Official Launch 2026
Founding Host Applications Now OpenJoin Early

Tucson
Game Day

Next Home Game — TBA· Sep 5
174Days
19Hrs
52Min
25Sec
TBATBA
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

University of Arizona

Stadium

Capacity

NaN

Conference

Big 12

2026 Football Schedule

Official University of Arizona home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 5TBAHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 12TBAAwayTBA· TBA
Sep 19TBAHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 26TBAHomeTBA· TBA
Oct 3TBAAwayTBA· TBA
Oct 10TBAHomeTBA· TBA
Oct 17TBAAwayTBA· TBA
Oct 24TBAHomeTBA· TBA
Oct 31TBAAwayTBA· TBA
Nov 7TBAHomeTBA· TBA
Nov 14TBAAwayTBA· TBA
Nov 21TBAHomeTBA· TBA
Nov 28TBAAwayTBA· TBA

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

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Tucson's Sonoran Desert climate brings extreme heat for early season games with September temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F. October remains hot, while November finally offers comfortable football weather. Arizona Stadium sits in a bowl that traps heat, and the intense desert sun requires serious sun protection and constant hydration.

Very hot and dry, intense sun, possible monsoon storms

97°

High

/

71°

Low

3 rainy days
Extremely hot early season! Drink water constantly and use maximum sun protection. Late September can still see monsoon thunderstorms. Evening games are still 85°F+.

Hot and dry, cooling gradually

86°

High

/

59°

Low

2 rainy days
Still hot but improving! Stay hydrated and use sunscreen. Desert nights cool down nicely—bring a light layer for evening games. Beautiful desert sunsets.

Warm days, cool nights, ideal desert weather

73°

High

/

47°

Low

2 rainy days
Perfect football weather! Comfortable days with crisp evenings. Bring a jacket for night games—desert temperatures can drop 30°F after sunset.

Game Day Packing List

  • Light, breathable clothing
  • High SPF sunscreen (50+)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Multiple water bottles
  • Cooling towel
  • Light jacket for November nights
  • Lip balm with SPF

Best Time to Visit

November

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to .

Bundle Up For

September

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 Tucson on game day

University Boulevard

Main entertainment corridor through U of A campus. Packed with bars, restaurants, and red-clad fans on gameday. Walking distance to Arizona Stadium.

  • Gentle Ben's Brewing Company
  • Frog & Firkin
  • No Anchovies
  • Illegal Pete's

4th Avenue

Historic bohemian district with eclectic bars, shops, and restaurants. More diverse and artsy than University Boulevard.

  • Various local bars and restaurants

Speedway Boulevard

Major corridor near campus with bars and restaurants. More spread out than University Boulevard.

  • 1702
  • Dirtbag's Ale House

Campus Area

University of Arizona campus surrounds Arizona Stadium. Tailgating central on gameday.

  • The Hut

Top Bars for Game Day

The best spots near for fans

Gentle Ben's Brewing Company

< 1 mile from stadium·College sports bar/brewery
U of A institution and the ultimate Wildcats sports bar. Rooftop deck, house-brewed beers, and packed on gameday. The place to be for Arizona fans.
Open in Google Maps

Frog & Firkin

< 1 mile from stadium·British pub
British pub on University Boulevard with extensive beer selection and multi-level patio.
Open in Google Maps

No Anchovies

< 1 mile from stadium·Pizza bar
Pizza and bar near campus with late-night hours. Popular with students and alumni for decades.
Open in Google Maps

Illegal Pete's

< 1 mile from stadium·Burrito bar
Burrito bar with strong margaritas and rooftop deck. Popular pre-game spot with outdoor seating.
Open in Google Maps

The Hut

< 1 mile from stadium·College dive bar
Classic dive bar near campus with cheap drinks and authentic college atmosphere. Cash only.
Open in Google Maps

1702

< 1 mile from stadium·Craft cocktail bar
Craft cocktail bar near campus with upscale atmosphere. More sophisticated gameday option.
Open in Google Maps

Dirtbag's Ale House

< 1 mile from stadium·Craft beer bar
Craft beer bar with 30+ taps and outdoor patio. Great for beer enthusiasts.
Open in Google Maps

Eegee's

< 1 mile from stadium·Fast casual restaurant
Tucson institution famous for frozen fruit drinks and sandwiches. Not a bar but essential Tucson experience.
Open in Google Maps
Official Game Day Route

Bar Crawl Route Map

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

Total Distance

1.5 miles

Estimated Time

2.5-3 hours

Bar Stops

6 Stops

Route Type

Walking Route

Start Here

Gentle Ben's Brewing Company

Starting point
1
Stop 1First Stop

Gentle Ben's Brewing Company

865 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719

THE U of A sports bar with rooftop deck and house-brewed beers. Arrive early for space.
Get Directions
1 min walk (0.05 mi)
2
Stop 2

Frog & Firkin

874 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719

British pub with extensive beer selection and multi-level patio. Perfect for watch parties.
Get Directions
2 min walk (0.1 mi)
3
Stop 3

Illegal Pete's

920 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719

Breakfast burritos and margaritas on the rooftop deck. Family-friendly pre-game spot.
Get Directions
2 min walk (0.1 mi)
4
Stop 4

No Anchovies

871 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719

Pizza and cheap drinks. U of A student favorite for decades. Open late for post-game.
Get Directions
5 min walk (0.3 mi)
5
Stop 5

The Hut

305 N Herbert Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719

Classic dive bar with authentic college atmosphere. Cash only, strong pours, gets rowdy.
Get Directions
10 min walk (0.5 mi)
6
Stop 6Final Stop

Arizona Stadium

1 National Championship Dr, Tucson, AZ 85721

Home of the Arizona Wildcats since 1929. Capacity 50,800. Arrive early for the ZonaZoo student section and Bear Down chant. Beautiful Catalina Mountains backdrop.
Get Directions

End Point

Arizona Stadium

Live Route Map

Full Route
1

Gentle Ben's Brewing Company

Stop 1 of 6

Starting point

THE U of A sports bar with rooftop deck and house-brewed beers. Arrive early for space.

1 / 7
1.5 miles
2.5-3 hours
6 bars + stadium
Full Route
Pro Tip

University Boulevard is the heart of Wildcats gameday. Start at Gentle Ben's rooftop 3-4 hours before kickoff, work your way down the strip, and walk 5 minutes to Arizona Stadium. Bear Down!

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 Arizona game day unlike anywhere else

"Bear Down" Rally Cry

All game long

Bear Down is Arizona's motto and rallying cry, born from the dying words of student body president John "Button" Salmon in 1926. When someone shouts "Bear Down!" the crowd responds "Bear Down!" It's used at every game, in every bar, and across campus. It's more than a chant — the soul of the University of Arizona.

A motto born from tragedy — the soul of the University of Arizona

The ZonaZoo Student Section

All home games

The ZonaZoo is Arizona's legendary student section, consistently ranked among the best in college football. Students pack the north end zone in red and blue, creating an intimidating wall of noise. The ZonaZoo has been known to rattle opposing quarterbacks and turn the tide of games.

Consistently ranked among the best student sections in the nation

Gentle Ben's Rooftop Pre-Game

3–4 hours before kickoff

Gentle Ben's Brewing Company on University Boulevard is the unofficial headquarters of Arizona gameday. The rooftop deck fills with red-and-blue fans hours before kickoff, house-brewed beers flow, and the energy builds to a fever pitch. It's been a U of A tradition for decades.

The unofficial headquarters of Arizona gameday

Wilbur & Wilma Wildcat Mascots

All home games

Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat are Arizona's beloved mascot duo — one of the few schools with both a male and female mascot. They roam the sidelines together, interact with fans, and have been a fixture at Arizona Stadium since 1959. Kids love them, and they're always up for a photo.

One of the few schools with a mascot duo since 1959

Eegee's Frozen Drink Ritual

Pre-game

Before every home game, Tucson fans make a pilgrimage to Eegee's for frozen fruit drinks — a Tucson institution since 1971. The frozen drinks are perfect for hot desert gamedays, and the ritual of stopping at Eegee's before the game is as sacred as the game itself to true Tucsonans.

A Tucson institution since 1971 — sacred pre-game ritual

Experience Every Tradition Live

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

Best Gameday Food

Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near

Open Gameday

El Güero Canelo

Mexican · $

4.6(7100 reviews)

James Beard Award winner for the iconic Sonoran hot dog — bacon-wrapped, topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and jalapeño sauce. A Tucson original and absolute must-try.

Must Order:Sonoran Hot Dog (bacon-wrapped with pinto beans)
Open Gameday

Eegee's

Fast Casual · $

4.5(5800 reviews)

Tucson's beloved local chain since 1971. The Ranch Fries are legendary — crinkle-cut fries with ranch dressing. The Eegee frozen drink (like a slushie) is perfect for hot gamedays. Try the monthly flavor!

Must Order:Ranch Fries and Strawberry Eegee (frozen drink)
Open Gameday

Gentle Ben's Brewing Co.

Brewpub · $$

4.3(3200 reviews)

Right on University Avenue, Gentle Ben's is the ultimate Wildcat gameday spot. Rooftop patio, craft beers brewed on-site, and classic pub fare. The Copperhead Pale Ale is a Tucson favorite.

Must Order:Copperhead Pale Ale and Red Cat Amber
Open Gameday

Nico's Mexican Food

Mexican · $

4.7(2400 reviews)

Family-owned since 1990, serving authentic Sonoran-style Mexican food. The carne asada burrito is massive and perfectly seasoned. The rolled tacos (taquitos) with guacamole are a local favorite.

Must Order:Carne Asada Burrito and Rolled Tacos
Open Gameday

Bison Witches Bar & Deli

Deli · $$

4.4(2900 reviews)

University of Arizona's favorite sandwich shop since 1977. The Bison Witches signature sandwich is loaded with turkey, bacon, avocado, and sprouts. Great beer selection and a college dive bar vibe.

Must Order:Bison Witches Sandwich (turkey, bacon, avocado)
Open Gameday

Lindy's on 4th

Burgers · $$

4.5(3600 reviews)

Tucson's best burger joint on 4th Avenue. The Lindy's Burger is a half-pound of beef with all the fixings. The sweet potato fries are crispy and addictive. Great craft beer selection.

Must Order:Lindy's Burger and Sweet Potato Fries
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Tucson GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of 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

Tip 1

University Boulevard is THE place to be - arrive early as it gets packed

Tip 2

Desert heat is intense - hydrate constantly, especially for day games (90°F+ common)

Tip 3

Gentle Ben's rooftop deck has the best views on University Boulevard

Tip 4

Bear Down is the Arizona rallying cry - learn it and use it

Tip 5

ZonaZoo student section is one of the most energetic in college football

Tip 6

Try an eegee's frozen drink - it's a Tucson tradition (not alcoholic but essential)

Tip 7

Parking requires permits - buy in advance or use streetcar from downtown

Tip 8

The Hut is cash only - hit an ATM before going

Tip 9

Night games are better - desert cools down and atmosphere heats up

Tip 10

4th Avenue offers unique Tucson vibe - worth exploring before or after the game

Where to Stay

Top hotels near for game day weekend

Graduate Tucson

$$$
from stadium
  • Boutique hotel near campus with Wildcats-themed decor. Walking distance to stadium and University Boulevard.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Aloft Tucson University

$$
from stadium
  • Modern hotel near campus with rooftop bar. Walking distance to University Boulevard.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson

$$
from stadium
  • Full-service hotel near campus. Complimentary cookies and good value.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Hampton Inn Tucson University

$$
from stadium
  • Reliable chain hotel with complimentary breakfast. Short drive to campus.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Tucson game day bar crawls

Ready for the Ultimate Tucson Game Day?

Book your University of Arizona game day bar crawl and experience Tucson nightlife like never before!

This site can’t be reached

The webpage at https://www.google.com/maps/embed?origin=mfe&pb=!1m3!2m1!1sGentle+Ben%27s+Brewing+Company,+Tucson,+AZ!6i16 might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.

ERR_FAILED
The webpage at https://www.google.com/maps/embed?origin=mfe&pb=!1m3!2m1!1sGentle+Ben%27s+Brewing+Company,+Tucson,+AZ!6i16 might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.