
Stanford Stadium
Stanford Stadium, a modern 50,000-seat venue on the Stanford University campus, hosts football, concerts, and more.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the vibrant game day atmosphere.

Stanford Stadium
Best Time
Experience the vibrant game day atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stanford Stadium, a modern 50,000-seat venue on the Stanford University campus, hosts football, concerts, and more.
"No bad seats in the house, but watch out for the sun and the parking prices!"

🚗 Parking Woes
Avoid expensive stadium parking ($80-$140) by parking in residential areas and walking.
☀️ Sun Smart Seating
Be aware of sun exposure, especially for daytime events. Consider hats and sunscreen.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cardinal Football Game
Main Field
Experience the electric atmosphere of a Stanford Cardinal football game. Feel the roar of the crowd and witness collegiate sports at its finest.

Concert Spectacle
Main Stage Area
Witness world-class artists like Coldplay perform under the stars in this iconic venue. A truly unforgettable musical experience.

Stadium Architecture
Exterior and Seating Areas
Admire the modern design and multi-deck structure of Stanford Stadium, a testament to collegiate athletic facility excellence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Stanford Stadium: Parking & Transit
Seat Views & Sun Exposure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Woes
Avoid expensive stadium parking ($80-$140) by parking in residential areas and walking.
☀️ Sun Smart Seating
Be aware of sun exposure, especially for daytime events. Consider hats and sunscreen.
💧 Hydration Stations
Take advantage of water refill stations to stay hydrated.
♻️ Eco-Friendly Cups
Participate in the cup recycling initiative by borrowing reusable cups.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Woes
Avoid expensive stadium parking ($80-$140) by parking in residential areas and walking.
☀️ Sun Smart Seating
Be aware of sun exposure, especially for daytime events. Consider hats and sunscreen.
💧 Hydration Stations
Take advantage of water refill stations to stay hydrated.
♻️ Eco-Friendly Cups
Participate in the cup recycling initiative by borrowing reusable cups.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to park further away.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stanford Stadium is praised for its excellent sightlines and modern facilities, making it a great venue for both football games and concerts. Attendees appreciate the friendly staff and clean environment. However, the high cost of parking and concessions is a recurring complaint, with many suggesting alternative transportation or off-site parking to manage expenses.
"We love going to football games at the stadium. Staff are friendly and helpful, people are nice, venue is clean. Food is good and varied. Prices are high but that’s true of any sports stadium. It’s not a huge stadium so most seats have a decent view. Definitely recommend going to a game here!"
Mary Bernard Pacheco
"We attended the Coldplay concert night one. We were told it was the first concert they've held here. The venue was great. Not a bad seat in the house. But the parking was a dreadful nightmare. We got there 2 hours early and it was bumper traffic. Finally found parking lots and they cost between $80-120. Highway robbery. But we had a great time at the concert."
Renee K.
"Watched Coldplay here and it was a great stadium. I was able to find parking in the residential areas and walked about 20 minutes. Traffic was terrible so I was glad I did not pay for parking."
T T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stanford Stadium is located at 851 Nelson Rd, Stanford, CA 94305. For major events, consider public transit options like Caltrain to the Palo Alto station, followed by a shuttle or rideshare. Driving is an option, but be prepared for significant traffic and expensive parking.
Parking at Stanford Stadium for events can range from $80 to $140, which many find to be highway robbery. Some attendees opt to park in nearby residential areas and walk to the stadium to save money.
Public transit can be a viable option, especially if you're coming from further away. Caltrain is a popular choice, with shuttles or rideshares available from the nearest stations. It can help avoid the parking nightmare.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available, but expect surge pricing and potential difficulties finding a ride immediately after large events due to high demand.
Walking from nearby residential areas is generally considered safe, but always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Stanford Stadium events, including football games and concerts, are typically available through official team websites, authorized ticket vendors, and resale platforms. Check the Stanford Athletics website for football schedules and event pages for concerts.
Operating hours for Stanford Stadium vary greatly depending on scheduled events. For football games, gates usually open a few hours before kickoff. For concerts, check the specific event's schedule for gate times.
Bag policies are common for large venues like Stanford Stadium. Clear bags are often preferred, and there may be restrictions on outside food, drinks, and professional cameras. Always check the stadium's official policy before your visit.
