Best Seats at Lavell Edwards Stadium
LaVell Edwards Stadium is one of those places where the setting does half the work. Nestled against the Wasatch Front in Provo, Utah, with Y Mountain looming over the south end zone, this 62,073-seat box bowl has been the home of BYU football since 1964 — and it’s the largest stadium in the Big 12 Conference. The atmosphere here is genuinely unlike anywhere else in college football: 60,000-plus fans who are almost aggressively friendly, zero alcohol in the stadium or parking lots, and an energy that runs on pure football enthusiasm and maple bars. People fly across the country to see a game here, and its worth it.
Seating Guide
LaVell Edwards Stadium is a single-tier box bowl with the field running north-south, the press box on the west side, and end zone stands on the north and south. Capacity is 62,073 after 2024 renovations that added premium seating and updated accessibility options. The west side (Sections 1-9 lower, 101-109 upper) is the home/BYU sideline with the press box overhead. The east side (Sections 31-37 lower, 131-140 upper) is the visitor sideline. The difference between a great seat and an average one here mostly comes down to sideline vs. end zone and whether you scored chairback seats or you’re on a bleacher bench for three-plus hours.
Best Non-Premium Seats
West Sideline, Sections 3-7, Rows 1-8: These are the best non-premium seats in the house. You’re on the BYU sideline at midfield with chairback seating in every row, right behind the Cougars bench. Rows 1-4 put you at field level where you can hear the coaching staff and feel the collisions. The tradeoff is minimal — you’re under the press box shadow for late-afternoon games, which is actually a benefit for early-season heat. These are the seats where longtime Cougar Club donors sit, so secondary market availability is limited for big games.
East Sideline, Sections 33A-35A, Rows 9+: The Legacy Chair and East Club sections offer chairback seating with excellent sight lines looking back toward the press box. Section 34 puts you at midfield on the visitor side. The real value here is that these sections are generally easier to find on the secondary market than the west sideline equivalents, and the view is arguably just as good for watching the game since you’re facing the video board and scoreboard infrastructure. You’ll be in direct sun for afternoon games
North End Zone, Sections 21-25 (Lower): If you want to be close to the action without paying sideline prices, the north end zone lower sections are your move. You’re behind the goal line with decent elevation, and the massive 48-by-131-foot south video board is directly in your line of sight. When the offense is driving toward your end, there’s nothing like it. The downside is obvious — when play is at the opposite end, you’re watching ants on a screen.
Best Value Seats
Upper West Sideline, Sections 103-107: You get the midfield perspective, the press box side view, and chairback seating options in some rows. Yes, you’re climbing — the upper deck at LaVell Edwards is a hike — but at 4,649 feet elevation the panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains and Utah Valley are legitimately spectacular. These sections regularly run $30-50 less than lower bowl sideline equivalents on the secondary market.
Budget Option
Upper End Zone, Sections 121-125 or 141-145: These are the cheapest seats in the stadium, often available for $15-25 for non-conference games. You’re high and behind the goal line, so the football-watching experience isn’t ideal. But you’re inside LaVell Edwards Stadium, you get the full atmosphere, and the mountain views from the upper north end zone are genuinely postcard-worthy. The real downside is the climb — at elevation, those stairs will remind you that you’re nearly a mile above sea level.
Our Pick
For a first-time visitor, grab seats in Sections 103-107, Rows 5-15 on the upper west sideline. You get the full midfield view, you’re on the BYU sideline, the mountain backdrop is stunning, and you’ll pay significantly less than lower bowl prices. It’s the complete LaVell Edwards experience without breaking the bank.
Weather & Shade Reality
The field runs north-south with the press box on the west side. For afternoon kickoffs, the west side (Sections 1-9, 101-109) gets shade first as the sun drops behind the press box structure, while the east side bakes in direct afternoon sun through at least the first half. Early-season September games can hit the upper 80s and low 90s in Provo, and the east side upper deck has zero shade coverage. For those games, pay the premium for west side seats or target a night game. By mid-October, temperatures drop significantly and shade becomes irrelevant — but bring layers, because evening temperatures at nearly 4,700 feet can plummet into the 30s by the fourth quarter. The elevation also means the sun is more intense than you’d expect, so sunscreen is essential for day games regardless of temperature.
Seats to Avoid
Sections 35B-37, Lower East Side (Near Student Section Overflow): These sections sit between the student area and the visitor sections, which means you’re in no-man’s-land atmospherically. You’re on the visitor sideline, the view angles toward the south end zone, and the energy from the ROC doesn’t quite reach you. Not terrible, but not the best value for what you’ll pay.
Upper East End Zone, Sections 136-140: You’re high, on the visitor side, far from the action, and the view of the field is heavily skewed. Unless you’re an opposing fan who wants to be near the visitor tunnel, there’s little reason to sit here when upper west sideline seats exist at similar prices.
Worth It Once — The ROC (Sections 36-37, South End Zone): If you’re a BYU student or can get a ROC pass, the student section is the heartbeat of this stadium. It’s general admission, standing the entire game, and packed shoulder-to-shoulder. The sightlines from the south end zone aren’t great, and you’ll be on your feet for four hours. But the “Rise and Shout” after scores, the third-down roar, and the sheer coordinated energy make this the most electric corner of the stadium. Non-students can’t easily access these seats, but if you have a connection, try it once.
LaVell Edwards Stadium Premium Options
LaVell Edwards Stadium’s premium landscape is modest compared to NFL venues but has been upgraded significantly in recent years. The stadium’s four-level press box on the west side houses 42 private suites across the first two levels, with premium club areas on the sidelines below.
West Sideline Premium — Section 8 (Drink Rail Seats): In 2024, BYU installed mesh chairback seats with drink rails in Section 8 on the west sideline. These are a meaningful upgrade over standard bleacher seating — you get individual seats, a place to set your drink, and prime sideline positioning. This section is typically reserved for corporate sponsors, but availability may open up on the secondary market for select games
East Club / Legacy Chair — Sections 33A-35A, Rows 9+: The Legacy Chair and East Club sections feature padded chairback seats and are considered the primary club-level product on the east sideline. Section 33A received tabletop seating with chairs in 2024 — a 4Topps installation that creates a unique lounge-style experience inside the bowl. These are popular with fans who want comfort and a social gameday experience without being locked in a suite.
Other Notable Premium Options: Sections 3, 7, 103, and 107 on the west sideline received upgraded bleacher-to-chairback seat conversions in 2023. The BYU block-letter luxury seating section — where blue and white seats spell out “BYU” — is a visible premium zone from anywhere in the stadium and includes enhanced seating. The suites on levels one and two of the press box include padded seating, private video screens, and kitchen amenities.
Suites & Group Options: The 42 private suites in the press box accommodate 15-20 guests each and include catering options, comfortable seating, and video screens. Suite pricing varies significantly by matchup. Catering runs roughly $75-125 per person for a full spread. Contact BYU Athletics or a premium marketplace like SuiteHop for availability.
LaVell Edwards Stadium Capacity & Seating Chart
LaVell Edwards Stadium capacity is 63,470. From up-close action to panoramic views, every seat is in this stadium is pretty good. Explore the interactive LaVell Edwards Stadium Seating Chart. Also check above for our graphic with seat recommendations.
Getting BYU Football Tickets
BYU’s ticket market has a unique dynamic. The fanbase is massive and spread nationwide — the LDS network means there are BYU faithful in every state — but Provo isn’t exactly a destination city, so non-marquee games often see significant secondary market availability. For games against good Big 12 opponents like Utah, Kansas State, or Iowa State, expect face value or higher. For non-conference games against mid-majors, the secondary market consistently beats face value by $10-30.
BYU’s Reseating Process: Starting with the 2026 season, BYU is implementing a stadium-wide annual reseating process for all season ticket holders. Selection priority is based on membership level and “priority points” tied to donations and past purchases. This may create more secondary market churn as seat assignments shift [
The sweet spot for buying is typically 48-72 hours before a non-marquee game, when season ticket holders who can’t attend start dumping tickets. Secondary market prices average around $48-50 for regular games but can spike to $200+ for rivalry matchups. For the best selection and pricing on BYU football tickets, check the secondary market through all the different vendors, you can also check out Vivid Seats our partner. Get BYU Football Tickets Here! Through our partnership you can get tickets to BYU football or just about any event on the planet.
Lavell Edwards Stadium Bag Policy
LaVell Edwards Stadium enforces a strict NO bag policy. Small clutch bags no larger than 5″ x 8″ x 1″ are allowed, with or without a handle or strap. One bag per person. Medically necessary items, including diaper bags, are permitted after inspection. That’s it — no backpacks, no purses, no clear bags. This catches visiting fans off guard constantly, so leave everything in the car.
Main Policies You Need to Know
No Alcohol or Tobacco Policy: Alcohol and tobacco are not permitted anywhere on BYU Campus, including inside the stadium or in its parking lots. Smoking of any kind (including e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited. This extends to all tailgating areas and the entire campus – it’s a comprehensive ban that reflects BYU’s Honor Code and religious principles.
Re-Entry is Allowed: Unlike most college stadiums, LaVell Edwards Stadium does allow re-entry. You need to get your ticket “exit scanned” at any gate before leaving, and then present it to re-enter. This is genuinely useful — you can head back to your car for something or take a break without losing your seat access.
No Stadium Chairs Policy: Stadium chairs are not allowed to be brought into LaVell Edwards Stadium. However, in-stadium chair back rentals are available on a season and per-game basis and can be purchased when selecting tickets. These rentals fit within physical specifications to ensure comfort for those sitting nearby. Chair backs can be rented at Gates 1 and 5.
Cashless Stadium: Be prepared to pay with debit cards, credit cards, or mobile payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay. BYU Students can also use their meal plans for purchases.
For a full list check the stadium policies here.
LaVell Edwards Stadium Parking
LaVell Edwards Stadium sits on the north end of BYU’s campus at 1700 North Canyon Road in Provo, about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City via I-15. Getting here is straightforward; getting parked is not.
Parking. Most fans drive, and that’s where the pain starts. Reserved parking lots immediately around the stadium (Lots 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 5, and 7) require permits and are held for Cougar Club members and season ticket holders until halftime. Public paid lots run $10-20 depending on proximity and typically fill up 60-90 minutes before kickoff. Free parking is available in the green-designated lots farther from the stadium (BYU Center Street and 900 East lots), but you’re looking at a 15-20 minute walk or a shuttle ride. Student, graduate, and faculty lots open on weekends for gameday parking. The RV lot at 2230 North 150 East (Canyon Road) is first-come, first-served and for parking only — no tailgating.
UVX Bus (Free Gameday Service). The Utah Valley Express bus runs free special-event service between Orem and Provo on BYU football game days, with multiple stops north and south of campus. This is the smart move if you’re staying in Orem or want to park at a UVX stop and ride in. A UVX stop is within a short walk of the stadium.
FrontRunner Commuter Train. If you’re staying in Salt Lake City, the FrontRunner train runs from downtown Salt Lake to Provo Station every hour on BYU football Saturdays. From Provo Station, you can connect to UVX or grab a rideshare to campus. It’s about a 60-minute train ride and eliminates the I-15 traffic nightmare entirely.
Rideshare. Uber and Lyft operate in Provo but availability is limited compared to a major metro. Surge pricing kicks in immediately after the game. Set a pickup point a few blocks from the stadium rather than at the gates — you’ll wait half as long and pay less.
BYU Gameday Insider Tips and Hacks
LaVell Edwards Stadium’s gameday atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in the Big 12 — or honestly, anywhere in college football. The energy is real, but it comes packaged differently. There’s no beer-fueled tailgate chaos, no profanity-laced chants. Instead, you get 62,000 genuinely enthusiastic fans, families everywhere, and a pregame scene built around food trucks and community rather than kegs and cornhole.
The ROC student section is legitimately one of the loudest in the country, the mountain views are stunning, and the CougarTail might be the best stadium food item in America. First-timers should come with an open mind and an empty stomach.
Stadium Renovations and Recent Upgrades
Don’t expect a construction-zone gameday — BYU has opted for incremental modernization of LaVell Edwards Stadium instead of a full teardown. The most recent significant work came in 2024, with a replaced grass playing surface, new LED lighting, remodeled suites, and updated seating areas. That project also added drink rails in section 8, tabletop seating in 33A, extended benches in sections 1 and 9, and more accessible seating. Capacity now stands at 62,073, slightly down from previous years.
The change affecting your seat in 2026 is the student section. The ROC is now consolidated in the south end zone, aimed at unifying the student experience after being split between the east and south sides. As a result, the south end zone is louder and more chaotic, while the east sideline seats are calmer and more family-friendly than before. Additionally, BYU will begin a stadium-wide annual reseating process for season ticket holders in 2026, potentially altering secondary-market inventory.
The Setting Is the Signature Feature
Sit on the west side if you want the view that makes this stadium famous. The bowl opens east toward Y Mountain and the Wasatch Range, and from the west stands you’re looking straight at it. On a late-afternoon or night kickoff, the mountains going gold behind a full stadium is one of the best backdrops in college football.
Bring sun protection for any day game. There is almost no shade in this bowl until the sun drops behind the press box tower on the west side late in the afternoon. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are not optional for an early kickoff in September.
Arrival Strategy: Gates and Timing
Plan your arrival around the Cougar Walk, not the gates. BYU’s schedule runs backward from kickoff: Cougar Canyon opens roughly three and a half hours before, the Cougar Walk starts about two hours before, and stadium gates open shortly after the Walk passes through. Times shift game to game, so check BYU’s fan guide for your specific matchup rather than assuming a fixed clock.
Skip Gate 1 if the line looks long. The southwest gate is the default for most fans and has historically been the worst bottleneck as kickoff approaches. Your ticket scans at any gate — walk another two minutes to a west or north gate and you’ll usually beat everyone who didn’t.
Download your parking pass and tickets before you leave the hotel. BYU explicitly asks fans to do this, and it’s the single biggest time-saver at both the lot entrance and the turnstile. Cell service around a full stadium is unpredictable no matter how good the venue Wi-Fi is.
Tailgating and Cougar Canyon
Treat Cougar Canyon as the main pregame event, because it is. Set up on the west side of the stadium along Canyon Road, it runs food trucks, live broadcasts, and activities for all ages. BYUtv’s Sports Nation GameDay and BYU Radio’s Cougar Pregame Live both air live from here, so it’s the closest thing Provo has to a traditional pregame scene.
Adjust your expectations if you’re used to SEC or Big 12 road tailgates. There’s no alcohol anywhere on campus, so this is a food-and-fellowship scene rather than a party. It’s genuinely fun and unusually welcoming to visiting fans — just don’t show up expecting a beer tent.
Confirm the current tailgate lot and grill rules with BYU before you haul equipment out. On-campus tailgating is restricted to a designated lot with rules about grill type, and the specifics have moved around in recent seasons. A five-minute check on BYU’s parking page beats getting turned away with a cooler and a smoker.
Seating Comfort and Chairback Rentals
Leave your own stadium chair at home — it won’t get through the gate. BYU does not permit outside chairback seats or stadium chairs inside LaVell Edwards Stadium. This trips up a lot of visiting fans who bring one every week at their home venue.
Rent a chairback at Gate 1 or Gate 5 instead. BYU offers per-game chairback rentals sized to fit the bench spacing without crowding your neighbors. If you’re sitting anywhere in the bleacher sections for a four-hour game, it’s the best money you’ll spend all day.
Target installed-chairback sections if you’d rather not rent. Much of the bowl is backless, armrest-free bench seating, and larger fans will feel the squeeze. The sections with permanently installed chairbacks and the newer drink-rail and tabletop areas are worth the price bump.
Food and Drink Strategy
Get a CougarTail, and get it in the first five minutes of halftime. The oversized maple-frosted doughnut is the signature concession item at BYU and routinely lands on national lists of the best stadium food in college sports. The lines are shortest right as the half ends, before everyone else has the same idea.
Look for the BYU Creamery stands if you’re not a doughnut person. The ice cream is made on campus and is a genuine local specialty rather than a generic stadium vendor. It’s the second-most distinctive thing you can eat inside the stadium.
Head for the fan-friendly-pricing stands if you’re feeding a family. BYU added several lower-price-point concession stands starting in 2025, and they’re a meaningful discount off standard stadium pricing. Check the app map for current locations.
There’s a dedicated gluten-free stand in the southeast corner. Most college venues offer nothing beyond a plain hot dog bun swap, so this is a real amenity worth knowing about. It has returned season over season, but confirm on the app if it’s a must-have for your group.
Skip the built-in stands and hunt the concourse carts. The permanent stands sell the usual hot dogs and popcorn, but specialty carts scattered around the concourses run barbecue, loaded dogs, and rice bowls. It’s a noticeably better meal for roughly the same money.
Altitude and Hydration
Start drinking water the day before if you’re coming from sea level. Provo sits at 4,649 feet, and the combination of altitude and dry air catches visiting fans off guard every September. The walk up to the upper deck will feel twice as long as it looks.
Use the free refill stations on the lower concourse. There are water refilling stations throughout the stadium and the water is free, which is why regulars plan around them instead of buying bottled water all afternoon. Lines get long on hot days, so refill early rather than at the two-minute warning.
Check BYU’s current policy before bringing an empty bottle in. Fans regularly carry empty bottles through the gates to use the refill stations, but LaVell Edwards operates a strict no-bag, no-outside-food-or-drink policy and enforcement varies. Don’t build your hydration plan around a bottle that might not make it inside.
Traditions and Culture
Learn the chorus of “Rise and Shout” before you go. The Cougar fight song plays after every BYU score and again at the end of the game, and the stadium sings it with real conviction. Knowing the chorus is the difference between watching a tradition and being part of one.
Expect the third-down roar to actually affect the game. The ROC leads a coordinated build that peaks at the snap, and visiting offenses draw false starts in Provo more often than the stadium’s modest size would suggest. With the student section now consolidated in the south end zone, that noise is concentrated rather than spread across two sides.
Watch for Cosmo the Cougar during timeouts. BYU’s mascot is one of the best in college sports, with an acrobatic trampoline routine that regularly goes viral. He also works the concourse between quarters, which makes him easy to find for a photo with kids.
Don’t mistake the politeness for a lack of passion. Visiting fans consistently report being welcomed, thanked for traveling, and left entirely alone in opposing colors. This crowd is intense about football — they just do it without the profanity you’d get in most road environments.
Cougar Walk and Player Access
Position yourself along the Cougar Walk about 15 minutes before it starts. The team walks from the north end of Cougar Canyon through the stadium’s southwest corner, and it’s the best chance you’ll get to see players up close. The route fills quickly on marquee games.
Head straight into the stadium the moment the Walk passes. Gates open right after, so you can go from front-row Cougar Walk to a short security line to an empty concourse with your pick of concession stands. It’s the single most efficient pregame sequence available.
Families and Kids
Build your day around Cougar Canyon if you’re bringing children. The pregame area runs family activities alongside the food trucks and broadcasts, and it’s free and open without a game ticket. It’s the reason a lot of local families show up three hours early.
Sit on the east sideline now that the ROC has moved. With the student section consolidated in the south end zone, the east stands are quieter and better suited to a group with young kids than they were in prior seasons. You also get the west-facing mountain view from over there.
Check the stroller and child-ticket rules on BYU’s venue page before you drive over. Policies on strollers, diaper bags, and the free-admission age cutoff have changed alongside the stadium’s bag policy in recent seasons. This is the one thing you don’t want to discover at the gate with a toddler.
The no-alcohol policy is the real family selling point. There is no beer sold anywhere in the stadium and none in the lots, which makes this one of the most genuinely kid-appropriate atmospheres in FBS football. Parents who dread road games elsewhere consistently rate Provo at the top.
Photo Ops and the Best Shots
Take the signature shot from the upper west concourse looking east. You get the field, the crowd, and Y Mountain stacked in one frame, which is the photo that says LaVell Edwards Stadium and nowhere else. Late afternoon light is the best of the day.
Get the LaVell Edwards statue before gates open, not after. A line forms once the crowd builds, and the light outside the stadium is better earlier anyway. Two minutes of planning saves you fifteen of waiting.
Shoot the LED light show during a night game. The lighting system installed in 2024 does color and light-show effects that the old fixtures couldn’t, and it reads well on camera from anywhere in the bowl. Score celebrations are your best window.
Venue App and Tech
Install the BYU Cougars app before you travel, not in the parking lot. It handles mobile tickets, scores, and interactive facility maps that locate concession stands, restrooms, and your specific gate. It’s one of the more useful team apps in college football, which is a low bar it clears easily.
Screenshot your ticket barcode as a backup. Stadium Wi-Fi here is better than most college venues, but a screenshot costs you nothing and removes the only real failure point at the gate.
Merch and the Team Store
Shop the campus store on a non-gameday if your trip allows it. The BYU Store on campus has far deeper inventory than any gameday tent and none of the crowd. If you’re in town Friday, go Friday.
Hit the Cougar Canyon merch tents if you don’t have a ticket. Vendors set up on the west side as part of the pregame footprint, so you can buy gear without ever entering the stadium. Selection is thinner but the access is free.
Our partner Fanatics sells BYU gear, so save some money and be ready to wear your Cougar gear on gameay.
Exit Strategy
Wait 20 to 30 minutes in your seat or on the concourse before walking to your car. Campus surface streets and the I-15 on-ramps gridlock immediately after the final whistle, and leaving with the crowd buys you nothing. The stadium is a more pleasant place to spend half an hour than a stationary parking lot.
Or drive south to Center Street and eat instead of sitting in traffic. Downtown Provo is about a mile away, and by the time you’ve had a post-game meal the campus roads have cleared. This is what locals do.
Book a hotel within walking distance if you can. Walking out is genuinely the fastest exit from LaVell Edwards Stadium, and it removes the parking problem from both ends of your day.
Venue-Specific Quirks
Don’t leave your car on campus overnight. BYU does not permit overnight parking anywhere on campus, so the plan where you rideshare back to the hotel and grab the car in the morning doesn’t work here. Sort out your ride before you park.
Read the bag policy before you pack, because it’s stricter than most. LaVell Edwards runs a no-bag policy with a narrow clutch exception and one bag per person, and no outside food or drink comes in. Medically necessary bags are permitted after inspection.
Use the mezzanine-level walkway to circle the stadium. The 2019 corner-connector project linked all four stands at the mezzanine level, so you can walk the full bowl without dropping to ground level. Most first-timers never realize it’s there.
First-Timer Must-Do
Get to Cougar Canyon about three hours before kickoff, work the food trucks, grab a spot on the Cougar Walk route, and follow the team straight into the stadium when gates open. Buy a CougarTail on the way to your seat and watch warmups from the upper west concourse with Y Mountain across the bowl. If it’s a night game, that view at sunset with 62,000 fans filing in is the whole reason to make the trip to Provo.
Things to Do in Provo
Beyond the stadium, downtown Provo is worth an afternoon — historic Center Street is lined with boutiques, art galleries, and enough restaurants to sort out your pre- or post-game meal. If you’ve got a car and a couple of hours, the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway delivers mountain vistas and alpine meadows that are especially good in the fall, when the foliage turns. And if you’re building a longer trip around the game, Provo sits within driving distance of some of the most spectacular scenery in the country — Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef national parks are all reachable for a weekend extension.
Hotels Near LaVell Edwards Stadium
Provo is a college town that punches above its weight for hotels — there are roughly 18 options within a mile of the stadium. For big games (Utah, Notre Dame, or any nationally televised matchup), book at least 2-3 weeks (if not months) in advance. The town fills up, and prices spike.
Best Areas to Stay
North Provo / Near Campus. The best location for walking to the game. Hotels along Freedom Boulevard and University Avenue north of Center Street put you within a 10-20 minute walk of the stadium. This is where most BYU-focused travelers stay. It’s not a nightlife district — it’s a college neighborhood — but you’re close to campus dining and Cougar Canyon.
Downtown Provo (Center Street). About a mile south of the stadium, downtown Provo has the best restaurant and shopping scene in town. Center Street is walkable and lively, with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and the seasonal Provo Farmers Market (Saturdays, June-October). You can walk to the game in 20-25 minutes or grab a quick rideshare. This is the move if you want more to do beyond the game itself.
Orem. The adjacent city to the north has additional hotel inventory, often at lower prices. You’ll need to drive or take UVX to the game, but if budget is a priority and you have a car, Orem works. The Courtyard by Marriott Orem University Place is a solid option about 2 miles out.
Hotel Recommendations
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Provo — 0.4 miles from the stadium on Freedom Boulevard. All-suite property, complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool. This is the default recommendation for BYU gameday visitors — walkable to the stadium, clean, spacious rooms, and consistently well-reviewed. Mid-range, typically $110-170/night.
Best Western Plus Provo University Inn — 0.4 miles from the stadium. Solid budget-to-mid-range option with a good location. Nothing fancy, but clean and close. Typically $90-140/night.
Days Inn by Wyndham Provo — 0.4 miles from the stadium. Budget-friendly with a great location for the price. Rooms are basic but functional. Typically $70-110/night.
Courtyard by Marriott Orem — About 2 miles north in Orem. Newer property with good amenities and slightly lower rates than Provo options. You’ll need a car or UVX, but it’s a solid choice if campus-adjacent hotels are booked. Mid-range, typically $120-160/night.
Hyatt Place Provo — Downtown Provo on University Avenue. Walking distance to Center Street restaurants and about a mile from the stadium. Modern property with a rooftop deck. Upper mid-range.
Budget Options
Days Inn by Wyndham Provo is the best budget play near the stadium — location is hard to beat at the price point. If you’re willing to drive, Motel 6 and similar chains in Orem run $50-80/night but sacrifice walkability entirely. The tradeoff is real: saving $40/night means you’re dealing with parking and traffic on gameday.
The Pregame Scene in Provo
The pregame scene at LaVell Edwards Stadium is built around Cougar Canyon rather than a traditional bar-and-tailgate culture. The alcohol-free campus means there’s no strip of sports bars where fans congregate with pitchers and pints. Instead, the pregame energy centers on Canyon Road west of the stadium, where food trucks, live broadcasts, and family-friendly activities create a festival atmosphere starting 3.5 hours before kickoff. It’s different, and visiting fans should calibrate their expectations accordingly — but it’s genuinely enjoyable and uniquely BYU.
Best Pregame Restaurants
Bajio Mexican Grill — Provo location. This is the gameday restaurant in Provo. Known for their chicken green chili, sweet pork, and creative options like pineapple shrimp. Expect a line out the door on game days. Get there early.
J Dawgs — A Provo institution for Polish and beef hot dogs. Simple, cheap, delicious, and beloved by BYU students and alums. Located near campus and a quick pregame stop.
JCW’s The Burger Boys — Close to the stadium and a BYU gameday staple. Solid burgers, casual vibe, packed before kickoff. Get there 2+ hours early or you’ll be eating at halftime.
Cupbop — Korean BBQ in a bowl. Fast, flavorful, and a fan favorite among the BYU crowd. Multiple Utah Valley locations.
180 Tacos — If you want tacos that don’t follow the traditional playbook, this place fuses global flavors into taco form. Asian-inspired, Middle Eastern, and creative builds that are worth the detour.
Solid Restaurants in Provo
Communal — Downtown Provo on Center Street. Farm-to-table shared plates in a converted warehouse space. This is the nicest restaurant in Provo and worth a reservation if you’re making a weekend of it. Higher price point.
The Creamery on 9th — BYU’s on-campus ice cream and dairy operation. The ice cream is excellent and the prices are student-friendly. A must-stop for families and anyone with a sweet tooth.
Hruska’s Kolaches — Czech-style kolaches that have a devoted local following. Unique to the area and worth seeking out for breakfast before an afternoon game.
Shirley’s Bakery & Cafe — A Provo staple located near campus. Good for a pregame breakfast or casual lunch. The baked goods are the draw.
Bam Bam’s BBQ — Decent barbecue for Utah, though transplants from Texas or the Carolinas may quibble with the “authentic” label. Worth trying if you need a meat fix before the game.
Why You Should Go
LaVell Edwards Stadium offers something you genuinely can’t get anywhere else in college football. The Wasatch Mountains framing the stadium, one of the best fan experiences in the sport, and the sheer enthusiasm of a fanbase that doesn’t need alcohol to create a top-tier atmosphere — it’s a combination that makes even skeptical visitors come away impressed. Highly recommend.
Check out all of our College Football guides, as well as the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. As well as these Big 12 roadtrips
This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.