It’s almost game time: Snapdragon Stadium is getting ready to touchdown for Opening Day on Sat., Sept. 3. The new venue replaces SDCCU Stadium, marking a new chapter in San Diego’s history of stadiums.
The venue operated by San Diego State University (SDSU) kicked off with a preseason football preview last weekend: A ribbon cutting ceremony + scrimmage for its 15,000 season ticket holders. But, if you’re waiting for the first official coin toss, we’ve got a sneak peak at the Snapdragon fun.
NWSL superstar Alex Morgan walks through her team’s new home. | Photo via San Diego Wave FC
🏟️ The details
It’s been just over two years since SDSU broke ground on the construction of its new stadium on Aug. 17, 2020 — the new home to Aztecs Football. But the Mission Valley venue isn’t just for the university, SDSU worked with partners in San Diego’s tourism industry to design the stadium for community + entertainment.
On Dec. 6, 2021, Qualcomm sponsored the arena, naming it Snapdragon after its computer chip that powers many mobile devices. The company already has history with the stadium, as it was named Qualcomm Stadium (aka “The Q”) from 1998-2017.
Did you know? For 11 days in 2011, Qualcomm Stadium was rebranded as “Snapdragon Stadium” as part of a promotion. Now, that’s a full-circle moment.
🏈 Fast facts
If you’ve been to SDCCU Stadium or its previous iterations, Snapdragon might feel familiar, but it has some big changes.
- The massive project came with a price tag to match: $310 million.
- There are 35,000 seats, with the possibility of expanding to 40,000 by adding temporary seating in the end zones.
- Snapdragon was designed with sustainability in mind, and is pursuing LEED Gold certification.
- The big-screen LED is 42 ft tall by 73 ft wide.
- The entire field requires 95,000 sqft of sod.
🗓️ Important dates
As one of our city’s biggest sports venues, multiple teams will call Snapdragon home: The Aztecs, the San Diego Wave FC + the San Diego Legion. We can also expect to see exciting entertainment in the space.
- Sat., Sept. 3-Sat., Nov. 26: SDSU Aztecs Football season
- Sat., Sept. 17: San Diego Wave FC’s first home game at Snapdragon
- Sat., Oct. 22: Jimmy Buffet performs with guests Jason Mraz + Mac McAnally
The Legion — the city’s professional rugby team — has not released their 2023 schedule yet.
🚈 Getting there
Snapdragon Stadium is part of SDSU’s campus in Mission Valley at 2101 Stadium Way, but the venue will host large-scale events that attract big crowds.
- There are five main lots, parking passes should be purchased prior to events — prices vary by event.
- Taking the trolley? Snapdragon Stadium is located by the Metropolitan Transit System’s Green Line via Stadium Station. The trolley stop will permanently reopen on Sat., Sept. 3, with the first game of the Aztecs’ season.
- Cheers — tailgating is permitted, but make sure to follow the venue’s rules.
🌮 Food + drink
Your game day experience deserves extra flavor. Be on the lookout for these concessions from some of San Diego’s favorite restaurants:
- Hodad’s for the burgers, fries + rings our city loves
- The Taco Stand will offering handmade tacos
- The Crack Shack isn’t afraid to crack a few eggs for its chicken sandwiches
- Batch & Box for cookies
- Best Pizza and Brew for pizza + beer — a classic combo
- Cali BBQ will serve slow-smoked favorites
- Gaglione Brothers for a San Diego cheesesteaks + fries
- Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill for SoCal favorites like fish tacos + nachos with guac
- Everbowl will make superfood bowls like açaí
- Tarantino will be home to gourmet sausages
Try this: AleSmith Brewing Company partnered with SDSU to craft “State Ale” — an easy-drinking, 4.7% ABV light ale that will be on draft at Snapdragon Stadium.