Skip to main content
NCAA FBS

Hornet StadiumSacramento, California

Sacramento State

👥
Capacity
21,195
🏆
Conference
MAC
📅
Opened
1969
🌱
Surface
SprinTurf

Quick Actions

🏈Track All NCAA FBS📍View on Map

📖About Hornet Stadium

Hornet Stadium has anchored Sacramento State football since 1969 and seats just over 21,000 in California's capital. After years in the FCS Big Sky Conference, the Hornets reclassified to FBS as a football-only member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) beginning in 2026 — a coast-to-conference leap that has driven a series of stadium upgrades.

🏛️Hornet Stadium History

Origins

Built in 1969 to replace aging Hughes Stadium and accommodate Sacramento State's growing athletic program. The facility was designed to support the university's expansion into Division II and eventual Division I athletics.

Major Renovations

2014$3.5M track and field complex renovation
2017New video board and sound system installed
2021Major stadium upgrades including new press box, club seating, and suites in preparation for potential FBS move
2024Additional facility improvements and lighting upgrades

Notable Moments

Nov 18, 2005Sac State clinches Great West Conference title
Nov 20, 2021Record attendance for Causeway Classic vs UC Davis
Oct 28, 2023Hornets upset #5 Montana State in primetime
2026Sacramento State begins FBS play as a football-only member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC)

🎟️Visiting Hornet Stadium

Best Seats

West sideline (Sections 101-107) offers afternoon shade and best views. Midfield around Section 104 is ideal. Student section in south end zone brings energy. Avoid east side in hot Sacramento afternoons.

Parking Tips

Arrive 2-3 hours early for tailgating. Main lots surround stadium off State University Dr and Hornet Dr. Satellite lots offer shuttle service. Street parking available on residential streets north of campus (observe posted restrictions).

Game Day

Sacramento offers big-city amenities with college atmosphere. Pre-game tailgating is lively for rivalry games. Visit campus attractions like the University Library. Post-game, explore nearby Arden Fair or drive to downtown Sacramento for Old Sacramento waterfront and K Street dining.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Buffalo Wild Wings

$$

Sports bar with dozens of TVs, wings, and game-day atmosphere.

📍 2 miles2485 Arden Way, Sacramento

💡 Arrive early for big games. Good spot for pre-game fuel.

View on map →

Federalist Public House

$$$

Upscale gastropub with craft cocktails and Americana menu.

📍 6 miles1050 K St, Sacramento

💡 Downtown location ideal for post-game celebrations. Try the bourbon selection.

View on map →

Shady Lady Saloon

$$

Craft cocktail bar with vintage speakeasy vibe in downtown Sacramento.

📍 6 miles1409 R St, Sacramento

💡 Not sports-focused but excellent for post-game cocktails. Live music on weekends.

View on map →

🍽️Restaurants

Nationwide Freezer Meats & Fine Foods

$

Sacramento institution since 1952. Huge sandwiches and butcher-quality meats.

📍 4 miles3585 El Camino Ave, Sacramento

💡 The tri-tip sandwich is legendary. Cash only.

View on map →

The Broiler

$$$

Classic steakhouse near campus with old-school ambiance and prime steaks.

📍 3 miles5665 Power Inn Rd, Sacramento

💡 Great for celebratory dinners. Reservations recommended for game days.

View on map →

Pangaea Bier Cafe

$$

European-style cafe with global beer selection and outdoor patio.

📍 4 miles2743 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento

💡 50+ beers on draft. Patio is perfect for pre-game gatherings.

View on map →

Taylor's Kitchen

$$$

Farm-to-fork California cuisine with seasonal menus and craft cocktails.

📍 5 miles2924 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento

💡 Sacramento's farm-to-fork capital reputation shines here. Sunday brunch is excellent.

View on map →

🏨Hotels

Hilton Sacramento Arden West

$$

Full-service hotel near campus with pool, restaurant, and free parking.

📍 1.5 miles2200 Harvard St, Sacramento

💡 Closest major hotel to stadium. Book early for Causeway Classic.

View on map →

Citizen Hotel

$$$

Boutique downtown hotel with art deco design and upscale restaurant.

📍 6 miles926 J St, Sacramento

💡 Best for those wanting downtown nightlife access. Valet parking available.

View on map →

Residence Inn Sacramento Cal Expo

$$

Suite-style hotel with kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and pool.

📍 2 miles1530 Howe Ave, Sacramento

💡 Good value for families or extended stays.

View on map →

🎭Attractions

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Free

Historic Gold Rush-era district with museums, shops, and riverfront dining.

📍 7 miles1014 2nd St, Sacramento

💡 Great for Friday night pre-game visit. California State Railroad Museum is highlight.

View on map →

Sacramento Zoo

$

Compact zoo in William Land Park with 140+ animal species.

📍 6 miles3930 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento

💡 Morning visit before afternoon kickoffs. Family-friendly option.

View on map →

California State Capitol Museum

Free

Free tours of the ornate state capitol building and surrounding park.

📍 6 miles1315 10th St, Sacramento

💡 Stunning architecture and California history. Park is perfect for picnics.

View on map →

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Stadium Main Lots (Hornet Dr)

$20
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Closest parking. Fills 3+ hours before kickoff for big games.

🎉

Tailgate Lots (State University Dr)

$30
Tailgate📍 0.3 miles

💡 Prime tailgating area. Bring canopy for shade.

🚌

Campus Shuttle Lots

$10
Shuttle📍 0.5 miles

💡 Park further out and shuttle in. Easier exit after games.

Suggest a Tip

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

Discover More Stadiums

🏆
MAC
View all conference stadiums
→
📍
California
View all state stadiums
→
🔍
Browse by Conference
Explore all conferences
→
🗺️
Browse by State
Explore all states
→
Learn more on Wikipedia→

Closest Stadiums to Hornet Stadium

→

Sutter Health Park

Oakland Athletics

West Sacramento, CA5 mi
→

UC Davis Health Stadium

UC Davis Aggies

Davis, California18 mi
→

California Memorial Stadium

California

Berkeley, CA65 mi
→

Angel Stadium

Los Angeles Angels

Anaheim, CA383 mi
→

T-Mobile Park

Seattle Mariners

Seattle, WA626 mi
→

Chase Field

Arizona Diamondbacks

Phoenix, AZ631 mi

References

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