Tailgating at Snapdragon Stadium

Tailgating is allowed in Snapdragon Stadium parking lots, but the setup is tight — you tailgate directly behind your vehicle, in your own space. You can’t buy or claim extra spaces, and saving spots for friends isn’t allowed. Want to park together? Caravan in at the same time.

When Do Lots Open?

It depends on the event:

• SDSU Aztecs Football: Lots open 5 hours before kickoff.
• San Diego FC: Lots open 3 hours before kickoff. (Double-check your specific match — times can vary.)
• San Diego Wave FC: Check the event listing for lot open times.

The Rules (All Events)

Alcohol: All alcohol consumption must stop 30 minutes after the scheduled event starts. No glass bottles, no kegs — cups and cans only. You can’t bring drinks into the stadium or take them out of the lot onto public streets. No selling food or drinks. You can bring food for your own group only.

If you’re the driver, the rest of us in the community thank you in advance for not drinking. Treat yourself to an extra pouch of Dippin’ Dots.

Grills: Gas and propane grills only. No charcoal, no wood stoves, no open pit fires, no deep fryers.

Tents: Standard pop-up tents (like a 10×10) are fine behind your vehicle. You cannot stake them into the pavement or grass. Note for SDFC matches: Pop-up tents are not allowed in the Green Lot.

Projectiles: No throwing footballs, frisbees, or anything else. A bummer for tailgating traditionalists, but on the bright side — no errant spirals bonking your noggin.

No drones, hoverboards, skateboards, or scooters in the tailgate zones.

No smoking or vaping. Snapdragon Stadium is on the SDSU campus — no smoking of any kind is permitted on university property.

Common sense: Have fun but don’t be the one who ruins it for everyone else.

Aztecs Football: River Park Block Party

SDSU football brings the biggest tailgating footprint to the stadium. Beyond the parking lots, the university opens up the grass areas south and east of the stadium — River Park — for tailgating. It’s a BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent) setup on a first-come, first-served basis.

Want someone else to handle the setup? SDSU partners with REVELxp for full-service “turnkey” tailgates — tents, TVs, chairs, catering, all ready when you arrive. Check goaztecs.com for details and pricing.

Student organizations: RSOs have stricter requirements — you must register your tailgate at least three days in advance, designate an on-site leader, and follow specific alcohol limits (fermented/brewed beverages only, one drink per hour for those 21+). Check with SDSU for the full guidelines.

San Diego FC Tailgating

SDFC Season Ticket Members can purchase individual or season-long parking passes for the Orange and Yellow lots at a discounted rate through their Account Manager. The club also offers Designated Tailgate spots for fans who want guaranteed tailgating real estate — check sandiegofc.com for availability.

And don’t miss the free SDFC FanFest before matches.

San Diego Wave FC Tailgating

The Yellow Lot is the unofficial home of Wave tailgating. It’s where The Sirens — the Wave’s independent supporters group — set up their pre-match festivities. The vibe is community-driven and welcoming. Bike cops and parking staff patrol to keep drive aisles and fire lanes clear, but fans generally report a hassle-free experience as long as setups don’t block traffic.

Tips Before You Go

1. Get there as early as you can to avoid congestion.
2. Buy your parking pass in advance. The stadium is 100% cashless — even the parking gates.
3. If you’re bringing items from your tailgate into the game, they need to be in a clear bag (max 12” × 6” × 12”) or a small clutch (max 4.5” × 6.5”).
4. Get the free Snapdragon Stadium app.
5. Not driving? Take the Trolley straight to the Stadium Station and skip the traffic entirely.