Faurot Field: Guide for Visiting Fans

Columbia doesn't have light rail or a subway, so your realistic options are driving, rideshare, or the city's free shuttle system. Go COMO is Columbia's public transit service, offering fixed route and para-transit service, including football game day shuttles. Go COMO runs multiple routes picking up fans from the downtown area, as well as hotels and bars, with drop-off at the roundabout at Tiger Avenue and Hospital Drive — that's about a quarter-mile walk to the stadium gates. All Go COMO rides are fare-free. Track shuttles in real time using the ETA SPOT app.

If you're driving in from out of town, I-70 is your spine — take the Stadium Boulevard exit heading south directly onto campus. Road construction projects on Interstate 70 in Callaway County between mile markers 137 and 144 and U.S. 63 at the I-70 connector in Columbia can affect traffic on game days , so budget extra time.

Flying in? Columbia Regional Airport (COU) is a commercial passenger airport serving Columbia, Missouri, located about 12 miles southeast of the city in Boone County. It's a 20-minute drive to the stadium under normal conditions — perfectly manageable. Flying into St. Louis Lambert (STL) is the other common option; it's about two hours west on I-70, which gives you time to tailgate mentally, at least.

For rideshare, rideshare drop-off and pick-up is located in Lot R; after being dropped off, fans can cross Research Park Drive and ride the pregame MO-X shuttle to Memorial Stadium.

Transit (Go COMO Shuttle): Return shuttle trips start at the end of the third quarter, with buses departing as they fill up. The final shuttle leaves 30 minutes after the game ends. This is legitimately your best option. If you walk to the Tiger Avenue and Hospital Drive roundabout within 10 minutes of the final whistle, you'll catch a shuttle before the worst of the pedestrian crush. Wait time: 10–20 minutes post-game.

Driving: General lots east and south of the stadium clear faster than the lots directly adjacent to the gates. Realistically, expect 30–60 minutes before you're on a moving road — the I-70 on-ramps back up hard after big games. If you parked downtown, you'll be in much better shape; head north and west away from campus before looping back to your hotel.

Rideshare: Surge pricing after Mizzou home games is real and sometimes aggressive. Rideshare pick-up is in Lot R , but the smarter move is to walk 10–15 minutes toward downtown before requesting your ride — prices drop significantly as you get away from the stadium footprint, and the driver can actually reach you.

One opinionated tip: If the game goes your way, duck into Harpo's or Flat Branch downtown immediately after the final whistle instead of fighting traffic for an hour. Have one celebratory (or consolation) beer, let the roads clear for 45 minutes, and then head back to your hotel on your own schedule. It's the move.

Campus parking on game day is managed entirely by Mizzou Athletics, not the city, so you're operating on their terms. Permit and tailgate parking lots open four hours before kickoff , and if you want a spot within easy walking distance, you need to be one of the first cars through the gate — donor lots fill fast.

Tiger Tailgate Park is the premier lot, reserved for donors only. General public lots cluster east and south of the stadium and run roughly $20–40 depending on proximity; lots farther from the stadium tend to be cheaper but require the complimentary shuttle carts. Those who park on lots that are east or south of the stadium can ride on one of the complimentary shuttle carts, which run 90 minutes before the game.

RV fans have their own world: Truman's Landing is the only RV parking lot on stadium grounds and the best place for a tailgate. You must purchase a parking ticket online, though if tickets are available on game day, you may purchase one in cash only. Truman's Landing opens the evening before the game.

Honest tip: if you're not a donor and don't want to grind the lot shuffle, park downtown, grab a beer, and ride the free Go COMO shuttle to the stadium. You'll arrive calmer and leave smarter.

Downtown Columbia — roughly a mile and a half from the stadium — is your best base. The District Downtown Columbia is a lively street filled with shops, restaurants, and bars, the heartbeat of the city where you can enjoy local cuisine, catch live music, or people-watch in a bustling environment. Hotels here put you within walking distance of the Go COMO shuttle pickup and the best pregame bars.

The Broadway Columbia offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop bar; it's a five-minute drive from the Mizzou campus and is a comfortable Hilton property. For something with local character, voco, The Tiger Hotel, is a full-service boutique hotel conveniently located downtown — though fair warning, it's going to be wall-to-wall gold and black on game weekend. East-side hotels along Stadium Boulevard get you closer to campus but put you deeper in the traffic and parking chaos postgame. Downtown is the smarter call.

Harpo's Bar & Grill (29 S. 10th Street) is the place you have to understand before you visit. It originated as the destination of the "Goalposts to Harpo's" tradition in 1972, after the Tigers' 20–17 upset win over Colorado, when students dismantled the portable goalposts and paraded them more than a mile through campus to Harpo's. It's the most Mizzou bar in a Mizzou city — dark, loud, and deeply ingrained in the gameday identity. Go at least once to understand what you're dealing with.

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing is the local craft beer anchor, a well-regarded brewpub that's consistently one of the most recommended spots near campus. It's a step up from the dive-bar atmosphere of Harpo's — better food, more comfortable seating, still plenty of game day energy.

Stadium Grill is exactly what it says on the tin. Only a few blocks from Faurot Field and Mizzou Arena, it's set up perfectly for pre- or post-game with 21 large-screen LCD TVs. If you want to watch another game while eating before kickoff, this is your spot.

