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College Gameday HubBig 12Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City
Game Day

Next Home Game — Season Opener TBD· Sep 5, 2026
174Days
19Hrs
54Min
05Sec
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

University of Utah

Stadium

Rice-Eccles Stadium

Capacity

51,444

Conference

Big 12

2026 Football Schedule

Official University of Utah Utah Utes home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 5, 2026Season Opener TBDHomeTBD
Sep 12, 2026Non-Conference TBDAwayTBD
Sep 19, 2026Conference Game TBDHomeTBD
Sep 26, 2026Conference Game TBDHomeTBD
Oct 3, 2026Conference Game TBDAwayTBD
Oct 10, 2026Conference Game TBDHomeTBD
Oct 17, 2026Conference Game TBDAwayTBD
Oct 24, 2026Homecoming TBDHomeTBD
Oct 31, 2026Conference Game TBDAwayTBD
Nov 7, 2026Conference Game TBDHomeTBD
Nov 14, 2026Conference Game TBDAwayTBD
Nov 21, 2026Rivalry Game TBDHomeTBD
Nov 28, 2026Conference Game TBDAwayTBD

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Salt Lake City's high desert valley location (4,226 ft elevation) creates variable fall weather with warm days, cold nights, and early winter storms. September is pleasant and dry, October brings beautiful fall colors and comfortable temperatures, while November often sees the first significant snowfalls. Rice-Eccles Stadium sits in the Wasatch Mountain foothills with dramatic temperature swings.

Warm and dry, low humidity, clear skies

81°

High

/

56°

Low

3 rainy days
Beautiful early season weather! Warm days with cool evenings. Bring layers and sunscreen—high altitude UV is intense. Stay hydrated in the dry air.

Crisp fall weather, stunning mountain views

65°

High

/

43°

Low

4 rainy days
Perfect football weather with spectacular mountain backdrop! Comfortable days, chilly evenings. Bring a warm jacket for night games—temperatures drop fast after sunset.

Cold with frequent snow, winter conditions

48°

High

/

32°

Low

4 rainy days
4 snow days
Winter arrives in SLC! Snow is common, and games can be played in blizzard conditions. Bring heavy winter gear, waterproof boots, and hand warmers. Inversion can trap cold air.

Game Day Packing List

  • Layered clothing (30-40°F daily swings)
  • Warm jacket for evening games
  • Heavy winter coat for November
  • Waterproof boots for snow/slush
  • Hat and gloves
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses (high altitude)
  • Hand and toe warmers for cold games

Best Time to Visit

SeptemberOctober

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Bundle Up For

November

Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.

Best Game Day Bar Districts

The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Salt Lake City on game day

Sugar House

Trendy neighborhood southeast of downtown with craft breweries, cocktail bars, and a lively local scene. Popular with students and alumni on gameday.

  • Uinta Brewing Company
  • Sugar House Pub
  • Walkable neighborhood vibe

Downtown Salt Lake City

The city center with upscale bars, hotel lounges, and sports bars. Easy access via TRAX light rail to the stadium.

  • The Depot
  • Bar X
  • TRAX light rail to stadium

9th & 9th District

Hip, walkable neighborhood near campus with local bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Popular with the university crowd.

  • Purgatory Bar
  • Local craft cocktail spots
  • Close to campus

Top Bars for Game Day

The best spots near Rice-Eccles Stadium for Utah Utes fans

Uinta Brewing Company

2.5 miles from stadium·Craft brewery
Must Try: Cutthroat Pale Ale
Utah's most famous breweryMassive tap listBeer gardenFood menu
Open in Google Maps

Bar X

3.0 miles from stadium·Cocktail bar
Must Try: Signature craft cocktail
Craft cocktailsDowntown locationLively atmosphereLate night
Open in Google Maps

The Depot

3.2 miles from stadium·Live music venue & bar
Must Try: Local draft beer
Live musicLarge venueMultiple barsGameday events
Open in Google Maps

Sugar House Pub

2.0 miles from stadium·Neighborhood sports bar
Must Try: Loaded pub burger
Dozens of TVsFull menuGameday specialsNeighborhood vibe
Open in Google Maps

Purgatory Bar

0.8 miles from stadium·College dive bar
Must Try: Cheap beer pitchers
Near campusStudent crowdCheap drinksPool tables
Open in Google Maps

Red Rock Brewing Company

3.5 miles from stadium·Craft brewery
Must Try: Elephino Double IPA
Award-winning brewsFull restaurantPatio seatingRotating taps
Open in Google Maps

