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CEFCU Stadium - home of San Jose State in San Jose, CA
NCAA FBS

CEFCU StadiumSan Jose, California

San Jose State

👥
Capacity
18,203
🏆
Conference
Mountain West
📅
Opened
1933
🌱
Surface
AstroTurf

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📖About CEFCU Stadium

CEFCU Stadium (formerly Spartan Stadium) opened in 1933 and features a "sunken bowl" design. The 21,520-seat venue hosted the 1999 Women's World Cup and has seen San Jose State compete since the Great Depression.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened in 1933 as a 4,000-seat facility. Expanded through 1980s to over 31,000. CEFCU acquired naming rights in 2016 for $8.7M.

Major Renovations

1948Capacity expanded to 18,000
1985Upper deck and boxes pushed capacity over 31,000
2023$70M Spartan Athletics Center completed

Notable Moments

Nov 4, 2000Upset #9 unbeaten TCU 27-24—first top-10 home win
Nov 29, 2024Beat Stanford 34-31 in dramatic renewed rivalry
Jul 1999Hosted 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup matches

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sunken bowl design creates intimate atmosphere. Record crowd of 31,681 for 2003 Grambling game.

Parking Tips

Campus parking available. Downtown San Jose walkable.

Game Day

MLS's Earthquakes played here 1996-2005. Silicon Valley atmosphere. ZZ Top once drew 37,000 for concert.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Britannia Arms Downtown ("The Brit")

$$

Legendary San Jose sports pub with a massive patio, 20+ TVs, and a rich history of hosting Spartan and Sharks fans.

📍 1.5 miles173 W Santa Clara St

💡 The outdoor patio is the place to be on a sunny gameday afternoon. Arrive 2 hours early to grab a table.

San Jose Bar and Grill (SJBG)

$$

High-energy bar in downtown with 30+ HD TVs. Frequent hub for SJSU students and alumni.

📍 1.3 miles85 S Second St

💡 Check their social media for gameday drink specials and Spartans-themed events.

4th Street Pizza Co.

$$

Local favorite known for "giant slices" and high-energy atmosphere. Packed with SJSU pride and plenty of screens.

📍 1.0 miles150 E Santa Clara St

💡 Order the "Spartan Combo" and a local craft beer while you catch the early NCAA games.

Naglee Park Garage

$$

Cool, converted gas station in historic Naglee Park neighborhood. Excellent craft beer list and elevated comfort food.

📍 0.8 miles505 E San Carlos St

💡 Walking from here to the stadium takes you through one of San Jose's most beautiful historic neighborhoods.

🍽️Restaurants

La Victoria Taqueria ("La Vic's")

$

Absolute San Jose icon. Known worldwide for their legendary "Orange Sauce," which fans put on everything from breakfast burritos to tacos.

📍 0.9 miles140 E San Carlos St

💡 Don't forget to buy a bottle of the Orange Sauce to take home—it's the ultimate Spartan souvenir.

Iguanas Burritozilla

$

Home of the 18-inch, 5-pound "Burritozilla." Featured on numerous food travel shows for its massive portions.

📍 0.9 miles330 S 3rd St

💡 If you're not up for the 'Zilla challenge, their "Nacho Fries" are a perfect pre-game snack for sharing.

Peanuts Deluxe Dinette

$

Classic, no-frills diner that has served SJSU students for generations. The quintessential spot for a "Spartan Breakfast."

📍 1.0 miles275 E San Fernando St

💡 Cash-preferred hangout with very reasonable prices. Perfect for a hearty meal before a long day of tailgating.

Original Joe's San Jose

$$$

San Jose landmark since 1956. Famous for red leather booths, tuxedoed waitstaff, and massive portions of "Joe's Special."

📍 1.1 miles301 S Market St

💡 The "classy" choice for a post-game victory dinner or a traditional meal with visiting family.

🏨Hotels

Hotel Clariana

$$$

Sophisticated boutique hotel in a beautifully restored historic building downtown, very close to the SJSU main campus.

📍 1.1 miles100 E Santa Clara St

💡 Centrally located near many of the best downtown bars and shuttle stops that often run to the stadium on gamedays.

The Westin San Jose

$$$$

Located in the historic 1926 Sainte Claire building. Old-world charm and high-end amenities right in the city center.

📍 1.2 miles302 S Market St

💡 Perfect for fans looking for a luxury gameday experience in a registered historic landmark.

🎭Attractions

Olympic Black Power Statue

Free

20-foot bronze sculpture commemorating the 1968 Olympic protest by SJSU alumni Tommie Smith and John Carlos. The most significant landmark on campus.

📍 1.0 milesTower Hall Lawn, SJSU

💡 The statue includes an empty podium spot where you can stand for a photo to show your support for human rights.

SJSU Tower Hall

Free

Built in 1910, this is the oldest building on campus and the architectural heart of the university's main quad.

📍 1.0 miles1 Washington Sq

💡 The manicured gardens around the tower are the most photogenic spot on the main campus.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

South Campus Garage

$20-30
Garage📍 0.1 miles

💡 Primary parking structure for CEFCU Stadium. Buy your permit online in advance to guarantee a spot.

🎉

Spartan Fan Zone (Lot 1)

$30
Tailgate📍 0.1 miles

💡 Heart of the gameday experience. Official tailgate lot right across from the stadium entrance. Walk through for the "Spartan Walk" team arrival.

🅿️

Park & Ride / Lot 4

$15
Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 Large surface lot serving as excellent overflow option. Often less crowded than the main garage for quicker exit.

Suggest a Tip

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

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🔥Rivals

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Stadiums Near CEFCU Stadium

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Sutter Health Park

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Oracle Park

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California Memorial Stadium

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References

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