By Abby Rathburn | Staff Writer
A tradition like no other — here comes the Baylor line. Thousands of fans watch as Baylor freshmen sprint onto the field in a storm of golden jerseys, carrying on a tradition passed down through generations of Bears. But as the excitement builds, so do the misconceptions.
Despite the Baylor Line’s long-standing tradition and popularity, misconceptions about arrival times and preparation can leave students confused about what to expect on game days. University officials are working together to clarify these misconceptions.
Doug McNamee, vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, said via email that the Athletic Department is working closely with Student Life and New Student Programs to ensure clear and consistent information is provided for every home game.
“If you have your Baylor Line ticket, your student ID and your jersey, there is a place for you on that field,” McNamee said. “We want every Bear who comes out of that tunnel to feel what generations of Baylor students have felt before them, and we are committed to making that experience safe, organized and unforgettable.”
One of the biggest misconceptions university officials hope to clear up is how early students need to arrive to run the Line.
“There’s this urban legend of culture on our campus that you got to arrive three hours before to run, and we want it to be a memorable, safe experience from the moment that you arrive at the stadium, so help us by taking good care of yourself and others,” Dr. Jarett Fisher, Associate Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, said.
While arrival recommendations may vary depending on the game matchup and start time, university officials encourage students to regularly check their emails for game-day communication rather than relying on past experiences from other games.
“For the very first games, there can be times where we think about what would be a safe capacity, so there are some exceptions, but generally speaking, if you arrive about an hour before, you could still be good,” Fisher said.
McNamee offered a slightly different estimate, stating that students can arrive as late as 30 minutes before the Line runs and still participate.
Jordy Dickey, director of student activities, said that arriving too early can pose health risks for students, especially during high-temperature games.
“You always think you’re drinking enough water and then you realize, particularly as it’s been in these first couple games,” Dickey said. “[This] is all coming from lessons learned and from student leaders, just like you, that have your best interests at heart and are really working alongside staff and faculty to get that messaging out to you.”
Students are encouraged to fuel up on water and food before arriving to McLane Stadium. The Chamber of Commerce and Department of Student Activities also provide water, snacks, fans and shade before the game begins. Students are encouraged to remain seated before lining up for the run to conserve energy.
For Kansas City, Missouri, junior Ellie Ford, vice ine chair for Baylor Chamber of Commerce, the Baylor Line represents more than freshmen rushing onto the field. It connects Baylor’s present with Baylor’s past.
“A vital part of Baylor’s freshmen experience is that we want freshmen here, we want to do things for them, we want them to have fun, but it’s also meaningful to our community as much as it is to just the freshmen,” Ford said.
Established back in 1970, Baylor’s tradition of running the Line has become a cherished memory shared by thousands of Baylor alumni. Awarded the No.1 college walkout tradition by USA Today Sports’ 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards on Aug. 26, Ford and other members of the Chamber encourage students to “run the line at least once” freshman year.
“I hope it further fosters your pride in this institution, but more importantly, you’re representing generations of students before you and after you, and I hope that you’ll do it proud,” Dickey said.
