| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team | BYU Cougars (NCAA – Big 12) |
| Opened | 1964 (originally Cougar Stadium; renamed in 2000) |
| Capacity | 62,073 (after 2024 renovations) |
| Best Value Seats | 100‑level corners & sideline sections—great views and mountain panorama |
| Premium Seating | Luxury suites, Box Seats (above sections 4–6 & 104–106), club seats with lounges |
| Top Stadium Foods | Standard concessions + Cougar Creamery ice cream, footlong glazed donuts, food‑truck alley |
| Nearby Bars/Restaurants | Campus-area favorites: Burgers Supreme, Bombay House, Shhh Up Cafe, El Tio Taco |
| Closest Hotels | Downtown Provo & campus-area options; park-and-ride from Salt Lake City also available |
| Transit Access | UVX BYU Stadium TRAX stop; Utah Valley Express BRT; gameday shuttles & campus parking |
| Tradition Highlight | Stunning Wasatch Range backdrop; polite “Cougar Canyon” gameday vibe; no-bag policy with water-refill stations |
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LaVell Edwards Stadium 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 seating options here: LaVell Edwards Stadium Seating Chart.
It’s important to note that ticket availability and purchasing processes may vary from season to season, so it’s recommended to visit the official BYU Athletics website or contact the ticket office for the most up-to-date information on obtaining tickets for BYU football games.
BYU Football Tickets
- Get BYU Football Tickets Here! Through our partnership you can get tickets to BYU football or just about any event on the planet.
- Official BYU Athletics Website: The official website of BYU Athletics usually has information on ticket availability, pricing, and purchasing options. Visit the athletics department’s website and look for the “Tickets” or “Football Tickets” section.
- Season Tickets: If you’re interested in attending multiple games, you might consider purchasing season tickets. Season tickets provide access to all home games during the football season and often come with additional benefits.
- Single-Game Tickets: If you’re looking to attend a specific game, you can usually purchase single-game tickets for that particular match. These tickets provide entry to the selected game only.
- Promotions and Special Offers: Keep an eye out for promotions, discounts, and special offers that may be available for BYU football tickets, especially for students, alumni, and group purchases.
Lavell Edwards Stadium Bag Policy
LaVell Edwards Stadium has adopted a strict NO bag policy. Only small clutch bags, no larger than 5″ x 8″ x 1″, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium. Medically necessary items (including diaper bags) will be permitted after inspection, with one bag per person allowed.
This means NO backpacks, purses, diaper bags (unless medically necessary), camera bags, fanny packs, tote bags, or any other bags are permitted. Even camera bags are not allowed due to the no bag policy, though personal cameras themselves are welcome.
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.
No Outside Food or Drink Policy: No outside food or drink is permitted into LaVell Edwards Stadium. However, you CAN bring empty water bottles, which you can then fill at the numerous water refilling stations throughout the stadium. This is particularly important on hot game days. Full but unopened water bottles are not allowed, but empty ones are encouraged.
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.
Tailgating is allowed in designated areas around the stadium. Fans are reminded to follow all laws and regulations regarding alcohol and to drink responsibly. Alcohol is not sold at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Fans are not allowed to bring alcohol into the stadium. Tailgating is allowed in designated areas, but fans are reminded to drink responsibly and follow all laws and regulations. For a full list check the stadium policies here.