Squatters Pub Brewery

3.0 miles from stadium·Craft brewery
Must Try: Provo Girl Pilsner
Downtown locationHouse brewsPub foodPatio
Open in Google Maps

The Garage on Beck

4.0 miles from stadium·Outdoor bar & food trucks
Must Try: Food truck special of the day
Outdoor spaceFood trucksLive musicDog-friendly
Open in Google Maps
Official Game Day Route

Bar Crawl Route Map

The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Rice-Eccles Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience

Total Distance

1.2 miles (plus TRAX to stadium)

Estimated Time

3-4 hours

Bar Stops

6 Stops

Route Type

Walking Route

Start Here

Uinta Brewing Company, 1722 S Fremont Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Starting point
1
Stop 1First Stop

Uinta Brewing Company

1722 S Fremont Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Start at Utah's most famous brewery. The Cutthroat Pale Ale is a must — it's a local legend.
Get Directions
8 min walk (0.5 mi)
2
Stop 2

Sugar House Pub

2207 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84106

Neighborhood sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs. Load up on gameday specials before heading downtown.
Get Directions
TRAX or 15 min drive
3
Stop 3

Red Rock Brewing Company

254 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Award-winning downtown brewery. Try the Elephino Double IPA — one of Utah's best beers.
Get Directions
3 min walk (0.2 mi)
4
Stop 4

Bar X

155 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

SLC's best cocktail bar. Craft drinks and a lively downtown crowd before the game.
Get Directions
5 min walk (0.3 mi)
5
Stop 5

Squatters Pub Brewery

147 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Finish with a Provo Girl Pilsner, then walk to the TRAX Red Line for the direct ride to Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Get Directions
Take TRAX Red Line to Stadium station
6
Stop 6Final Stop

Rice-Eccles Stadium

451 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Home of the Utah Utes since 1998. Capacity 51,444. Hosted 2002 Winter Olympics ceremonies. Arrive early for the Ute War Chant. Stunning Wasatch Mountain backdrop.
Get Directions

End Point

Rice-Eccles Stadium

Live Route Map

Full Route
1

Uinta Brewing Company

Stop 1 of 6

Starting point

Start at Utah's most famous brewery. The Cutthroat Pale Ale is a must — it's a local legend.

1 / 7
1.2 miles (plus TRAX to stadium)
3-4 hours
6 bars + stadium
Full Route
Pro Tip

Utah liquor laws mean grocery store beer is capped at 5% ABV — stick to licensed bars for full-strength options. Take TRAX Red Line from downtown directly to Stadium station. Arrive at Uinta early — it gets packed on gameday. Go Utes!

Join the Official Crawl

Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop

Book Your Spot
Fan Culture

Game Day Traditions

The rituals, chants, and moments that make University of Utah Utah Utes game day unlike anywhere else

Ute War Chant

Throughout the game

The Ute War Chant is Utah's most iconic tradition — a rhythmic chant performed by the entire stadium with a tomahawk chop motion. It's performed before kickoff, after scores, and during big defensive plays. The sound of 51,000 fans doing the chant in unison is absolutely electric and intimidating for opponents.

The most intimidating chant in the Big 12

2002 Winter Olympics Legacy

All home games

Rice-Eccles Stadium hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. The Olympic cauldron still stands at the stadium's north end as a permanent reminder of that historic moment. It's one of the few college football stadiums with an Olympic legacy.

One of the only Olympic-legacy college football stadiums

TRAX Red Line Ride

2–3 hours before kickoff

Taking the TRAX Red Line to Rice-Eccles Stadium is a beloved gameday ritual. Fans pack the trains in red and white, chanting and singing all the way to the Stadium stop. It's a uniquely SLC experience that brings the entire fanbase together before kickoff.

A uniquely SLC gameday experience

Red Out Games

Designated home games

For designated Red Out games, the entire stadium wears red — creating a stunning wall of crimson visible from the Wasatch Mountains. The effect is breathtaking on TV and in person, and the energy inside the stadium reaches a fever pitch.

51,000 fans in red — one of the Big 12's best atmospheres

Wasatch Mountain Backdrop

All home games

Rice-Eccles Stadium's east-facing orientation frames a stunning view of the Wasatch Mountains. On a clear day — which is most days in SLC — the snow-capped peaks glow in the afternoon sun. It's one of the most dramatic natural backdrops in all of college football.

