The new era of the Big 12 is here. Texas and Oklahoma are out. Arizona State, Arizona, Utah and Colorado are in. That will give a new look to the conference’s 16 schools spread over 10 states and ranging from as far east as Morgantown, West Virginia, to Arizona.
Many fans will undoubtedly look to hit the road (or take to the skies) for football games. That means heading to new venues and cities. Here’s a look at each Big 12 football venue and what fans might expect.
Baylor
How to get there: There are some options. You can fly into (ACT) Waco Regional Airport b,ut you’re not likely to get a direct flight. The Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin airports are 95 or so miles from Waco, and there are plenty of direct flights to both, so you might get there faster, taking that option despite the drive.
Stadium: McLane Stadium, Waco, Texas (2014, capacity 45,140). The stadium name was changed in 2013 in honor of alumnus and businessman Drayton McLane. It is one of few major college venues where fans can arrive by boat with the stadium tucked along the Brazos River. The Bears spent the previous 64 seasons at Floyd Casey Stadium, closing “The Case” out with a 30-10 win over Texas that clinched Baylor’s first Big 12 Football title.
Tickets/parking: Single-game parking goes on sale July 31. Shuttles are available from several locations. See https://baylorbears.com/sports/2019/8/23/football-directions-parking.aspx. The athletic ticket office number is (254) 710-1000.
What you need to know: Clear bag policy with no bags bigger than 12” x 12” x 6″ and/or personal clutch no larger than 4.5 ” x 6.5.” Touchdown Alley is the free pregame fan fest area open to all fans located on the turf field on the tailgating peninsula. The area opens two hours prbeforeame time and closes 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Activities include inflatable games, face painting, and college football games on the big screen,
Where to hang out: Magnolia Market at the Silos, commonly called Magnolia Market, is a shopping complex that encompasses two city blocks in downtown Waco. It is marked by two 120’ high silos, built in 1950 as part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company.
BYU
How to get there: You can fly into Salt Lake City International, which is about 45 miles from Provo. Salt Lake City is a hub for Delta. There is a smaller Provo Airport, which hosts Breezy, Allegiant and American Airlines. There are flights into that airport from both Phoenix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway.
Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah (1964, capacity 63,470). Originally Cougar Stadium, the stadium was named in honor of the retired football coach in 2000. Part of the largest collection of Jurassic-era fossils was stored underneath the east bleachers of the venue until 2005. They are now on display at BYU’s Museum of Paleontology.
Tickets/parking: BYUtickets.com is the place to visit for ticket information. In addition to parking permit lots, there is free parking within reasonable distance of the stadium.
What you need to know: Small bags, no larger than 5” x 8” x 1” can be taken into the stadium. Medically necessary bags are permitted after inspection. No food or drink (empty water bottles are allowed). Gates open two hours before kickoff. Tailgating is permitted as long as it does not take additional stalls or block the travel lanes of the parking lots. Propane and wood-pellet grills are allowed, but charcoal or open flame (wood) grills are not. Cougar Canyon pregame festivities are on the West side of the stadium. Music, food and activities for all ages are available. BYUtv’s pregame show, BYU Sports Nation GameDay, and BYU Radio’s Cougar Pregame Live are also broadcast live from Cougar Canyon.
Where to hang out: For more on local attractions, see www.utahvalley.com/. There are many outdoor activities in Provo and the surrounding area, including Robert Redford’s Sundance Mountain Resort, which is located 20-25 minutes up Provo Canyon in the Wasatch Mountain Range. Snow skiing is plentiful in the winter months, with many resorts, including Sundance, located within a 45-minute drive.
Central Florida
How to get there: You can fly right into Orlando International Airport. As a tourist destination, flights are plentiful. Orlando is also a hub for Southwest.
Stadium: FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando (2007, capacity 45,301). It was also formerly known as Bright House Networks Stadium and Spectrum Stadium and nicknamed the “Bounce House.” Between 1979 and 2006, UCF played home games at the Citrus Bowl. The first game at the on-campus venue was played on Sept. 15, 2007, against Texas.
Tickets/parking: All tickets and parking passes are available through the UCF Gameday app (Apple) the UCF Knights app (Android) or at www.UCFKnights.com. For additional help, call the ticket sales and service department at 407-823-1000. Fans who drive to campus on game days can park in various garages and lots. While some garages and lots — in the Gold Zone – Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village — require permits, fans can park for free in most areas of campus.
What you need to know: Clear bag policy with no bags bigger than 12” x 12” x 6″ and/or personal clutch no larger than 6.5 ” x 4.5.”
Where to hang out: If you’re giving yourself a day or two ahead of or after the game, there are well-known tourist attractions in Disney World and Sea World with accompanying entertainment districts. If you’re there in the late fall for football, you could also catch home games for two sports: the NBA’s Orlando Magic or the ECHL minor league hockey team…
AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