LaVell Edwards Stadium Parking
Parking at LaVell Edwards Stadium can be one of the most challenging aspects of attending a BYU football game. Parking can be a nightmare as thousands of families, students, and visitors fill the stands of LaVell Edwards Stadium, and the competition for spots begins long before the game or pre-game festivities start. However, with proper planning and knowledge of your options, you can navigate the situation successfully. Here is a quick overview:
Reserved Parking (Premium):
- Cougar Club Parking for Bronze level and above is located in Lots 1-11
- All reserved parking lots will be held for pass holders until approximately the end of the 1st quarter of the game
- Lots open 4 hours before the game starts
- Reserved parking lots around LaVell Edwards Stadium (1, 2A, 2B, 3, 5, and 7) are held for specific pass holders until halftime
Paid Public Parking:
- Several paid lots are available around the stadium, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $20 depending on the lot and proximity
- The closest lots, like Lot 20 and the Marriott Center lot, fill up quickly, so it’s essential to arrive early if you want to secure a spot
- Secondary market prices average around $48-50, but can range from $67 to over $280 for premium games
Free Parking:
- Free parking is available farther from the stadium, such as at the BYU Center Street or 900 East lots, though these require a bit of a walk or a quick shuttle ride to reach the tailgating areas and stadium
- The green lots on the football parking map offer free gameday parking options
- Student, graduate, and faculty parking lots on the BYU campus are open on weekends, along with designated visitor parking
Tailgating Considerations: Tailgating is permitted as long as it doesn’t take additional stalls or block the travel lanes of parking lots. Tailgating activities should occur directly behind or in front of your vehicle.
RV & Oversized Vehicle Parking:
Guests must exit this lot at least three hours after the game, and no overnight parking is available on campus
There’s an additional parking lot for late arriving RV and oversized vehicles that don’t arrive at least three hours before the game, located at 2230 North 150 East (Canyon Road), approximately three blocks north of LaVell Edwards Stadium
This lot is for parking only and is not meant for tailgating, with no reserved parking available – it’s first-come, first-served with limited space
Consider Public Transportation: Use public transportation – UVX is one of the best ways to skip the traffic to BYU football games. The UVX bus service provides convenient transportation from various locations directly to LaVell Edwards Stadium for about $2.50, taking approximately 20 minutes.
The key to successful parking at LaVell Edwards Stadium is planning ahead, arriving early, and being flexible with your expectations. Consider alternative transportation methods, especially for high-profile games when parking demand is at its peak. The BYU campus offers various options, but the most convenient spots fill up quickly, so preparation and patience are essential for a smooth game day experience.
Hotels Near LaVell Edwards Stadium
The hotel situation near LaVell Edwards Stadium (home of BYU Cougars football) is quite good, with a solid selection of accommodations within walking distance and a short drive of the stadium. The area is well-equipped to handle the influx of visitors for football games, BYU events like Education Week and Women’s Conference, and visitors to the LDS Missionary Training Center.
Best Places to Stay (Stadium Area): The prime location is right around BYU campus, particularly within a 1-mile radius of the stadium. There are about 18 hotels within just a mile of LaVell Edwards Stadium, with the closest options putting you within walking distance of both the stadium and campus dining and entertainment.
Other Areas to Consider:
1. Provo Central Business District – Downtown area with historic charm and walkable restaurants and shops
2. Orem North – Slightly further but often more affordable, with good access to both BYU and Utah Valley University
3. Provo Bay – A picturesque area with stunning views and a more laid-back vibe, perfect for those wanting natural beauty while staying within reach of urban conveniences. Offers recreational opportunities like kayaking and fishing.
Luxury/Premium Options:
1. Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center – An elegant 4-star hotel providing a sophisticated lodging experience with full conference facilities and upscale amenities.
2. Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast – A historic downtown inn with 8-9 luxurious guest rooms featuring Victorian elegance. Each suite has distinctive themes, private bathrooms with two-person jetted tubs, comfortable robes, and high-speed WiFi. Perfect for romantic getaways and couples.
3. Zermatt Utah Resort & Spa (Midway/Sundance area) – A stunning 4-star resort about 30 minutes away, combining natural hot springs with adventure opportunities, mini golf, heated pools, and outdoor sports.
Mid-Range Options:
1. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Provo – Top choice for stadium proximity, within an 11-minute walk of BYU and 0.8 miles from LaVell Edwards Stadium. All-suite hotel with complimentary breakfast and modern amenities.
