For decades, Tucson, Ariz. has been a preferred location for home and away fans who want to see their favorite college football team play while also enjoying the warm weather, food and amenities that the southern Arizona city has to offer.
As Arizona competes in its first season in the Big 12 Conference this fall, a new set of fanbases will get to experiences college football game days in Tucson.
The Arizona Wildcats play at Arizona Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 50,000. Originally opened in 1928, the stadium has undergone major renovations in recent years, including a $30 million renovation to the east side of the stadium in 2018.
In addition to being home of Arizona football, the stadium hosts the Arizona Bowl in late December.
Before you go to a game at Arizona Stadium, here are five things to know about the college football experience in Tucson.
Getting to Tucson
Tucson is located just over 100 miles south of Phoenix. It’s about a two-hour drive from Phoenix to Tucson, or you can fly directly into town.
Six airlines fly to Tucson International Airport. The airport is located about 20 minutes south of the university so you’ll need to take a rideshare or taxi to get to campus.
Fans in the Phoenix area can also take the “Cat Cruiser” rideshare. There are two route options for fans from the Phoenix area to ride a charter bus to and from the game. Busses arrive at Arizona Stadium two hours prior to kickoff and depart 30 minutes after the game ends. Passes can be purchased here.
Tucson is a spread out city and generally requires access to a car or rideshare to get around. Visitors who are staying closer to the university can take the Sun Link Streetcar, which connects campus and downtown.
Where to stay
For fans who want to stay near the university, two of the closest hotels to campus are the Tucson Marriott University Park and Aloft Tucson University.
Marriott is located steps away from the popular University Avenue, home to several restaurants and bars. Aloft is located a block off campus and just across the street from Dirtbags, a popular college bar. Both hotels are in walking proximity to Arizona Stadium.
Visitors who want a resort stay can choose from the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa or The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass is on the southwest side of Tucson. The resort features three nine-hole golf courses and borders Tucson Monument Park with its many trails.
The Westin La Paloma, located in the Catalina Foothills, is home to the Jack Nicholas Signature Golf Course and multiple swimming pools.
Variety of food options
Tucson punches above its weight for food and dining and has even been recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy. It should come as no surprise that Tucson has some of the best Mexican food in America.
Mi Niditio on Tucson’s south side is a favorite locals and has served famous guests like Bill Clinton, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt and Steve Kerr. El Charro Cafe is another sure bet, having served customers for over 100 years. The restaurant’s original owner is said to have invented the chimichanga.
Visitors who want to try a Sonoran Dog can choose from great spots like El Sinaloense Hot Dog Cart, El Perro Loco and BK Tacos.
For fans hanging around campus, University Avenue features popular bars Gentle Ben’s Brewing and Frog & Firkin. No Anchovies is a favorite spot for a slice of pizza.
Gameday parking and pre-game festivities
The Arizona campus offers plenty of parking, with garages charging between $10 to $20 to park. Fans who want to park closest to Arizona Stadium can choose from Cherry, South Stadium or Sixth Street Garage.
The Arizona mall – a lawn that extends across most of campus – is reserved for tailgating on football Saturdays. The tailgating area opens six hours before kickoff and features several food stands.
Two hours before kickoff, the Arizona football team does its Wildcat Walk, passing through the tailgate as they enter the stadium. Fans can greet the team as they are dropped off at Cherry and University.
New stadium concessions and entertainment
Inside the stadium, fans can try new food vendors on the west side ground level including Rudy’s BBQ, Chick-Fil-A, Cactus Confections Fresh Lemonade and Kettle Corn and Mustache Pretzels. On the middle level on the east side of the stadium and the top level on the west side, new concession offerings include the Big 12 Dog and the BearDown Burger.
Arizona Stadium has added new self-checkout kiosks in the south endzone and a “Walk Thru Bru” on the westside ground where fans can grab to-go drinks iced down, popcorn and peanuts.
This year Arizona is enhancing its in-stadium entertainment with a new DJ, additional fireworks during pregame introductions and a new and improved light show and pyrotechnics display during the break between the third and fourth quarters.