Shiloh Bar & Grill is a solid downtown option — located in the heart of downtown, it's a popular bar among many Tigers fans and comfortable enough for visiting fans to grab a drink without feeling like they wandered into the wrong locker room.

While the surrounding area offers plenty of options, Faurot Field itself has no shortage of food and drink.

All concession stands are cashless and accept credit or debit cards only. Six concessions locations feature fan-friendly pricing, including $2.99 hot dogs, popcorn, chips, 16 oz fountain sodas, and 12 oz Dasani water. Beer runs in the $8–12 range at a typical college football venue. Outside food is prohibited except for one sealed water bottle, so don't bother trying to smuggle in a Subway footlong — it won't make it past the gates.

A clear bag policy remains in effect at Memorial Stadium and all Mizzou Athletics home events. Acceptable bags include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″; one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar); and small clutch bags no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. Outside food or beverages are not allowed, with the exception of one sealed water bottle. No re-entry once you're in.

Mizzou Athletics opens gates two hours before kickoff for the 2025 season, rather than the previous 90-minute window — plan accordingly and arrive at least 90 minutes before game time to beat the line crunch.

Important for 2025: Gate 1 and the north concourse inside the stadium no longer exist due to the ongoing construction project. Mizzou Athletics expects congestion at remaining gates and concourses. Fans must enter the stadium on the side where they are seated — ticket scanners won't allow entry from the opposite side. Fans in Sections 101–110 and the Tiger Deck (300 level) must enter via Gates 2E–6E; fans in Sections 116–125 must use Gates 2W–6W; south end zone fans (Sections 126–132) can use any gate.

Tickets are digital — download them to your digital wallet before arriving on campus.

Accessible seating is available throughout the stadium and can be purchased online or by contacting the Mizzou Ticket Office directly. Guests requiring accommodation on game day should seek assistance from a nearby Guest Services representative. Individuals with accessibility needs requiring an elevator in the Tiger Deck (300 Level) should enter through the North entrance of the East tower. Accessible parking is managed separately through Mizzou Athletics — coordinate in advance through their website for designated accessible lots near stadium entrances. All Go COMO game day shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.

There is no formally designated away section at Faurot Field — you're distributed through the general seating population, which means your experience depends heavily on which opponent you're rooting for and how politely you manage it. For the best sightlines with the least friction, aim for the upper levels of the west side (Sections 116–125 range) or the upper deck on the east side (Tiger Deck, Sections 301–315). Sightlines are strong throughout, with lower-bowl energy near the student section and panoramic views from the upper levels.

The south end zone — built as part of the 2019 renovation — houses the football program's operations and provides new amenities including a massive videoboard, with multiple private club levels, 16 luxury suites, and improved seating for the public. If you end up in the south end zone upper sections, you'll have a clear view of the Rock M in the north end zone, which is actually one of the more visually distinctive backdrops in college football.

Avoid the lower bowl sideline sections between the 20s and the student section if you want a calm experience — that's where the noise and intensity are highest on the home side.

Away fans venturing into Faurot Field should prepare for a loud, passionate, and occasionally hostile Missouri crowd.

Mizzou fans are genuinely passionate and proud of their stadium, but they're not the most hostile crowd in the SEC — you're not walking into an SEC West cauldron here. That said, don't mistake hospitality for indifference: the MIZ-ZOU call-and-response fills the entire stadium on big plays, started by the "Big MO" drum , which is reportedly the world's largest marching bass drum, and the sound carries in that natural bowl in a way that sneaks up on you. The thing that only someone who's actually been there notices: because the stadium is literally carved into a hillside, the noise doesn't escape upward the way it does in conventional stadiums — it bounces off the concrete and back at you. Night games in particular are uncomfortably loud for visiting fans in the lower bowl. The student section is adjacent to the east sideline and they are not there for pleasantries. Wear your team's colors confidently but don't be a provocateur and you'll have a fine afternoon.

How do I get to Faurot Field without a car?

Go COMO offers free shuttles to fans, running multiple routes picking up from the downtown area, hotels, and bars. Download the ETA SPOT app to track shuttles in real time.

What is the bag policy at Faurot Field?

Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″; one-gallon Ziploc-type bags; or small clutch bags no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. No opaque bags or backpacks of any size.

What time do gates open?

Gates open two hours before kickoff for the 2025 season. Arrive at least 90 minutes before game time to avoid the gate-entry crunch caused by ongoing construction.

How much does parking cost near Faurot Field? General public lots typically run $20–40 depending on proximity to the stadium, purchased in advance through Mizzou Athletics. Donor lots are reserved. Arriving 3–4 hours early gives you the best selection.

Where are the best seats for away fans? There's no designated away section. Upper-level west or east sideline seats offer good sightlines with less home-crowd intensity than the lower bowl. Avoid the student section area on the east lower bowl if you want a quieter experience.

Is Faurot Field cashless?

Yes — all concession stands are cashless and accept credit or debit cards only. Bring a card for everything inside the stadium.

What airport do I fly into?

Columbia Regional Airport (COU) is the local option, about 12 miles southeast of Columbia. St. Louis Lambert (STL) is the major hub option, roughly two hours away on I-70.

Is re-entry allowed?

No — re-entry is generally not permitted once you have scanned your ticket and entered Faurot Field. Plan accordingly, especially with food and drink since outside items (except one sealed water bottle) are not permitted.