2. Best Western Plus Provo University Inn – Features pillowtop beds, indoor pool, restaurant, fitness center, and is conveniently located near campus with mountain views.
3. Residence Inn Provo North – Extended-stay hotel with spacious suites, full kitchens, free breakfast, and excellent guest ratings. Great for longer stays.
4. Hampton Inn Provo – Reliable chain hotel about 3.2 miles from LaVell Edwards Stadium, offering comfortable accommodations with complimentary breakfast and friendly staff.
5. Fairfield Inn by Marriott Provo – Clean, modern hotel about 2.7 miles from BYU with standard Marriott amenities and good value.
6. Baymont by Wyndham Provo River – Nestled in the mountains adjacent to the Provo River Trail, featuring indoor pool and hot tub with scenic location.
Budget Options:
1. Days Inn by Wyndham Provo – Popular budget choice close to BYU campus, frequently mentioned by returning visitors as a reliable, affordable option.
2. Sleep Inn Provo Near University – Budget-friendly option with flat-screen TVs, indoor pool, and spa tub, located near Provo Towne Centre and BYU.
3. Super 8 by Wyndham Provo BYU Orem – Basic accommodations about a mile from BYU with cable TV and free WiFi.
The hotel situation near LaVell Edwards Stadium (home of BYU Cougars football) is quite good, with a solid selection of accommodations within walking distance and a short drive of the stadium. The area is well-equipped to handle the influx of visitors for football games, BYU events like Education Week and Women’s Conference, and visitors to the LDS Missionary Training Center.
Best Places to Stay (Stadium Area): The prime location is right around BYU campus, particularly within a 1-mile radius of the stadium. There are about 18 hotels within just a mile of LaVell Edwards Stadium, with the closest options putting you within walking distance of both the stadium and campus dining and entertainment.
The Pregame Scene in Provo
The pregame atmosphere in Provo is uniquely different from most college towns due to BYU’s LDS culture and Honor Code, creating a more family-friendly, faith-centered experience. The huge tailgate tradition never really got established here, and fans usually arrive around 11 AM for a 2:00 PM kickoff rather than the dawn-to-dusk tailgating common elsewhere.
Main Pregame Areas:
Lot 18 serves as the designated on-campus tailgating area where tailgating can commence as early as 8:00 AM. However, the centerpiece is Cougar Canyon – taking place on the west side of the stadium from 5 PM on game day. Food trucks and activities for all ages are available, with BYUtv’s pregame show Sports Nation GameDay and BYU Radio’s Cougar Pregame Live broadcasting live from the area.
Unique Culture: Roughly 90% of the population of Provo identifies as LDS, and BYU’s strict Honor Code prohibits the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. However, if you look carefully and are willing to walk a little ways from the stadium, you can find a few RVs set up just like any other tailgate you might expect at a college football game, complete with TVs, wide tables full of grilled meats, and even booze.
Entertainment Districts & Areas
Downtown Provo is the main entertainment hub, centered around University Avenue and Center Street. Downtown Provo is a vibrant area brimming with diverse restaurants, hotels, and activities with a compact, walkable layout.
Provo Town Square serves as a key entertainment focal point, housing several popular venues in a historic setting.
Are There Bars in Provo?
Yes, but with a unique Utah twist! Distilleries, bars and liquor-licensed restaurants are popping up throughout Provo and neighboring cities, thanks in part to a rapidly growing business sector and demographic shift. However, Utah’s alcohol by volume limit for draft beer is 5%, and for cocktails and spirits, Utah bars use a unique device called The Berg, which pours an exact 1.5-ounces of “primary liquor” for mixed drinks.
Fun Pregame Spots
ABG’s Libation Emporium – A downtown institution that becomes packed during major games. During one Wisconsin game, hundreds of visitors crowded the establishment, with the owner calling it “financially, the biggest day I’ve ever had here.” A lively spot with pub grub and live music on West Center Street.
