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Hornet Stadium
FASTÂ FACTS
Originally Built:Â 1969
Original Capacity:Â 6,000+
Current Capacity:Â 21,195
Playing Surface:Â SprinTurf (installed 2021)
Track Surface:Â MONDOÂ Super X720
First Game: Sacramento State vs. Cal State Northridge, 1969 (CSUN 28, Sacramento State 24)
Largest Crowd:Â 26,445 - Sacramento Surge vs. Barcelona Dragons (World League Playoffs, May 30, 1992)
Largest Sacramento State Football Crowd:Â 23,073 - Sacramento State vs. UC Davis (Nov. 19, 2022)
Hornet Stadium hosted its first Hornet football game Sept. 5, 1992 against Montana State, the first Division I football opponent ever to play at Sacramento State. In addition to six Surge games in 1992, the stadium hosted a major concert for the first time when Phil Collins played before 20,000 fans in June.
Hornet Stadium has continued to evolve with the addition of a new track, playing surface and video board. Most recently, a new field was installed by SprinTurf in the summer of 2021. Along with the new turf, a high-capacity drainage system was also installed which will allow the Hornets to train on the field throughout the year. Underneath the turf is a mixture of sand and a rubber infill which creates one of the fastest surfaces in all of collegiate sports.
The stadium is also surrounded by two new facilities. The Broad Fieldhouse opened in 2008 and serves as the home to Sacramento State football and track. The WELL opened its doors in September of 2010 and completed an expansion in 2021.
Other recent additions to Hornet Stadium include a new videoboard — which is fully functional for both football and track and field — and new public entrances.
Hornet Stadium currently seats 21,195, down from its original 26,000 capacity following the 1992 renovation. The stadium remains one of the largest in the Big Sky Conference.
The stadium has also hosted several high-profile events outside of Hornet football. The U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials took place in 2000 and 2004. The stadium has also hosted the 2003 2005, 2006 and 2007 NCAA Div. I Outdoor Track and Field Championships and the NCAA West Preliminary in 2018, 2019 and 2023 and the USA Championships in 2014 and 2017.
Previously, the Sacramento Surge of the World League and the Sacramento Gold Miners of the Canadian Football League also played its home games on the Sacramento State campus. In 2011, the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League made their debut.
Following a historic agreement signed on December 15, 1991, Sacramento State and Surge owner Fred Anderson entered into a partnership that brought the eventual 1992 World League champions to Hornet Stadium. The renovation project was one of the most unique ever undertaken on an athletic facility in California. Construction began in early January of 1992. Just 10 weeks later, the 6,000-seat facility was transformed into a magnificent 26,000-seat stadium, featuring dramatic upgrades throughout the venue. The Surge hosted the Montreal Machine in a preseason game March 14, barely three months after the first shovel pierced dirt in January.
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EVENT PARKING
Event Parking is $10 per vehicle/$20 per RV
Parking is available in Lots 7, 8 and Parking Structure III. Event parking attendants will collect CASH ONLY at both entry points: College Town Drive at Callery Pear Way and State University Drive at White Poplar; Cottonwood Way is an EXIT ONLY. Please refer to the map located on Page 3 of this document. Parking Lots 7, 8 and Structure III open 4 hours prior to kick-off.
CAMPUS PARKING PERMITS
The current event "per-vehicle" fee will be charged for all event-parking permits. Campus weekly, monthly, semester, annual and Emeritus parking permits are honored in lieu of purchasing a separate event parking permit for cars only; this does not apply to RV’s. Daily and other limited-term parking permits will not be honored in the designated event lot(s). Campus parking permits will not allow access to the Reserved areas surrounding the Alumni Center.
DISPLAY OF EVENT PARKING PERMIT
Vehicles that enter a designated event parking area are required to display a valid event parking permit on the left-hand side of the dash board. Qualifying season ticket holders must display their hang-tag. Any vehicle without a valid event parking permit displayed will be cited.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING INFORMATION
Parking for disabled patrons is in Structure III. Wheelchair access is through Gate 3. Disabled services are available south of Gate 4, one (1) hour prior to game time.
Where to park:
There will be two (2) entrances to the tailgating/parking lots on football game days:
The South Entrance: Westbound side of College Town Dr. at Callery Pear Way; parking lot attendants will direct you. If you purchased a season ticket package, please be sure to have your hang tag displayed so the attendant can direct you accordingly. Opens 4 hours prior to kick-off.
The East Entrance: State University Drive at White Poplar Way; parking lot attendants will direct you. If you purchased a season ticket package, please be sure to have your hang tag displayed so the attendant can direct you accordingly. Opens 4 hours prior to kick-off.
• Reserved Season Ticket Holder
• Home Team Fans and Parents – Lot 8, surrounding the Hornet Walk
• Students – Lot 8, North
• Visiting Team – Lot 7, South
• Parking Structure III will be available for parking only; no tailgating is allowed in the parking structure
Click here for a detailed campus map.
DIRECTIONS
-Â Exit Eastbound Hwy. 50 at Howe/Power Inn Road. Veer right, following the California State University, Sacramento sign to Hornet Drive. At the light, take a left on College Town Drive. Hornet Stadium is on the right hand side.
- Exit Westbound Hwy. 50 at Howe/Power Inn Road straight ahead to College Town Drive. Once on College Town Drive, follow same directions as above.
- Exit Westbound Business 80 at J Street. Make at left turn on to J Street, and follow for about four miles. Enter the front entrance at Sacramento State and take a right on State University Drive North. Hornet Stadium is located about a half-mile on the left.
