Stanford University has announced several updates for the 2025 football season at Stanford Stadium, aimed at improving the game day experience for fans and students. The home opener is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, at 7:30 p.m. against Boston College.
One significant change involves the Red Zone student section. Starting this season, it will move to the east sideline, extending from Section 136 into the south end zone and ending at Section 104. This adjustment brings students closer to the visiting team bench and wraps them around the tunnel. According to Stanford Athletics, “This change is being made to strengthen the atmosphere at Stanford Stadium and give the Cardinal a greater edge at home.” Fans who previously held seats in these sections will be relocated to areas on the Stanford bench side that were formerly reserved for students. More details about seat assignments are available on an FAQs page provided by Stanford Athletics.
The university has partnered with a new food service provider to refresh concessions and premium hospitality options within Stanford Stadium. All concession stands will now operate cashless systems. New menu items include Chick-fil-A (Section 235), Silva Sausage Co. (Sections 103 & 232), and Blue Line Pizza (Sections 115 & 128). Returning favorites such as Rita’s Italian Ice, Kikka Sushi, and Wetzel’s Pretzels remain available.
For those aged 21 and older, there is an expanded beverage selection featuring Coors Light, Modelo, Trumer Pils, and Suntory ready-to-drink cocktails. These changes reflect feedback from fans seeking more variety and faster service.
Football Season Ticket Members (STMs) can receive discounts on concessions by showing their STM Discount Pass when ordering. These passes will be delivered via email by September 9.
A new area called The Archway has opened beneath the north end arches of Stanford Stadium as a gathering spot where all fans can eat, drink, and socialize during games against Boston College and San Jose State. Semi-private spaces like Archway Cabanas or Archway Terrace are also available for reservation.
Additionally, STMs have access to a Gameday Experience Raffle this year with prizes such as pregame field passes, access to premium hospitality spaces inside Stanford Stadium, free DashPass subscriptions from DoorDash, among others.
Parking logistics have also changed: Cardinal Lot parking is now reassigned to Lots 9 and 10 but passes will be honored in General Lots 7 and 8 as well. Lot 3 is designated for operational use only this season. Dedicated lanes on Arboretum Road aim to improve traffic flow near busy intersections around stadium lots.
Priority Seat Members (PSMs) qualify for one complimentary Cardinal Lot pass per four priority seats purchased; a new PSM+ level grants additional premium parking benefits in select lots including Sunken Diamond Lot.
Buck/Cardinal Club donors giving $1,000 or more have access to complimentary beverages and snacks in a hospitality space located between gates five and ten at the stadium’s north end before kickoff through halftime intermission.
Stanford Athletics has introduced Cardinal Express—a round-trip charter bus service between San Francisco establishments and Stanford Stadium hosted by former players—which includes game tickets in a dedicated section.
Fan Fest continues outside Hammer Throw Area three hours before each kickoff with food vendors (now entirely cashless), games, entertainment activities like face painting or carnival booths until half an hour before kickoff.