One of the most dramatic stadium backdrops in college football

Experience Every Tradition Live

Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Utah Utes ritual

Best Gameday Food

Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Rice-Eccles Stadium

Open Gameday

Red Iguana

Mexican · $$

4.5(8200 reviews)

Salt Lake City's most famous Mexican restaurant, featured on Food Network. Their handmade moles are legendary — try the Mole Negro or Mole Poblano. Expect a wait on gameday, but it's worth it.

Must Order:Mole Sauce Sampler (7 authentic moles)
Open Gameday

Crown Burgers

Burgers · $

4.4(3100 reviews)

A Utah institution since 1978. The Crown Burger — a beef patty topped with pastrami, cheese, and secret sauce — is a Salt Lake City original. Fast, filling, and perfect pre-game fuel.

Must Order:Crown Burger with pastrami and special sauce
Open Gameday

Squatters Pub Brewery

Brewpub · $$

4.3(2800 reviews)

Utah's oldest brewpub (since 1989) with award-winning craft beers and elevated pub fare. Try the beer-battered fish & chips or buffalo chicken sandwich. Great gameday atmosphere downtown.

Must Order:Full Suspension Pale Ale and Polygamy Porter
Open Gameday

Hires Big H

Drive-In · $

4.5(2400 reviews)

Classic Utah drive-in since 1959, famous for their homemade root beer and massive burgers. The Big H is a double cheeseburger with special sauce. Cash only, but there's an ATM on-site.

Must Order:Big H Burger and homemade root beer
Open Gameday

Spitz

Mediterranean · $$

4.4(1900 reviews)

Fast-casual Mediterranean with incredible doner kebabs, street cart fries, and fresh pitas. The garlic sauce is addictive. Multiple locations, but the Sugar House spot is closest to campus.

Must Order:Doner Kebab with garlic sauce
Open Gameday

The Pie Pizzeria

Pizza · $$

4.3(3500 reviews)

University of Utah's favorite pizza joint since 1980. Huge slices, cold beer, and a college dive bar vibe. The Pie Hole is their signature — loaded with toppings and perfect for sharing.

Must Order:The Pie Hole (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms)
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Salt Lake City GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Utah Utes football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at Rice-Eccles Stadium

Tailgate Zones

Rice-Eccles Stadium LotsOpens 4 hrs before kickoff

Official stadium parking with tailgating. Requires permit purchased in advance. Closest to the stadium with the best atmosphere.

University of Utah Campus LotsOpens 4 hrs before kickoff

Various campus lots with tailgating. Some require permits, others are free on weekends. 5–15 minute walk to stadium.

TRAX Park & RideOpens All day

Park at any TRAX station and ride the Red Line directly to the stadium. Best option for visitors without a parking permit.

Parking & Transit Tips

  • TRAX Red Line is the easiest option — park anywhere along the line and ride to Stadium station.
  • Stadium parking permits sell out — buy at utahutes.com well in advance.
  • Campus lots are free on weekends but fill up fast on gameday.
  • Uber/Lyft surge pricing is common after games — TRAX is more reliable.
  • Downtown parking garages are a good option if you want to bar-hop before taking TRAX.

Rideshare Drop-off

Rideshare drop-off near the Mario Capecchi Dr entrance to campus. Short walk to Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Shuttle Service

TRAX Red Line provides direct service to Rice-Eccles Stadium. Trains run frequently on gameday.

Where to Stay

Top hotels near Rice-Eccles Stadium for game day weekend

Marriott City Center Salt Lake City

$$$
3.0 miles from stadium
  • Downtown location
  • Near TRAX station
  • Full-service hotel
Best full-service downtown option. Book 2–3 months in advance for home games.

Graduate Salt Lake City

$$
0.5 miles from stadium
  • On-campus location
  • Utah-themed decor
  • Walking distance to stadium
Closest hotel to Rice-Eccles Stadium. Books out fast — reserve early.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

$$$
3.2 miles from stadium
  • Boutique luxury
  • Downtown location
  • Rooftop bar
Best boutique option in SLC. Great rooftop bar for post-game celebrations.

Hyatt Place Salt Lake City

$$
2.8 miles from stadium
  • Good value
  • Near TRAX
  • Complimentary breakfast
Solid mid-range choice. Easy TRAX access to the stadium.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Salt Lake City game day bar crawls

Ready for the Ultimate Salt Lake City Game Day?

Book your University of Utah Utah Utes game day bar crawl and experience Salt Lake City nightlife like never before!

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