Rice-Eccles Stadium: Guide for Visiting Fans

The single best way into this stadium is TRAX. Stadium Station is a light rail stop on the TRAX Red Line serving Rice-Eccles Stadium directly on the University of Utah campus. The TRAX Red Line drops off directly in front of Rice-Eccles Stadium. From downtown Salt Lake City, the ride is about 15–20 minutes from City Center Station. Better yet, all on-campus University of Utah Athletics events are part of UTA's Ticket As Fare program, which allows event attendees with a valid ticket to use UTA's services at no cost. Your game ticket is literally your train ticket — don't leave the hotel without it loaded on your phone.

From Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), the TRAX Green Line connects the airport to downtown, where you transfer to the Red Line toward the University for Stadium Station. Total travel time from the airport to Stadium Station runs roughly 40–50 minutes. By Uber or Lyft from the airport, expect about 20–25 minutes and $25–35 depending on traffic and surge. Rideshare drop-off at Rice-Eccles has designated spots at 1300 East starting by the S.J. Quinney College of Law and stretching to Presidents Circle, with a designated area also on 500 South, southwest of the stadium.

Driving in from I-15, take the 600 South exit east, continue up to 1400 East and turn north, following stadium signage. The address is 451 South 1400 East.

On game days, parking can be found in various lots across campus and is sold on a first-come, first-served basis, with parking information released leading up to each home football game. The stadium offers several parking lots, including the Guardsman Way Lot, the University Lot, and the Rice-Eccles Stadium Parking Garage, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $20 per vehicle depending on the lot and event. However, resale pass prices on secondary markets average considerably higher for marquee games — plan accordingly for rivalry weekends.

Unlike most TRAX stations, Stadium Station does not have a Park and Ride lot , so there's no "park elsewhere and ride in" option at the station itself. The Guardsman Way Lot is a tailgate-friendly option on the stadium's north side and fills up early — arrive 2+ hours before kickoff if you want it. Lots closer to the stadium (Lot 1 and Lot 9) are premium-priced and sell out fast. On game days, vehicles must be cleared from the Stadium Lot (Lot 1), East Stadium Lot (Lot 9), and the Guardsman Lot (Lot 40) by 10:00 p.m. Budget travelers willing to walk 10–15 minutes can find cheaper street parking in the residential neighborhoods east of campus along 1700 East.

The two best options for away fans are the University/Foothill area and downtown Salt Lake City. Staying near the University — around Foothill Drive or the east bench — puts you a 10–15 minute walk or quick rideshare from the stadium. The Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City/University-Foothill is the closest branded option and is reliably convenient. Rates for game weekends hover around $150–200/night.

Downtown SLC, roughly 2–3 miles west via TRAX, is better for nightlife and dining after the game. The Grand America, Little America, and a cluster of downtown Marriott- and Hyatt-branded hotels are all within a block or two of a TRAX stop that runs directly to Stadium Station. Little America Hotel is a 4-star property rated 9.2 by guests, located about 2 miles from Rice-Eccles Stadium, and tends to be a better value than you'd expect for the quality. Downtown is the smarter base if you want to explore the city before or after the game — there's more to do per square block than the campus-adjacent strip.

Big Ed's — This is the pre-game destination, full stop. Big Ed's is about four or five blocks from the stadium — the classic college dive bar with fabulous, cheap food including breakfast items, and the Gawd Awful should be at the top of your order list. The Gawd Awful is a mess of hash browns loaded with chili, cheese, and onions, topped with a fried egg. It's $10, it's ugly, and it is exactly right before a noon kickoff.

Pago — A couple miles down on 900 South, this farm-to-table spot is Salt Lake's answer to the serious pre-game dinner crowd. Pago serves organic American cuisine where sustainability meets fine dining elegance. Make a reservation — it fills up on game days.

