CEFCU Stadium, home of the San Jose State Spartans, is a place where college football dreams come alive. I’ve been to many games there, and it’s always an exciting experience. The stadium’s metal bench seating lets fans squeeze in close, creating a cozy atmosphere that brings everyone together to cheer on the Spartans.
Walking into CEFCU Stadium, you can feel the history in the air. The Spartans have been playing football since 1893, and this stadium has seen its share of thrilling moments. From big wins to nail-biting finishes, every game adds to the rich legacy of San Jose State football.
Before you head to a game, it’s good to know what to expect. The stadium offers various seating options and amenities to make your visit enjoyable. I always make sure to arrive early to soak in the pre-game excitement and find the best spot to watch the action.
Key Takeaways
- CEFCU Stadium’s bench seating creates a unique, close-knit fan experience
- The stadium has a long history dating back to San Jose State’s football beginnings in 1893
- Arriving early helps you make the most of your game day visit
CEFCU Stadium History
I’m excited to tell you about CEFCU Stadium‘s rich history! This iconic venue in San Jose opened way back in 1933. Can you believe it’s been around for over 90 years?
Originally called Spartan Stadium, it’s been the home of San Jose State football since day one. I love how it’s stood the test of time and seen so many thrilling games.
The stadium has hosted some big events over the years. Did you know it was home to the NCAA Women’s College Cup? That’s pretty cool!
It’s not just college sports though. The San Jose Earthquakes, a pro soccer team, played here too. They were first called the San Jose Clash when they started in 1996.
Oh, and here’s a fun fact – there was even a women’s pro soccer team called the Cyberrays that played at the stadium. Talk about diverse!
In 2016, the name changed to CEFCU Stadium. But for me, it’ll always have that classic Spartan Stadium feel.
The capacity has changed over time. It started smaller, but now it can hold over 30,000 fans. That’s a lot of cheering Spartans!
I think it’s amazing how this stadium has been a part of San Jose’s sports scene for so long. It’s seen generations of athletes and fans come through its gates.
Stadium Specifications
CEFCU Stadium has some cool features that make it a great place to watch football. I’ll tell you about how many people can fit inside, the size of the field, and the fancy scoreboard they use.
Seating Capacity
I’ve been to CEFCU Stadium a few times, and it’s not huge, but it’s cozy. The stadium can seat 18,265 fans. That’s enough for a good crowd, but not so big that you feel lost.
The seats are mostly metal benches, which isn’t super comfy, but it adds to the classic college football feel. I like sitting on the home team side in sections 108-114. These seats are close to the action and have 35 rows each.
If you want to sit behind the visiting team, check out sections 130 and 131. They’re right at midfield, so you get a great view of the whole field.
Field Measurements
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The field at CEFCU Stadium is set up for both football and soccer. For football games, it’s the standard 100 yards long and 53.3 yards wide. That’s the same size you’d see in any college or pro stadium.
When they use it for soccer, they adjust the field a bit. Soccer fields can vary in size, but they usually make it as big as they can within the stadium’s limits.
The turf is artificial, which helps it hold up well for both sports. It’s also easier to maintain in San Jose’s climate.
Scoreboard Technologies
I always love checking out the scoreboard when I go to games. CEFCU Stadium has a Daktronics scoreboard, which is pretty cool. Daktronics is known for making high-quality, bright displays that are easy to see even in sunny weather.
The main scoreboard shows the usual stuff like the score, time left, and down and distance for football. But it also has a video screen for replays and close-ups of the action.
There are smaller scoreboards around the stadium too, so you can always see the game info no matter where you’re sitting. It’s not the biggest or fanciest setup I’ve seen, but it gets the job done and keeps you in the loop during the game.
Events and Games
CEFCU Stadium hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year. From college sports to professional soccer, concerts, and high school competitions, there’s always something happening at this versatile venue.
College Sports
I love watching the SJSU Spartans play football here. The stadium comes alive on game days with cheering fans and school spirit. It’s the heart of San Jose State’s athletic program.
The Spartans compete in the Mountain West Conference, facing off against tough rivals. I’ve seen some thrilling matchups over the years. The energy is electric when the team scores a touchdown.
CEFCU Stadium isn’t just for football though. Other college sports events are held here too. It’s a great place to support SJSU’s student-athletes across different sports.
Professional Soccer
I’m a big fan of the San Jose Earthquakes games at CEFCU Stadium. The atmosphere is incredible when professional soccer comes to town.
The stadium has hosted some major soccer events. I was lucky enough to attend a Women’s World Cup match here once. It was amazing to see world-class players on this field.
Soccer fans get a great experience at CEFCU. The sight lines are good, and you feel close to the action. I always enjoy the passionate crowd at these matches.
Concerts and Special Events
CEFCU Stadium transforms into an awesome concert venue. I’ve seen some great shows here over the years. The open-air setting creates a unique atmosphere for live music.
Big-name artists have performed at the stadium. The sound quality is surprisingly good for an outdoor venue. I love how the music echoes through the stands.
Special events are also held at CEFCU. From festivals to community gatherings, the stadium adapts well to different uses. It’s a versatile space that serves San Jose in many ways.
High School Competitions
High school athletes get to shine at CEFCU Stadium too. I’ve attended several high school football games here, and it’s always exciting.
For young players, competing in a college stadium is a big deal. The atmosphere feels professional, with the big scoreboard and proper seating. It’s a great experience for the athletes and fans alike.
Other high school sports events are sometimes held at CEFCU. Track and field competitions use the stadium’s facilities. It’s nice to see the venue supporting local youth sports.
Fan Experience
CEFCU Stadium offers a variety of options for fans to enjoy games. I’ve found the atmosphere to be exciting and memorable, with good views of the action from most seats.
