Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

New pregame and in-game experiences are in store for San Jose State football fans of all ages when they cheer on the Spartans in the Aug. 29 season opener all the through the regular season finale versus Fresno State on Nov. 30.

Many Spartan fans are aware of the biggest change to CEFCU Stadium, Home of the Spartans, which started in June 2019. A ceremonial groundbreaking for the Spartan Athletics Center (formerly Football Operations Center) will fit into the east side of the stadium as a completed project benefiting all San Jose State student-athletes and those affiliated with the football, women’s soccer and men’s soccer teams.

“Our goal is to create one of the best college football game-day experiences in the Mountain West,” said Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations Blake Sasaki.

“Our fans want more than action on the field and we are addressing that request primarily through the Spartan Village Fan Zone. We’ll have a Kids’ Area, a video game truck, inflatables, student and adult tailgating, an early pregame radio show, upgraded food and beverage and more.”

Here’s what’s new, improved and fun for fans at CEFCU Stadium this season:

Creative, environmentally friendly and traditional ways to reach CEFCU Stadium
-Standard parking spaces on the 7th and 10th street sides of CEFCU Stadium and at the Excite Ballpark lot on Alma Avenue
– Park on the main campus for $5.00 and ride a free shuttle round trip from the 7th Street garage to CEFCU Stadium – Use the Lyft Drop Zone, the Go Bike Station, or rent a scooter and park it in the new scooter parking area along 7th Street
– Ride VTA bus lines #25 or #73 to either 7th or 10th streets & Keyes and enjoy a short walk to CEFCU Stadium

Enter CEFCU Stadium from the new 7th & 10th Street game-day Stadium Way entrances or from the standard west and east gates of the stadium

Spartan Village Fan Zone — a new entertainment area for all ages north of CEFCU Stadium that opens three hours before kickoff and stays open throughout the game. The game ticket is the admission into the football game and the Spartan Village Fan Zone
– Look for the Kids’ Zone with inflatables, corn hole, a video games truck and more
– See the 60-minute broadcast show with hosts Justin Allegri and Kevin Richardson
– Visit the Powerhouse Food Truck, the world’s largest food truck measuring more than 70 feet, generously donated by SpartanEats — the university’s new food services provider — ready to serve great food and show college football games on its big screen.

Fun, freebies, honors and more
Thurs., Aug. 29 vs. Northern Colorado, 7:00 p.m.
“Retro Night” & Throwback Thursday
– “Retro t-shirt” giveaway
– Custom San Jose State fanny packs

Sat., Sept. 7 vs. Tulsa, 6:00 p.m.
First Responder Night presented by PG&E
– Free tickets to first responders, courtesy of PG&E
– High School Band Night
– Free San Jose State t-shirts to the first 1,000 students, courtesy of the Mountain West

Fri., Oct. 4 vs. New Mexico, 7:00 p.m.
Brew & Vine Night
– Parent & Family Weekend

Sat., Oct. 19, vs. San Diego State, 4:00 p.m.
Homecoming
– Ticket giveaway to the Oct. 19 Gryffin Concert at The Event Center
– Ring of Honor celebration

Sat., Nov. 2 vs. Boise State, 7:30 p.m.
Dick Tomey Night
– Dick Tomey Rally Towel giveaway
– San Jose Unified School District Night
– Youth Football Night

Sat., Nov. 30 vs. Fresno State, TBA
Valley Trophy Rivalry Game
– Senior Day

There will be new food choices for the hungry fans. The Smokin’ Pig makes its CEFCU Stadium debut this season serving tasty barbecued smoked meats, savory sides and delicious desserts.

“We believe we have something for every fan that comes to our football games this season. We plan to entertain our fans from the moment they arrive and then give them plenty to remember when our team takes the field this season,” Sasaki said.