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Mackay Stadium - home of Nevada in Reno, NV
NCAA FBS

Mackay StadiumReno, Nevada

Nevada

👥
Capacity
27,000
🏆
Conference
Mountain West
📅
Opened
1966
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

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📖About Mackay Stadium

Mackay Stadium is named for the Mackay family who funded the original 1909 stadium. The modern 26,000-seat venue is home to Chris Ault Field, honoring the creator of the Pistol offense.

🏛️History

Origins

Modern stadium opened October 1, 1966 with 7,500 capacity. Named for John William Mackay and son Clarence H. Mackay. Field named for Chris Ault in 2013.

Major Renovations

2000FieldTurf synthetic surface installed
2003Permanent lighting added for night games
2016Renovation improved seating; capacity to 26,000

Notable Moments

1991Greatest comeback in NCAA history: rallied from 42 down vs Weber State
Oct 24, 2009Most points combined: beat Idaho 70-45 (115 total)
Oct 8, 2011Only shutout in Battle for Fremont Cannon history: 37-0 over UNLV

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Compact venue creates good sightlines throughout.

Parking Tips

Campus parking available. Reno casinos nearby.

Game Day

Chris Ault invented Pistol offense here in 2004. Fremont Cannon rivalry with UNLV. 1991 comeback is legendary.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Red's Little Waldorf Saloon ("The Wal")

$

Just a five-minute stroll from Mackay Stadium, "The Wal" is the iconic Nevada Wolf Pack gameday destination. Walls covered in memorabilia and massive outdoor patio.

📍 0.1 miles1661 N Virginia St

💡 Arrive at least 3 hours before kickoff. The line for their famous "Wal Burger" and a pitcher is a rite of passage.

Dubs Sports Lounge

$$

Downtown Reno's premier sports bar with dozens of high-definition TVs and a dedicated fan base. Great craft cocktails and food.

📍 1.2 miles95 N Sierra St

💡 If you don't have tickets, this is the best place in the city to catch the broadcast with full audio.

Legends Grill Sports & Spirits

$$

Friendly atmosphere with good food, cold drinks, and a relaxed sports bar vibe. Multiple screens and gameday promotions.

📍 4.5 miles6015 S Virginia St J

💡 Great spot for watching other games before Nevada kicks off.

🍽️Restaurants

Archie's Famous Hamburgers & Breakfast

$$

Long-standing Reno favorite known for gigantic burgers and hearty breakfast burritos. Sports-themed upstairs with outdoor deck.

📍 1.8 miles1440 E 4th St

💡 The burgers are massive. Perfect for fueling up before a long gameday.

Kwok's Bistro

$$$

Highly praised upscale Chinese restaurant. Considered by many as the "best restaurant in Reno" with amazing General's chicken.

📍 4.2 miles5005 S Virginia St

💡 Worth the drive for a celebratory post-game dinner. Consistent quality over the years.

Wild River Grille

$$$

Modern American restaurant on the Truckee Riverwalk. Fantastic location with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and river views.

📍 1.5 miles17 S Sierra St

💡 Sophisticated yet casual dining experience. Great for a pre-game meal with a view.

🏨Hotels

Whitney Peak Hotel

$$$

Non-smoking, non-gaming boutique hotel downtown with a massive climbing wall on the exterior. Caters to the outdoor-loving Reno crowd.

📍 1.2 miles255 N Sierra St

💡 Perfect for those who want high-quality stay without the casino atmosphere. Reasonable walk or quick ride to the game.

Circus Circus Reno

$$

Closest major downtown casino hotel to the stadium. Traditional Reno experience with carnival games and multiple dining options.

📍 1.0 miles500 N Sierra St

💡 Book a room in the Sky Tower for the best views of the "N" on Peavine Peak and the stadium lights.

🎭Attractions

The "N" on Peavine Peak

Free

Massive white "N" overlooking the stadium, originally constructed in 1913. Students often hike the 1.9-mile trail to visit it.

📍 3.0 milesPeavine Peak Trail

💡 A point of pride on gamedays. The hike offers stunning views of Reno and the stadium.

Wolf Pack Walk

Free

Approximately 2.5 hours before game time, the Nevada football team walks through the tailgating area to enter Mackay Stadium.

📍 0 milesMackay Stadium Tailgate Area

💡 Arrive early to the tailgate area to catch this exciting pre-game tradition.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

West Stadium Parking Complex

$20-30
Garage📍 0.1 miles

💡 1,900-stall garage next to Mackay Stadium. Fills up fast—arrive early.

🏢

Brian Whalen Parking Garage

Free
Garage📍 0.3 miles

💡 Free parking on campus. Approximately five-minute walk to the stadium. Arrive at a decent time for ample spots.

🚌

Sierra Spirit Shuttle

Free
Shuttle📍 Downtown Reno

💡 Free bus rides to and from downtown Reno along North Virginia Street. Operates 7 AM to 9 PM on gameday Saturdays.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Mackay Stadium? Share it with us.

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🔥Rivals

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Boise, ID

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Allegiant Stadium

UNLV

Battle for Nevada

Paradise, NV

Stadiums Near Mackay Stadium

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Sutter Health Park

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.