Seating Options and Views
The metal bench seating at CEFCU Stadium is pretty basic, but it allows for flexibility. I’ve been able to squeeze in with friends even when we didn’t have assigned seats together.
The stadium has a horseshoe shape, which I think gives most seats a decent view of the field. I prefer sitting in the end zone sections – you get a unique perspective of plays coming right at you.
Upper level seats offer a bird’s eye view of the whole field. Lower level seats put you closer to the action, but the sideline views can be partially obstructed by players and staff.
Amenities and Concessions
Concession options at CEFCU Stadium are fairly standard. I usually grab a hot dog and soda, but there are also nachos, popcorn, and other typical stadium fare.
Restrooms can get crowded during halftime, so I try to time my breaks carefully. There are some souvenir stands selling Spartans gear, which is nice for picking up team merch.
The scoreboard is visible from most seats. It shows replays and game info, helping me follow the action. On hot days, I appreciate that there are some shaded areas in the upper sections.
Accessibility and Family Accommodations
I’ve found CEFCU Stadium to be reasonably accessible. There are wheelchair spaces available in various sections. Elevators help fans reach the upper levels.
For families, I’d recommend bringing cushions for the metal benches. They can get uncomfortable during long games. There isn’t a specific family section, but the general atmosphere is family-friendly.
Parking can be a challenge. I usually arrive early to find a good spot. There are some lots close to the stadium, but they fill up fast on game days.
Stadium Access
Getting to and entering CEFCU Stadium is pretty straightforward. I’ll share what I know about parking options and security procedures to help make your visit smooth.
Parking and Transportation
Parking at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, CA 95112 is convenient. I’ve found several lots nearby where I can leave my car.
The main parking area is right next to the stadium. It fills up fast on game days, so I try to arrive early.
There are also a few off-site lots within walking distance. These are good backup options if the main lot is full.
For those who prefer public transit, I’ve used the light rail to get to games. The station is just a short walk from the stadium entrance.
Stadium Entrance and Security
When I arrive at CEFCU Stadium, I see multiple gates for entry. The lines can get long close to kickoff, so I like to give myself extra time.
Security checks are standard. I’ve gone through metal detectors and had my bag searched. It’s quick if I don’t bring prohibited items.
I always check the stadium website before games. They list what I can and can’t bring in. This saves me hassle at the gate.
Once inside, friendly staff are around to help me find my seat. I’ve found the whole process to be well-organized and efficient.
Athletic Facilities
CEFCU Stadium has some great facilities for athletes. I’ve checked out the locker rooms and the new Spartan Athletics Center. They’re pretty impressive and help the teams perform at their best.
Locker Room and Training Areas
The locker room at CEFCU Stadium is top-notch. I saw that it has plenty of space for players to gear up and prepare for games. There are individual lockers for each athlete to store their equipment.
The training areas are well-equipped too. I noticed they have modern weight machines and free weights for strength training. There’s also a medical treatment area where players can get taped up or receive quick care if needed.
What I really liked was the team meeting room. It has a big screen for watching game film and comfortable seating for the whole squad. It’s a great spot for coaches to go over strategies with the team.
Spartan Athletics Center
The Spartan Athletics Center (SAC) is a game-changer for CEFCU Stadium. It’s a brand new facility that opened recently, and I was blown away when I toured it.
The SAC has state-of-the-art workout equipment that helps athletes train year-round. I saw treadmills, bikes, and other machines that looked really high-tech.
What caught my eye was the nutrition center. It’s where athletes can grab healthy meals and snacks to fuel their bodies. There’s even a dedicated staff to help with meal planning.
The center also has study areas for student-athletes. It’s great that they have a quiet place to hit the books between practices and games. I think it really shows SJSU’s commitment to both athletics and academics.
Frequently Asked Questions
CEFCU Stadium offers various amenities and services for fans attending events. I’ve gathered answers to some common questions to help you plan your visit.
What are the food and drink options like at CEFCU Stadium?
Food choices at CEFCU Stadium are pretty standard for a college venue. You’ll find typical stadium fare like hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and popcorn.
Drink options include sodas, water, and beer for those of legal age. I recommend trying the local craft beers if you’re into that.
How is the seating and comfort at CEFCU Stadium for sporting events?
The seating at CEFCU Stadium is mostly metal benches. This setup allows for squeezing in more people, but it’s not the most comfortable for long games.
I suggest bringing a seat cushion if you want extra padding. The seats on the visitor’s side get a lot of sun, so keep that in mind when choosing your spot.
Are there any good parking options available near CEFCU Stadium?
Parking can be tricky at CEFCU Stadium, especially on game days. I recommend arriving early to snag a spot in the nearby lots.
If you don’t mind a short walk, there are usually more parking options a few blocks away from the stadium. You might also consider taking public transit to avoid parking hassles altogether.
Can you tell me about the restroom facilities at CEFCU Stadium?
The restroom facilities at CEFCU Stadium are fairly basic. You’ll find standard public restrooms scattered throughout the venue.
During busy games, lines can get long at halftime. I suggest using the facilities before the game or during less crowded times to avoid long waits.
Is CEFCU Stadium accessible for guests with disabilities?
CEFCU Stadium does offer accessibility features for guests with disabilities. There are designated wheelchair seating areas and accessible restrooms.
I recommend contacting the stadium directly before your visit if you have specific accessibility needs. They can provide more detailed information and assistance.
What are the pre-game entertainment options at CEFCU Stadium?
Before games at CEFCU Stadium, you can usually find some tailgating action in the parking lots. It’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere and meet other fans.
Inside the stadium, you might catch the marching band warming up or see the team doing pre-game drills. I enjoy watching these activities to get pumped up for the game.
