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CEFCU Stadium
A Guide to CEFCU Stadium
CEFCU Stadium is San José State football’s intimate 18,265-seat home in the heart of Silicon Valley. Its 1933 west grandstand preserves an old-school profile, while the modern athletics center, landscaped berm and open edges reveal palms, hills and the changing South San José skyline. Nearly every seat sits close to the field, giving Spartans games a relaxed but unmistakably collegiate atmosphere.
Getting to CEFCU Stadium
The venue occupies the block between South Seventh and South Tenth streets near Alma Avenue and Interstate 280. The listed stadium address is 1257 South 10th Street, while entrance addresses vary: Stadium Way at 1218 South Seventh, the west entrance at 1341 South Seventh and the south entrance at 323 East Alma Avenue.
Driving & Parking
- Interstate approachFrom I-280, use the Seventh Street or 10th/11th Street exits and follow event signs toward Alma. Surface streets around the athletics complex become one-way or restricted near kickoff.
- Lot 3Single-game parking across from the stadium has been listed at $40 per stall, with propane-grill tailgating allowed. Additional stalls may be purchased for equipment and tables.
- South Campus GarageThe garage at 1278 South 10th Street has offered lower advance pricing than the closest surface lots. Buy before game day because the walkable inventory is limited.
- Main-campus value optionPark at the South Garage, 377 South Seventh Street, then walk to Duncan Hall at South Fourth and San Salvador for the free football shuttle.
- Shuttle timingSJSU runs at least five buses between Duncan Hall and CEFCU Stadium from three hours before kickoff until four hours after kickoff.
- Accessible planningThe Habbas Law Athletics Center improved east-side access and seating. Contact the ticket office before game day for the correct parking credential, entrance and companion location.
- Postgame strategyLet the nearest lots empty or ride the campus shuttle before rejoining downtown traffic. Do not schedule a tight connection at Diridon Station or San José Mineta International Airport.
Public Transit
- VTA Route 73Use the stop along Senter Road at Alma Avenue, then walk about 10 minutes west to the stadium.
- VTA Routes 66, 68 and 568These serve Monterey Road at Alma, approximately a 10-minute walk east to the South Campus complex.
- VTA Route 25Keyes Street service leaves a roughly 15-minute walk south. Confirm Saturday frequency and the last return before an evening game.
- Caltrain, ACE and AmtrakRegional rail arrives at San José Diridon Station rather than the stadium. Connect through local transit, the main-campus shuttle framework or rideshare.
- BART connectionBART terminates at Berryessa/North San José, requiring a VTA connection. It is workable for Bay Area visitors but not a one-seat stadium trip.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Official addressSJSU lists 297 East Humboldt Street as the football rideshare pickup and drop-off point. Use that address rather than the stadium's 10th Street mailing address.
- Pregame arrivalApproach from the side directed by event staff and leave before the final 45-minute rush. South Seventh, 10th and Alma all constrict around the stadium.
- Postgame meetingWalk to the designated Humboldt zone before requesting the car and share the exact curb. Drivers cannot improvise a stop in a fire lane or stadium driveway.
- Downtown alternativeA pickup near main campus or a downtown restaurant may be easier after riding the free shuttle away from South Campus.
Pregame Festivities
CEFCU's lots open five hours before kickoff, creating a generous window for parking-lot tailgates and the organized fan zone. The atmosphere is distinctly South Bay: alumni tents, family groups, students arriving by shuttle and local food and beverage events rather than a single dense bar district beside the gates.
Tailgating
- Paid-lot tailgatingTailgating is permitted in approved paid lots. Keep all tents, chairs and games directly in front of or behind the purchased vehicle and clear every drive and fire lane.
- Spartan VillageLarger groups can reserve packaged tent space near the practice field, beach courts and soccer facilities. Packages have included parking and sit only steps from the stadium.
- Spartan Block PartySJSU's public pregame program provides family activities, music, sponsor displays and rotating food or beverage options. Confirm its location and timing for the individual game.
- Propane onlyCharcoal grills, glass bottles, kegs, drinking games and mass-consumption devices are prohibited. Extinguish every propane grill before leaving the lot.
- Kickoff cutoffTailgating, drinking and amplified music must end at kickoff. Remaining in the lot to drink after the game begins can result in a citation.
- Noise and conductSan José's noise ordinance applies, and uncertified DJs or loud offensive music can be stopped. Marijuana use is not permitted in the tailgate operation.
Pregame Bars & Restaurants
- Strike Brewing CompanyThe brewery and taproom south of downtown is a useful craft-beer stop relatively near South Campus. Check food-truck and event hours before walking or arranging the short ride.
- Downtown's food-hall complex offers many cuisines, bars and communal tables, making it ideal for groups arriving by Caltrain or staying centrally.
- The downtown institution serves Italian-American classics, steaks and cocktails in a traditional setting. Reserve for Friday night or eat early before the shuttle window.
- Restaurants and bars around South First Street provide a walkable downtown alternative with more variety than the stadium perimeter.