Wasatch Brew Pub — Downtown on 25 West 200 South, this is your best bet for craft beer before hopping TRAX out to the stadium. Wasatch Brew Pub is a spot to discover craft beers paired with solid cuisine. It's spacious enough to handle game-day crowds, and Utah's own Wasatch Polygamy Porter is a rite of passage.

The Dodo — In the Sugar House neighborhood (a 5-minute rideshare south of campus), this local comfort-food staple has been feeding Utes fans for decades. The Dodo in Sugar House is where comfort meets creativity in every dish. Better for post-game when you're ready to decompress away from the stadium crush.

Fans may bring in one clear bag no larger than 12"×12"×6" or a 1-gallon plastic storage bag, and are limited to one clear bag per person along with a small clutch or purse for privacy. The small clutch cannot exceed 6.5"×4.5". That's a hard rule, not a suggestion — oversize bags get turned away at the gate, and there's no bag check on site. Also note that outside food and drink, alcohol in cans, coolers, glass bottles, and umbrellas are all prohibited. Ponchos are fine; umbrellas are not, which makes no sense but is consistently enforced.

Doors to Rice-Eccles Stadium typically open between 90 minutes to 2 hours before event time. Get there on the early side — Utah games sell out, and the security lines can be real. The box office is located southwest of the tower in the Gallery Building and is open Monday–Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; during home football games, ticket windows remain open through the first half. The stadium now has free Wi-Fi — connect to "RiceEcclesWiFi," no password required.

All doors are ADA accessible. Gate H provides elevator access to the top of the bowl. The stadium box is located 14 stories above ground and supported by twin towers containing four high-speed elevators. Wheelchair accessible seating is widespread throughout the stadium, and guests requiring these seats are guaranteed unobstructed views with the option to purchase adjacent companion seating subject to availability.

There is an ADA help tent located on the east side of the stadium where guests can seek disability-related assistance and information from the time gates open until 2 hours after each event start time. Guest Services offers wheelchair escort services, available for guests who borrow a stadium wheelchair or bring their own. ADA parking is available in all non-tailgate lots on a first-come, first-served basis, though ADA stalls near the stadium typically fill before kickoff — the ADA lot at the Huntsman Center, which offers a dedicated shuttle to the stadium, is a useful backup. Restrooms are located throughout the concourses and are all ADA compliant.

There is no dedicated away section at Rice-Eccles — visiting fans scatter throughout the stadium and generally get along fine. That said, the upper deck north end zone (sections 300-level north) tends to attract a more mixed crowd and is the friendliest territory for away fans to cluster. The 200-level sections are slightly higher than the lower bowl but still offer excellent views of the field.

The lower bowl 100-level seats are where the most passionate home fans concentrate, particularly on the west side. Sitting there in a rival jersey isn't dangerous, but you will hear about it. The student section — the MUSS — is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, loud, and loud, with the Mighty Utah Student Section (MUSS) geared up with red shirts and banners. They're in the east end zone and east lower sections — stay away from that zone if you want a calm afternoon.

For the best unbiased sightlines and a more neutral atmosphere, aim for sections in the 200s on the west side, mid-field. You'll see everything clearly and won't spend the whole game explaining your presence to the people next to you.

Rice-Eccles Stadium is a cashless venue , so leave the cash in your wallet — it won't do anything for you at the concession stands. Plan on $12–15 for a beer and $10–14 for a basic stadium meal. A field-level club and outdoor patio with additional concession points were added in the 2021 Ken Garff Red Zone expansion , so the concourse options are more varied than older stadiums of similar vintage. One important note: outside food and drink are explicitly prohibited , and the sealed water bottle exception worth knowing is that fans can bring in one factory-sealed water bottle up to 1 liter — do it, because staying hydrated at altitude matters more than you think.

