Stanford Football & Game Day Guide

Stanford Stadium is one of the most beautiful college football settings in the country. The 50,424-seat venue sits on the edge of Stanford's tree-lined campus, surrounded by eucalyptus groves and oak-shaded lawns that make for spectacular tailgating. Stanford competes in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) and plays 5–7 home games each fall, typically from early September through late November.

The stadium was completely rebuilt in 2006, replacing the original 85,000-seat structure built in 1921. The modern venue features wide concourses, excellent sightlines from every seat, and a cozy atmosphere that makes even modestly attended games feel intimate. Game days at Stanford have a relaxed, family-friendly vibe — think tailgating under the trees with good food and wine rather than rowdy stadium chaos.

Stanford Stadium is located at 625 Nelson Road, Stanford, CA 94305.

The 2025 Stanford football season features seven home games at Stanford Stadium:

Kickoff times and TV networks are typically announced 6–12 days before each game. The Big Game and Notre Dame games are historically the most in-demand and sell out first.

Stanford football tickets are generally accessible and reasonably priced compared to many Power Five programs. Single-game tickets start around $35 for upper-level general admission seats. Midfield lower-level seats can run $75–150+ for marquee games.

Seating overview: Sections 101–140 are lower level; 201–240 are upper level. Sections 201–205 and 221–225 are general admission. The west side (roughly sections 111–125 and 211–225) gets afternoon shade — a nice perk for early-season day games. Visitor seating is in sections 126, 128, 226, 227, and 228 in the north corner.

Stanford offers several parking areas around the stadium, mostly on grass lots shaded by trees — a key part of what makes the tailgating experience special.

General Lots (Single-Game Purchase)

Lots 4, 7, 8, 9, and 13 sell single-game parking passes for approximately $25. Passes can be purchased on game day at the lot entrance — credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay only (no cash). General lot parking is first-come, first-served.

Cardinal Lots (Season Ticket Holders)

Lots 9 and 10 are reserved for season ticket holders with a Cardinal Lot Parking Pass. These lots are closest to the stadium. Cardinal Lot passes are also honored in General Lots 7 and 8.

ADA / Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is at the Sunken Diamond Lot, closest to the stadium's accessible entrances. A valid disabled parking placard is required.

RV Parking

RVs can park in Lots 7, 8, 9, and 10. Lot 2 (El Camino Grove) offers overnight RV parking starting at 3 p.m. two days before the game — unusually early access that makes it popular with dedicated tailgaters.

Tailgating is allowed and encouraged in all designated parking lots. Stanford's tailgating scene is notably beautiful — grass lots shaded by eucalyptus trees and oaks, with the campus as a backdrop. It's more "wine and cheese under the trees" than "stadium parking lot" in feel, though you'll find everything from elaborate spreads to simple grills.

What You Can Bring

• Grills (charcoal only — drench coals and dispose in designated metal containers)
• Tents, tables, chairs, canopies
• Coolers with food and beverages (including alcohol for the tailgate — but no alcohol inside the stadium)
• Portable speakers, TVs, generators
• Games (cornhole, football, frisbee)

Best Tailgating Spots

Fan Fest

Stanford Football hosts a Fan Fest before every home game with live entertainment, kids' activities, and food/beverage for purchase. A great option if you don't have your own tailgate setup.

Stanford Stadium enforces the same clear bag policy as the NFL. All fans pass through metal detectors at the gates.

Approved Bags

• One clear plastic, PVC, or vinyl bag no larger than 12" × 6" × 12"
• One-gallon clear Ziploc bag
• One small clutch purse no larger than 4.5" × 6.5" (with or without handle)
• Diaper bags (infant must be present; subject to search)

Prohibited Items

• Purses, backpacks, fanny packs, camera cases, coolers
• Alcoholic beverages (not allowed inside the stadium)
• Cans, glass, metal bottles, thermos, hydration packs
• Open umbrellas, drones, large tripods
• Strollers (unless ADA-compliant)

Allowed inside: Cameras with lenses under 6 inches, sealed plastic water bottles 20 oz. or under, empty reusable plastic water bottles, seat cushions without zippers.

Gates typically open 1.5 hours before kickoff. Re-entry is permitted through all gates until the end of the 3rd quarter (ticket must be scanned on exit).

All concessions are cashless — credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay only. No ATMs inside the stadium.

2025 concession highlights include Chick-fil-A (Section 235), Silva Sausage Co. (Sections 103 & 232), Blue Line Pizza (Sections 115 & 128), Rita's Italian Ice, Kikka Sushi, and Wetzel's Pretzels. Season ticket members receive a discount pass for concessions.

Beer and wine: Alcoholic beverages are available in the Skybox, Director's Level, suites, and the new Archway premium area, but are not sold in the general seating bowl. Pre-game, beer and wine are available at the beer garden on Hammer Throw and Sam McDonald Mall.

The Archway (new for 2025): Located beneath the iconic arches in the north end of the stadium. Open to all fans at select games, with semi-private cabana and terrace rentals available.

Guest Services: Tents outside Gates 2, 4, 8, and 15. Inside, stations above Sections 124 and 104. Text 650-200-CARD to report issues on game day.

First Aid: Gate 3, with additional stations in the concourse near Sections 115 and 230.

Driving

Expect heavier traffic on El Camino Real, University Avenue, and Embarcadero Road on game days. Build in extra time. I-280 from the south is often less congested than Highway 101.

Caltrain

Caltrain runs a special Stanford Stadium stop on game days. The ride from San Francisco is about an hour; from San Jose about 45 minutes. It's an excellent option if you don't want to deal with parking. Stanford's free Marguerite Shuttle connects the station to the stadium.

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

Designated drop-off and pick-up zones near the stadium. Expect surge pricing after the game — walk a few blocks before requesting a ride to reduce costs.

Biking

Ample bike parking at the stadium. The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition sometimes offers bike valet on game days.

Beyond the tailgate, here are the best spots near the stadium for food and drinks before or after the game:

For our full restaurant recommendations, see the Dining & Drinks Near Stanford guide.

Lodging fills up for marquee games (Big Game vs. Cal, Notre Dame, Homecoming). Book early — especially for November games.

Closest Hotels

Nearby Alternatives

Stanford football season spans September through late November. Typical game-day weather:

All stadium gates are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair seating is available in both the lower bowl (Row Y, accessible via tunnels) and upper bowl (Row V of select sections, accessible by elevator). ADA parking at Sunken Diamond Lot with valid placard. Guest Services can assist with alternative screening methods at metal detectors for guests with medical devices.