Nov 17, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Located on the scenic campus of Stanford University, Stanford Stadium is a historic and iconic venue in Northern California. It is best known as the home of the Stanford Cardinal football team, but it has also hosted major concerts, international soccer matches and large-scale community events. With a modernized facility and breathtaking views of the surrounding Bay Area, Stanford Stadium offers fans and visitors an exceptional live event experience.
About Stanford Stadium
Location: 625 Nelson Road, Stanford, CA 94305
Opened: Originally in 1921; current stadium rebuilt in 2006
Capacity: Approximately 50,000
Primary Tenant: Stanford Cardinal football (Pac-12 Conference)
Surface: Natural grass
Operator: Stanford University
Events at Stanford Stadium
Stanford Stadium hosts a variety of events beyond college football:
College Football: Home to Stanford Cardinal football, including Pac-12 games and occasional neutral-site matchups.
Soccer: The stadium has hosted Major League Soccer matches, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team games and international friendlies.
Concerts: The venue has accommodated large-scale performances from artists and touring acts.
Community Events: Commencements, charity events and university gatherings are regularly held here.
History and Legacy
Stanford Stadium originally opened in 1921 and underwent several expansions and renovations over the decades. The current stadium, rebuilt in 2006, preserved the classic bowl design while incorporating modern amenities, premium seating and improved accessibility.
The stadium has a rich history of hosting memorable events, including:
NCAA football games featuring some of college football’s most competitive matchups.
International soccer events, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches.
Large concerts and university events that take advantage of the stadium’s size and location.
Its combination of tradition, modern infrastructure and scenic setting makes Stanford Stadium a notable venue on both the collegiate and international stage.
Getting to Stanford Stadium
Driving and Parking
Stanford Stadium is accessible from Highway 101 and Interstate 280. Multiple on-campus parking lots are available on game days and for events, though early arrival or pre-purchased parking passes are recommended.
Public Transit
Caltrain provides a convenient route to nearby Palo Alto, with additional shuttle and bus service from the station to the stadium. The Stanford Marguerite Shuttle also operates on event days.
Rideshare
Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zones are available on campus, making Uber and Lyft a convenient option for visitors.
Walking and Biking
The stadium is within walking distance of central campus and bike racks are available for fans who choose to cycle.
Seating and Experience
Stanford Stadium’s design offers excellent sightlines from nearly every seat:
Lower Bowl: Brings fans close to the action, ideal for football games.
Upper Bowl: Offers panoramic views of the field and surrounding campus.
Premium Seating: Club-level seats and suites provide upgraded amenities, exclusive concessions and private entrances.
The stadium atmosphere combines collegiate pride with a professional-grade experience, creating excitement for both sports and entertainment events.
Food and Concessions
Concessions at Stanford Stadium feature traditional stadium fare alongside regional offerings. Fans can enjoy:
Hot dogs, nachos, burgers, pretzels and popcorn
Pizza and sandwiches
Beer, wine and soft drinks at select events
Rotating specialty vendors that highlight local flavors and campus culinary options
Atmosphere
Football games at Stanford Stadium are defined by a mix of enthusiastic student sections, alumni support and family-friendly crowds. The stadium’s modern design and seating bowl amplify crowd noise while maintaining excellent sightlines. Concerts and special events benefit from the same excellent acoustics and expansive layout, making any event feel immersive and engaging.
Policies and Accessibility
Bag Policy: Clear bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed; small clutches and medically necessary items are permitted.
Security: All guests pass through metal detectors and bag checks.
Accessibility: ADA seating, elevators, accessible restrooms and companion seating are available throughout the venue.
Re-Entry: Guests are generally not permitted to re-enter after leaving.
Why Stanford Stadium Stands Out
Stanford Stadium is more than a football venue; it is a landmark of collegiate athletics and cultural events. Its combination of history, modern amenities and stunning Northern California location creates a unique experience for fans. From high-stakes Pac-12 matchups to international soccer and large-scale concerts, the stadium offers something for every type of visitor.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether attending a Stanford football game, a soccer match, or a concert, Stanford Stadium provides a memorable live event experience. SeatGeek makes it easy to find tickets, compare seating options and plan your visit to this iconic Northern California venue.