CEFCU Stadium
CFB

CEFCU Stadium

San Jose State Spartans

1257 S 10th St San Jose, CA 95112

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 approach
    From 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 3
    Single-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 Garage
    The 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 option
    Park 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 timing
    SJSU runs at least five buses between Duncan Hall and CEFCU Stadium from three hours before kickoff until four hours after kickoff.
  • Accessible planning
    The 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 strategy
    Let 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 73
    Use the stop along Senter Road at Alma Avenue, then walk about 10 minutes west to the stadium.
  • VTA Routes 66, 68 and 568
    These serve Monterey Road at Alma, approximately a 10-minute walk east to the South Campus complex.
  • VTA Route 25
    Keyes Street service leaves a roughly 15-minute walk south. Confirm Saturday frequency and the last return before an evening game.
  • Caltrain, ACE and Amtrak
    Regional rail arrives at San José Diridon Station rather than the stadium. Connect through local transit, the main-campus shuttle framework or rideshare.
  • BART connection
    BART 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 address
    SJSU 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 arrival
    Approach 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 meeting
    Walk 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 alternative
    A 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 tailgating
    Tailgating 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 Village
    Larger 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 Party
    SJSU'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 only
    Charcoal grills, glass bottles, kegs, drinking games and mass-consumption devices are prohibited. Extinguish every propane grill before leaving the lot.
  • Kickoff cutoff
    Tailgating, 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 conduct
    San 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 Company
    The 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 corridor
    Casual 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 Spartan
    SJSU's helmeted mascot works the tailgate and sideline, linking the modern program to the university's long Spartan identity.
  • Marching Band
    The Spartan Marching Band performs before kickoff and at halftime, with featured games sometimes adding local high-school musicians.
  • Blue and gold
    Wear 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 song
    The band and crowd answer scores with “Spartan Fight,” while cheer and dance groups keep the west stand engaged during breaks.
  • Battle for the Valley
    The Fresno State rivalry now carries the Valley Trophy and reliably creates one of CEFCU's fullest, loudest nights.
  • Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy
    Games with Hawai‘i honor coach Dick Tomey, who led both programs and remains deeply respected by each fan base.

Monuments & Features

  • Habbas Law Athletics Center
    The $60 million east-side building opened in 2023 with football operations, lounges, premium spaces, dining and training facilities.
  • East landscaped berm
    Turf seating replaced much of the former east grandstand, creating an unusual open hillside view into the game.
  • Spartan Club
    The center's midfield lounge combines direct field views, buffet-style hospitality, private restrooms and premium access.
  • Spartan Patios
    Semi-private shaded field-level spaces seat groups of four and include club access, catering and beverage benefits.
  • Historic west facade
    Blue-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 midfield
    Reserved blue and gold membership areas provide the best conventional sightlines and put fans close to the home sideline atmosphere.
  • Lower corners and end zones
    These are the value choice for families and casual visitors, with easy access to the compact concourse.
  • Upper west level
    General 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 berm
    The 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 patios
    Premium east-side products provide shade, food, private restrooms and field-level or lounge viewing. Inclusions vary by package.
  • Accessible seating
    Newer 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 standards
    Expect hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, soft drinks and beer at the main counters.
  • Local rotation
    Food trucks and special vendors appear at selected games and spring events. Walk the concourse once before committing to the first line.
  • Spartan Club catering
    Premium club and patio packages can include a gourmet buffet, nonalcoholic drinks and limited beer or wine benefits.
  • Block Party food
    Pregame 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.
  • Hydration
    Bring 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

2
UNLV @ SJST
Sat, Nov 21 • 7:00 PM
Week 12
NDKST @ SJST
Fri, Nov 27 • 3:30 PM
Week 13

Stadium Information

Capacity
18,265
Opened
1933
Last Renovated
2023
Architect
HOK
Construction Cost
$60,000,000

Notable Events

First football game: San José State defeated San Francisco State in the new stadium (October 7, 1933)
The venue hosted four FIFA Women's World Cup matches as international soccer returned to San Jose (June-July 1999)
San José State earned its first home win over a top-10 football opponent by upsetting undefeated No. 9 TCU 27-24 (November 4, 2000)
A stadium-record football crowd of 31,681 watched San José State defeat Grambling State 29-0 (August 23, 2003)
The Spartans erased a 20-point deficit to beat Stanford 35-34 before 29,321, the third-largest home crowd in program history (September 9, 2006)
The $60 million Spartan Athletics Center and new LED lighting debuted with the transformed east side of the stadium (2023 season)
San José State defeated Stanford 34-31 in the revived Bill Walsh Legacy Game, its first win over the Cardinal since 2006 (November 29, 2024)

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