Yes, Stanford Stadium offers accessible seating options for guests with disabilities. It's recommended to contact the ticket office in advance to arrange for accessible seating and any necessary accommodations.
Stanford Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 50,000, with a historical capacity of over 85,000 before renovations.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
Most seats at Stanford Stadium offer a decent view of the field or stage. The stadium's design aims to provide good sightlines from various sections, though some upper deck seats can be steep.
Yes, Stanford Stadium offers a variety of food and drink options, including classic stadium fare and some unique offerings. Prices can be high, but items like chicken tenders have received positive mentions.
The stadium generally has clean and well-maintained bathroom facilities available throughout the venue.
While Wi-Fi availability can vary, many large stadiums offer guest Wi-Fi. It's advisable to download any necessary information or apps beforehand, as connectivity can sometimes be spotty during large events.
Stanford Stadium primarily hosts football games for the Stanford Cardinal. It also serves as a venue for major concerts, graduations, and occasionally other sporting events like soccer or softball.
📸 📸 Photography
Personal photography is generally allowed at Stanford Stadium, but professional camera equipment (like large lenses) may be restricted, especially during games or concerts. Always check the specific event's photography policy.
For iconic shots, consider the exterior architecture, the field from the stands, or panoramic views from the upper decks. Capturing the energy of a crowd during an event can also make for great photos.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at stadiums and large public venues due to safety and security regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For outdoor events, the 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. For daytime games, be mindful of harsh midday sun and consider the stadium's shadow patterns.
Yes, you can generally take photos of the field or stage from your seat for personal use. However, flash photography might be discouraged or prohibited during performances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families attending events, planning transportation is key. Parking can be a significant expense, so exploring public transit or parking further away and walking might be a more budget-friendly option. Ensure children have comfortable shoes if you opt for walking from a more distant parking spot.
💰 Budget Travelers
While stadium food and beverages are also pricey, look for value options or consider the stadium's cup recycling initiative for water refills. Attending events during the off-season or for less popular games might also offer more affordable ticket prices.
🎶 Music Lovers
For the best concert experience, research your seating location beforehand to ensure a good view. Be prepared for the logistical challenges of large crowds, particularly regarding parking and traffic, and plan your travel accordingly to maximize your enjoyment of the performance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Stanford Stadium's Rich History and Renovations
The stadium underwent a significant overhaul completed in 2006, reducing its capacity to its current 50,000 seats. This renovation focused on modernizing the facility, improving fan experience, and enhancing safety. The new design features a more intimate feel with two decks and a focus on providing excellent sightlines from nearly every seat.
Despite the reduced capacity, the renovated Stanford Stadium remains a premier venue for collegiate athletics and major events. Its blend of historical significance and modern amenities makes it a unique landmark on the Stanford University campus. The stadium's name has also evolved, with the current iteration being the Stanford Stadium, previously known as the Frank J. Nelson Athletic Complex.
Experiencing a Concert at Stanford Stadium
When attending a concert, it's crucial to plan your arrival and departure carefully. As highlighted by concertgoers, parking can be a significant challenge, with high costs and heavy traffic. Many recommend exploring alternative transportation methods or parking in surrounding neighborhoods and walking to mitigate these issues.
The stadium's layout ensures that most seats provide a good view, but it's always wise to check your specific seat's perspective. The experience of seeing a favorite artist perform in such an iconic setting, surrounded by thousands of fans, is often described as unforgettable and a 'best experience ever.'
Stanford Stadium's Athletic Facilities
Beyond the main stadium, Stanford offers specialized fields and courts for sports like soccer, baseball, and softball. The soccer field, for instance, is noted for its excellent grass quality and surrounding environment, contributing to a high-level training and playing experience.
The university's dedication to its athletes extends to the overall campus environment, with many facilities described as 'walking like a park.' This holistic approach to sports ensures that student-athletes have access to top-tier resources and a beautiful, functional campus for their training and competitions.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit