Watch the video for more thoughts on going to a Cal Poly game or keep reading for our Alex G. Spanos Stadium review. Be sure to check out The Touchback on YouTube for more videos.
Alex G. Spanos Stadium is interesting. The home of the Cal Poly Mustangs is an afterthought to most college football fans. Even diehard Big Sky followers probably don’t pay much attention to it. And yet, the venue is remarkable in its own way. Not to mention, the experience was entirely free for me, but more on that in a bit.
On one side, you have the main grandstand which is absolutely stunning. It reminds me of a miniature version of Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa, Italy. There are few stands like this in all of American sports and it deserves praise.
The other side across from the grandstand is underwhelming. All you have are metal bleachers that give off a community college or even high school appearance. It is also understandable why Cal Poly hasn’t invested a ton of money in revamping this part of the stadium. There isn’t an urgent need to.
The end zones are where the action is at, however. Alongside one, you can just stand and watch the game. This is awesome and where I chose to post up. You can literally talk to the back judge when a field goal is being kicked. Assuming they’re willing to have a chat.
Some 100 yards downfield is where the John Madden Football Center will be located. Not only is it going to hold locker rooms and other football facilities, but it will provide a pleasant backdrop to Alex G. Spanos Stadium. Plus, the Mustangs will be celebrating one of its legends. If only Cal Poly alum ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic would fund a new basketball arena.
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On to the important stuff. How did I get to see a Cal Poly football game for free? Luck mostly. I was at the right time and the right place. Let’s start with the one thing you can for sure land without spending any cash–parking.
There are lots of lots on campus that don’t require a permit during weekends. On this occasion, I found a faculty lot near the bookstore that was roughly a ten-minute walk from Alex G. Spanos Stadium. Just make sure where you’re parking clearly states when a permit is required.
Free tickets were given to me and my friends by a kind season ticketholder who had a bunch to give away. He was handing them out before kickoff. Big shout out to that guy for being so cool. Unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee this will happen to you.
Finally, I snagged a free hot dog in the fourth quarter. As the concession stands were closing down for the day, an employee with a tub full of food was walking around, giving them away. This is great, although no condiments were provided. The dog was extremely dry and not particularly easy to consume. But free is free.
The stadium has a trailer selling various Cal Poly goods behind the end zone with standing-room seats.
Alex G. Spanos Stadium review score: 7
It wasn’t easy to settle on an Alex G. Spanos Stadium review score that accurately reflects the experience. Look, it’s not a perfect location to watch college football. Even at the Big Sky level, there is a lot to be desired.
However, it is an enjoyable place to catch a game. Cal Poly fans are chill, everyone is close to the action and the backdrop is beautiful. I would take this over several big-name stadiums filled with mouth-breathing fans and athletic departments trying to bilk you out of every last cent.
Anyone in or around San Luis Obispo should consider checking out Alex G. Spanos Stadium. That being said, it is probably not a venue worth going out of your way to see.
