Boys from Oklahoma Concert at McLane to Bring Nearly 40,000 Fans to Waco

WACO, TEXAS – McLane Stadium is about to make history this weekend as nearly 40,000 country music fans pour into Waco for the Boys from Oklahoma Texas Encore, the biggest non-football event ever held at the stadium.

The special one-night-only concert will feature Cross Canadian Ragweed and the Turnpike Troubadours, two legendary names in Red Dirt country music, alongside special guests Shane Smith and the Saints, hometown favorite Wade Bowen, and alt-country powerhouse American Aquarium.

A Historic Moment for McLane Stadium

With over 36,000 tickets already sold, the concert is on track to set attendance records at McLane Stadium. While the venue is best known as the home of Baylor football, this event underscores its growing role as a major entertainment hub in Central Texas.

“This event will be a perfect way to kick off the fall semester as we head into football season,” said Jason Cook, Baylor’s vice president and chief marketing officer. “We can’t wait to welcome The Boys from Oklahoma down I-35 and into the Heart of Texas for what promises to be an incredible show”.

Boosting Waco’s Economy

The influx of visitors is expected to provide a major economic boost to Waco. Local hotels, restaurants, and shops are preparing for a busy weekend as out-of-town fans arrive for the show.

“This isn’t really a Baylor event; it’s a community event,” Cook added. “Music brings people together, and we’re excited that so many new visitors will get to experience McLane Stadium, the new Waco, and the energy behind our great city”.

City leaders are also highlighting the value of McLane Stadium beyond sports, noting that the stadium was built with the intention of hosting cultural and entertainment events that put Waco on the map.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The Turnpike Troubadours, known for hits like Long Hot Summer Day and Every Girl, continue to build their reputation as one of the most celebrated touring acts in Americana and country music. Pairing them with Cross Canadian Ragweed, who are reuniting for this special Texas Encore, makes the event especially significant for longtime fans of Red Dirt country.

Other performers bring their own unique flavors to the stage:

• Shane Smith and the Saints – rising stars whose powerful harmonies and high-energy performances have been winning over festival crowds across the nation.
• Wade Bowen – a Waco native and Baylor alum, who brings hometown pride and a catalog of heartfelt Texas country hits.
• American Aquarium – the Raleigh-based alt-country band beloved for frontman BJ Barham’s raw, personal songwriting.

Limited Tickets and Waco Live! Series

Only a limited number of tickets remain for the Aug. 23 show, and fans are strongly encouraged to purchase in advance, including parking passes.

The concert is also part of the Waco Live! series, which will feature upcoming performances from GRAMMY winner Lauren Daigle, comedian Jeff Dunham, and rising star Tucker Wetmore at the Foster Pavilion later this fall.

A Celebration of Music and Community

For Waco, this weekend’s show is more than just a concert — it’s a celebration of music’s ability to unite people and highlight the cultural energy of the city. With tens of thousands expected to sing along under the stadium lights, the Boys from Oklahoma Texas Encore promises to be one of the most memorable music events of 2025.

Stay tuned with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for more coverage of major concerts and music festivals that bring fans together across the U.S.