- Main-campus corridorCasual restaurants around San Carlos and Fourth streets work well before boarding the Duncan Hall shuttle. Weekend hours vary with the academic calendar.
Gameday Traditions
- Sammy SpartanSJSU's helmeted mascot works the tailgate and sideline, linking the modern program to the university's long Spartan identity.
- Marching BandThe Spartan Marching Band performs before kickoff and at halftime, with featured games sometimes adding local high-school musicians.
- Blue and goldWear royal blue for most games unless SJSU announces a Gold Rush, blackout or another theme. The compact lower bowl makes coordinated color especially effective.
- Spartan fight songThe band and crowd answer scores with “Spartan Fight,” while cheer and dance groups keep the west stand engaged during breaks.
- Battle for the ValleyThe Fresno State rivalry now carries the Valley Trophy and reliably creates one of CEFCU's fullest, loudest nights.
- Dick Tomey Legacy TrophyGames with Hawai‘i honor coach Dick Tomey, who led both programs and remains deeply respected by each fan base.
Monuments & Features
- Habbas Law Athletics CenterThe $60 million east-side building opened in 2023 with football operations, lounges, premium spaces, dining and training facilities.
- East landscaped bermTurf seating replaced much of the former east grandstand, creating an unusual open hillside view into the game.
- Spartan ClubThe center's midfield lounge combines direct field views, buffet-style hospitality, private restrooms and premium access.
- Spartan PatiosSemi-private shaded field-level spaces seat groups of four and include club access, catering and beverage benefits.
- Historic west facadeBlue-painted concrete and the main grandstand preserve the recognizable 1933 form even after the east-side transformation.
History & Notable Moments
- First game (1933)San José State defeated San Francisco State 44–6 in the new stadium on October 7.
- 100th home win (1968)The Spartans defeated New Mexico 52–14 to reach the century mark in the building.
- Women's World Cup (1999)The stadium hosted matches during the landmark tournament and later the NCAA Women's College Cup.
- TCU upset (2000)San José State beat previously undefeated No. 9 TCU 27–24 for its first home victory over a top-10 opponent.
- Record football crowd (2003)A sellout of 31,681 attended the game against Grambling State in the former larger configuration.
- Athletics Center debut (2023)The completed east-side transformation introduced the current 18,265-seat configuration and modern premium program.
Seating & Sections
CEFCU now combines a traditional west grandstand, lower-bowl seating and east-side berm and hospitality products. For 2026, ordinary season and single-game sales are concentrated in the lower level; the upper deck remains available for large groups and community nights.
- Lower west midfieldReserved blue and gold membership areas provide the best conventional sightlines and put fans close to the home sideline atmosphere.
- Lower corners and end zonesThese are the value choice for families and casual visitors, with easy access to the compact concourse.
- Upper west levelGeneral individual sales are closed in 2026, but groups of 20 or more may use the deck. Its elevated tactical view is offset by sun and stair exposure.
- East bermThe landscaped turf creates a relaxed, open experience rather than an assigned grandstand seat. Verify which tickets grant access and bring permitted sun protection.
- Spartan Club and patiosPremium east-side products provide shade, food, private restrooms and field-level or lounge viewing. Inclusions vary by package.
- Accessible seatingNewer east-side locations and the athletics center improve access, but inventory is limited. Arrange companion seating before rivalry games.
Concessions
CEFCU uses permanent stands, portable points and rotating local vendors. The selection is smaller than at an NFL building, so eating at the Block Party or downtown remains sensible when choice matters. A sealed water bottle may enter, a valuable exception on sunny afternoons.
- Stadium standardsExpect hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, soft drinks and beer at the main counters.
- Local rotationFood trucks and special vendors appear at selected games and spring events. Walk the concourse once before committing to the first line.
- Spartan Club cateringPremium club and patio packages can include a gourmet buffet, nonalcoholic drinks and limited beer or wine benefits.
- Block Party foodPregame food purchased in an approved tailgate or block-party area may be consumed before entry; outside food must fit within the venue's permitted-item rules.
- HydrationBring one sealed water bottle and purchase additional water early. The open west stand can remain hot even for evening kickoffs.
Bag Policy
- One clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches or a clear one-gallon storage bag may enter.
- One non-clear clutch no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches is permitted. Although one facility summary displays a larger example, the current prohibited-items page supplies the stricter controlling dimensions.
- Seat cushions without pockets, arms or zippers are allowed. Strollers and portable chairs must meet accessibility requirements and cannot block aisles or remain under seats.
- One sealed water bottle is permitted. Other beverages and alcohol are prohibited; outside food must fit inside an approved game-day bag unless medically required.
- Weapons, tobacco, illegal drugs, banners, flags, balloons, scooters, skateboards, bicycles and non-service animals are prohibited.
- Every person and package is subject to search. CEFCU provides no storage and no reentry, so return rejected property to the vehicle or discard it at the gate.
Upcoming Games
2Stadium Information
Notable Events
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium