Upcoming Arizona Wildcats Football dates
Dates and live ticket listings appear here as soon as they are on sale. The guide below covers what to know before you buy.
Arizona football in brief: Bear Down and the Desert Swarm
The Arizona Wildcats play home football games at Casino Del Sol Stadium, the open-air stadium on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson that was called Arizona Stadium from its 1929 opening until a naming-rights deal with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe was announced in November 2025. Capacity is listed at 50,800 on the stadium's history (as of 2022) and 50,782 in more recent program references. Home games run on Saturdays from late August or early September through late November, and Arizona has played in the Big 12 since the 2024 season, after 46 years in the Pac-10 and Pac-12.
The program began in 1899. Its motto comes from John "Button" Salmon, the quarterback and student body president who died after a 1926 car crash; his last words to coach Pop McKale were "Tell them... tell the team to Bear Down." The student body adopted the phrase as the university's athletic motto soon after.
Arizona's peak came under Dick Tomey (1987–2000), whose 1990s defenses were nicknamed the Desert Swarm. The 1993 team won a share of the Pac-10 title and shut out Miami 29–0 in the Fiesta Bowl, the first shutout in that bowl's history, and the 1998 team also won at least ten games. Later highlights include the 2014 Pac-12 South title and a 2014 season-ending trip to the Fiesta Bowl, and a 2023 team that beat three straight ranked opponents and finished with a comeback Alamo Bowl win over Oklahoma. Arizona has claimed at least a share of six conference championships.
Where to sit at Casino Del Sol Stadium
The stadium grew from 7,000 seats on the west side in 1929 to its current size through a long series of additions: an east grandstand in 1938, a south horseshoe in 1950, a 17,000-seat upper tier on the east side in 1976 and the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility in the north end zone, completed in 2013. The field runs north to south on artificial turf chosen to stay cooler under the desert sun, at an elevation of about 2,430 feet.
West side, east side and the ZonaZoo
The west sideline is generally reserved for season-ticket holders and sits beneath the press box, suites and loge seats, which are cantilevered out over the western stands. The east side has two decks. Students in the ZonaZoo take about 9,000 seats in the lower east sideline, one of the larger student sections in the Big 12; they enter through Gates 2 and 4. The visiting team's fans are typically seated in the southwest corner.
Sun and heat
Heat is the biggest seat-selection factor in Tucson. With a north–south field, the afternoon and early-evening sun sits in the western sky, so the east side faces the sun and the west side has it at its back. For an early-season game that starts in daylight, a west-side seat is the more comfortable choice; for a late-season night game, either side is pleasant. Check the kickoff time before you buy.
End zones and premium seating
The north end zone's Lowell-Stevens complex offers about 4,200 chair seats and about 500 premium seats, including the Sands Club. The south end holds the large video board above the stands. End-zone seats are the least expensive way in but give a flatter view of the far end of the field.
The Territorial Cup and the Wildcats' biggest home games
One game sits above the rest on Arizona's schedule.
- Arizona State: the rivalry, often called the Duel in the Desert, began in 1899, and the winner receives the Territorial Cup. Both schools moved from the WAC to the Pac-10 in 1978 and to the Big 12 in 2024. Arizona leads the all-time series; the two schools' records differ by one game in how they count it (52–45–1 by Arizona's tally through 2025, 52–46–1 in Arizona State's).
- New Mexico: a traditional rival that met annually until 1978 and now plays occasionally.
- Big 12 opponents: newer conference visitors such as Utah, Colorado and BYU bring traveling fans and new demand.
When Arizona State comes to Tucson, in alternating years, it is the hardest ticket of the season. Night kickoffs and visits from ranked teams also draw well. Early-season non-conference games are the easiest and least expensive way to see the stadium.
Wildcat Walk, fireworks and Tucson gameday
Arizona home games build over several hours. As of the most recent fan guide, the Bear Down Bash fan area opens about three and a half hours before kickoff, and the Wildcat Walk, when fans greet players as they arrive and walk to the stadium, happens about two and a half hours before kickoff.
- The entrance: fireworks go off over the stadium as the team takes the field.
- Between quarters: the student section leads the "U of A" chant.
- After a win: the marching band plays "Bear Down."
- Tailgating: tailgate lots open about six hours before kickoff, according to the athletics department's fan guide.
The stadium has also hosted the Arizona Bowl every December since 2015, so a winter trip to Tucson can include a bowl game on the same field.
How Arizona football tickets work
Arizona sells season tickets, single-game tickets and group packages through its athletics ticket office. Donors to the athletics fund generally receive priority for the best season seats and parking, and the west sideline is largely held by season-ticket holders. Students get in through ZonaZoo passes.
For the Territorial Cup game and other high-demand dates, the resale market is how most fans find seats. Resale prices move with the opponent, the kickoff time and the team's form that season. Shaded west-side sideline seats and premium seats draw the most demand for daytime games; the upper east side and the end zones are usually the least expensive.
Every GoodSeats order is backed by a 100% guarantee, so resale seats come with protection if something goes wrong.
Bag policy, parking and getting to the stadium
Arizona Athletics enforces a clear-bag policy: bags must be clear plastic or vinyl no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear freezer bag, plus a small hand-sized clutch. Backpacks, fanny packs, cooler bags and large purses are not allowed. Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff, outside food and drink are not allowed (water is the stated exception) and artificial noisemakers are banned. Check the current clear-bag policy before you go.
Campus lots and garages around the stadium accept credit cards only as of the latest fan guide, and the Cherry Garage is the closest garage. The Sun Link streetcar is a practical alternative: park along its route and ride to campus. Fans driving from the Phoenix area can also use the athletics department's Cat Cruiser bus service, which arrives about two hours before kickoff and leaves 30 minutes after the game.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the Arizona Wildcats play home football games?
Arizona plays at Casino Del Sol Stadium on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson. It opened in 1929 as Arizona Stadium and was renamed under a naming-rights deal announced in November 2025.
Which side of the stadium is in the shade?
The field runs north to south, so the west side has the sun at its back during afternoon and early-evening games, while the east side faces it. For early-season day games, the west side is more comfortable.
Where is the ZonaZoo student section?
The ZonaZoo takes about 9,000 seats in the lower east sideline, and students enter through Gates 2 and 4.
What is the Territorial Cup?
It is the trophy awarded to the winner of the Arizona–Arizona State game, a rivalry that began in 1899. Arizona leads the all-time series.
What does Bear Down mean?
Bear Down is Arizona's athletic motto. It comes from the last words of quarterback John "Button" Salmon, who died after a 1926 car crash.
Does the stadium have a clear-bag policy?
Yes. Bags must be clear and no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear freezer bag, plus a small clutch. Check Arizona Athletics for current rules.