waco River Charter, a boating experience for large parties.
The Waco City Council approved the Waco River Charter for service earlier this month and the new attraction will now cater to the tailgating atmosphere during Baylor’s football games.
Lisa Spitz, owner of Waco River Charter, said customers can rent out a boat for game days and private events.
“Right now we have a smaller boat being used,” Spitz said. “It has a full kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and can hold a maximum number of 25 people. We’re currently building a floating dock across from Buzzard Billy’s and also bringing in a bigger boat as well that can fit about 100 people.”
The smaller boat, which will be named Sic’Em or Swim, is already parked at the Baylor Marina and will be in use for Baylor’s Nov. 1 homecoming game when the Bears take on the Kansas Jayhawks. People have already requested to rent it out for private events, Spitz said.
On game days, the boat will be stationed in the Baylor Marina next to McLane Stadium and for about $1,000, the boat can leave the dock for three to four hours.
Michael Wilson, a boat captain with the business, said it’s an honor to be a part of the upcoming changes seen in Waco because of McLane Stadium.
“There’s so much going on in Waco and at Baylor and it’s just exciting,” Wilson said. “It’s such a beautiful marina and we just want to get involved. This is a venue. It’s a place to meet for the game or an event.”
Waco River Charter is just one of the several new businesses beginning in Waco that will show visitors and people of the community the beauty of Baylor and McLane Stadium.
Greg Surber, founder of Cruise Waco, another boat service that offers people boat rides on game days and for private events, said the best thing about having boats and taking people along the river is the beauty they get to see.
“There’s just a cool factor to it and it’s a nice way to get into the stadium,” Surber said. “There’s an excitement along the river and seeing all the people going to the game across the bridge just makes for an unique experience.”
Spitz said with the plans in place for development along the river, she is glad to be a part of the city’s transformation.
“It’s fantastic and I think one day it’ll end up being better that San Antonio,” she said. “We’re so glad to be involved.”
