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Stanford Stadium - home of Stanford in Stanford, CA
NCAA FBS

Stanford StadiumStanford, California

Stanford

👥
Capacity
50,424
🏆
Conference
ACC
📅
Opened
1921
🌱
Surface
Grass

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📖About Stanford Stadium

Stanford Stadium holds 50,424 and sits in the heart of Silicon Valley. Completely rebuilt in 2006, it hosted the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and 1994 World Cup matches. The Cardinal compete in the ACC after the Pac-12's dissolution, with "The Play" rivalry vs Cal being one of college football's most famous moments.

🏛️History

Origins

The current stadium opened September 16, 2006 with a 20-12 loss to San Jose State. It replaced the 1921 original (85,500 capacity) which was demolished. Built for $90 million.

Major Renovations

2006Complete rebuild: new 50,000-seat stadium replaced 1921 structure
2019Hosted FIFA Women's World Cup matches

Notable Moments

Nov 20, 1982"The Play"—Stanford band on field for Cal's winning return (at Cal)
Oct 8, 2011#7 Stanford beat #25 USC 56-48 in triple OT
Nov 30, 2019Stanford upset #13 Oregon 49-22

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Premium club seats on west side. Sections 102-108 offer midfield views. East side catches afternoon sun. Stanford sections wrap around visitors.

Parking Tips

Galvez Lot is closest to stadium. Free Caltrain shuttle from California Avenue station. Bike-friendly campus. El Camino Real lots available.

Game Day

El Palo Alto tailgate area on Galvez. Stanford Tree mascot (unofficial, student-run) is legendary. Watch for the Stanford Band's irreverent halftime shows. Post-game, explore downtown Palo Alto. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Old Pro

$$

Classic downtown sports bar packed with Stanford fans, loaded with TVs, and known for big-game energy.

📍 2.2 miles541 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

💡 Arrive early on Saturday afternoons to snag a table near the main screens.

The Patio

$$

Longtime Stanford hangout with a huge outdoor patio, plenty of taps, and a relaxed gameday vibe.

📍 1.6 miles550 Stanford Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

💡 Ask for the patio bar to skip the inside line before kickoff.

The Dutch Goose

$$

Beloved neighborhood tavern famous for burgers, pitchers, and a loyal Cardinal crowd.

📍 2.6 miles4249 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

💡 Grab a Goose Burger and sit at the bar for a true local experience.

NOLA Restaurant & Bar

$$

New Orleans-inspired cocktail bar with live music nights and a lively pregame scene.

📍 2.2 miles535 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

💡 Check the music schedule and reserve ahead on big weekends.

🍽️Restaurants

Coupa Cafe

$$

Stanford-area staple for Venezuelan arepas, empanadas, and espresso drinks.

📍 2.2 miles538 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

💡 Order arepas to-go for a portable pregame bite.

Zareen's

$$

Iconic Pakistani-Indian spot known for buttery chicken tikka masala and fluffy naan.

📍 1.9 miles365 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

💡 Grab a family-style order to share if you are tailgating.

Tamarine

$$$

Upscale Vietnamese fusion with a famous garlic crab and vibrant downtown atmosphere.

📍 2.3 miles546 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

💡 Book a reservation for Saturday nights; walk-ins fill quickly.

Evvia Estiatorio

$$$

Greek taverna loved for wood-fired lamb, mezze, and a cozy dining room.

📍 2.2 miles420 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

💡 Ask for the grilled octopus and split desserts for the table.

🏨Hotels

Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto

$$$

Boutique hotel on University Avenue with easy campus access and Cardinal-friendly design.

📍 2.1 miles488 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

💡 Book early for Stanford home games—rooms sell out fast.

The Westin Palo Alto

$$$

Upscale hotel near the Stanford campus with walkable access to the stadium.

📍 1.5 miles625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301

💡 Request a late checkout for night games.

🎭Attractions

Cantor Arts Center

$

Stanford's acclaimed art museum with the Rodin Sculpture Garden and free admission.

📍 0.9 miles328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305

💡 Plan an hour to walk the sculpture garden before heading to the tailgate.

Stanford Memorial Church & Main Quad

$

Iconic Stanford landmark and postcard-perfect campus quad for pregame photos.

📍 0.8 miles450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305

💡 Walk the palm-lined oval for a classic Stanford experience.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Galvez Lot

Varies
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Closest official lot; arrive early for tailgate-friendly spots.

🏢

Stock Farm Garage

Varies
Garage📍 0.6 miles

💡 Covered parking with a quick walk through campus.

🚌

California Ave Caltrain Park-and-Ride + Shuttle

Varies
Shuttle📍 2.0 miles

💡 Park at the Caltrain lot and use the free game-day shuttle to avoid traffic.

Suggest a Tip

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

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🔥Rivals

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Stadiums Near Stanford Stadium

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Oracle Park

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References

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