Utah fans are legitimately proud of their stadium and its Olympic history, and that pride doesn't generally translate into hostility toward visitors — they'd rather beat you on the field and talk about the mountains. The FieldTurf playing field runs in the traditional north-south configuration at an elevation of 4,637 feet above sea level , which is a real factor — you'll notice that first beer hitting faster, and so will the players. What actually catches away fans off guard is the sheer visual drama of the place: occupants are treated to sweeping views of the Wasatch Mountains to the east and downtown Salt Lake City, the Great Salt Lake, and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. One piece of local lore worth knowing: when Utah wins, the giant "U" on the mountain above the stadium is lit up in red — and after the game, fans are allowed to go on the field. Don't expect a victory lap if your team wins, but do enjoy the mountain views while you're there regardless of the scoreboard.

TRAX is the undisputed winner for post-game egress. The TRAX Red Line drops off directly in front of Rice-Eccles Stadium, and following the conclusion of an event, various trains wait at the platform for guests to ride back to their destinations. The wait post-game is usually under 15 minutes as UTA stages multiple trains. Head left out of the main exit toward the Stadium Station platform immediately after the final whistle — the first 10 minutes the platform is manageable; by 15 minutes, it's a mob. The ride back to downtown takes about 20 minutes and costs you nothing with your game ticket.

Driving: The lots adjacent to the stadium (Lots 1 and 9) are the most gridlocked post-game — expect 20–40 minutes just to reach a moving road. The Guardsman Way Lot to the north empties slightly faster via 400 South heading west. If you're driving, stay put for 20–25 minutes after the final whistle, let the worst of it clear, and you'll be on 500 South and moving in under 30 minutes instead of 45.

Rideshare: Surge pricing hits immediately after the final whistle on big games — typically 1.5–2x normal rates. Designated rideshare pickup is on 1300 East by the S.J. Quinney College of Law, and also on 500 South southwest of the stadium. The smarter move: walk 8–10 minutes west toward the TRAX line at 1300 East, request your ride there, and you'll get a driver faster and at a lower surge rate than the stadium lot scrum.

The single best tip: Take TRAX to downtown, get off at Library or Gallivan Plaza Station, and go find a bar. Thirty minutes later, the traffic has cleared, TRAX crowds have thinned, and your night is better than it would have been sitting in a parking lot.

How do I get to Rice-Eccles Stadium from downtown Salt Lake City?

Take the TRAX Red Line to Stadium Station, which serves Rice-Eccles directly on the University of Utah campus. The ride from downtown is about 15–20 minutes and is free with your game ticket under UTA's Ticket As Fare program.

What is the Rice-Eccles Stadium bag policy?

Each ticketed guest can carry one large clear bag — either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or a 12"×12"×6" clear bag — plus a small clutch purse (4.5"×6.5"). No opaque backpacks, large purses, or outside food.

How much does parking cost at Rice-Eccles Stadium?

Prices for parking vary by lot and event, generally ranging from $10 to $20 per vehicle for official campus lots. Secondary market passes for premium lots can run $40–60 on rivalry weekends. Arrive early — lots fill before kickoff.

Does Rice-Eccles Stadium accept cash?

Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted, but Rice-Eccles Stadium is a cashless venue. Bring a card for everything — tickets, parking, concessions.

When do gates open for Utah Utes football games?

Gates typically open between 90 minutes to 2 hours before event time. Get there early on big games — security lines form well before kickoff.

Where's the best place for away fans to sit? Upper deck north end zone (300-level) or west side 200-level mid-field sections are the most comfortable spots for visiting fans. Avoid the MUSS east-side student sections unless you want a full afternoon of spirited debate.

How far is Rice-Eccles Stadium from Salt Lake City International Airport?

The stadium sits at 4,637 feet elevation on the University of Utah campus, roughly 8–10 miles from SLC airport. By rideshare, plan on 20–25 minutes and $25–35. By TRAX (Green Line from the airport to downtown, then transfer to the Red Line), budget 40–50 minutes.

Can I bring water into Rice-Eccles Stadium?

Yes — fans can bring in one factory-sealed water bottle up to 1 liter. Do it. At altitude in the Utah sun, staying hydrated isn't optional.