The Social – Features a variety of local food concepts, mocktails and cocktails in a unique and fun environment in historic Provo Town Square. Has a real family and hangout vibe with pool table, lounge couches, big family style dinner tables, modern picnic tables, some intimate seating areas and a serving bar.
Black Sheep Cafe – A downtown restaurant that revamped its cocktail menu and offers a place “where different kinds of people can meet without any judgment.” Known for contemporary Southwestern cuisine with Native American influences.
City Limits Tavern – Popular sports bar downtown that gets busy during game weekends, offering a more traditional bar atmosphere.
Velour Live Music Gallery – Where Neon Trees and Imagine Dragons got their start. The club hosts an eclectic mix of bands, film screenings, and events with a truly cool vibe. Great for live music and experiencing the unique local scene.
Popular Local Restaurants
Block Restaurant – Widely regarded as the best restaurant in Provo and surrounding Utah County. This fine-dining spot is known for house-made gnocchi, hanger steak, and pan-seared chicken. The pork belly appetizer and popcorn panna cotta dessert are standout items. Perfect for special occasions with its upscale atmosphere.
Communal – A farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Provo that focuses on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Their menu emphasizes “Shared Plates” designed for multiple people to try parts of dishes. Excellent for brunch with creative seasonal offerings.
Bombay House – Consistently serving some of the best Indian food in the state for years. The chicken tikka masala is the star of the show, and the restaurant maintains the freshest and best quality food consistently. The atmosphere is welcoming with friendly servers.
J Dawgs – A local institution beloved by students and visitors, known for Polish and beef hot dogs served with locally baked buns and a signature sauce. If you’re a hot dog lover, this place will be like paradise. Simple but perfectly executed.
Pizzeria 712 – Considered one of the best restaurants in Utah County for wood-fired pizza. The crust is thin, soft, and chewy, topped with tangy sweet tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella and ricotta. Despite sometimes spotty service, the food is always worth it.
Station 22 Cafe – A cozy downtown spot serving classic American dishes with creative twists. Famous for sweet potato fries dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with house-made marshmallow dipping sauce. Their chicken and waffles are also a local favorite.
Black Sheep Cafe – Specializes in contemporary Southwestern cuisine with a unique Native American spin. Known for goat burgers and Navajo and hog jowl tacos. Everything is made from scratch, and the beans and rice side pairs perfectly with their tacos.
Nicolitalia Pizza – Hands down the best pizza in Provo according to locals. You’ll get a basket of breadsticks and dipping sauce that put chain restaurants to shame. Their real cannolis are the perfect way to end your meal.
Guru’s Cafe – Perfect for lunch with options like the Maui Wowie Chicken Wrap, southwest chipotle wrap, and cilantro and lime quesadilla.
Baan Thai – The best Thai restaurant in the valley, located at Traverse outlets. Features traditional Thai cuisine specializing in noodle and curry dishes in a modern industrial, double-floor dining room.
The pregame scene in Provo offers a distinctly different but thoroughly enjoyable experience – more family-oriented, faith-centered, and community-focused than typical college towns, but with growing nightlife options and an exceptional dining scene that reflects the area’s increasing diversity and sophistication.
Things To Do in Provo For a BYU Football Weekend
Provo, Utah offers a diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to various interests. Here are some of the best things to do in Provo:
- Explore Brigham Young University (BYU): Visit the beautiful campus of BYU, known for its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and educational opportunities. The BYU Museum of Art and Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum are also worth checking out.
- Hike in Provo Canyon: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Provo Canyon with its numerous hiking trails. Don’t miss the iconic hikes to places like Bridal Veil Falls, Stewart Falls, and Timpanogos Cave National Monument.
- Visit the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum: This museum features a fascinating collection of more than 2,000 taxidermied animals from around the world, providing an educational experience for all ages.
- Provo River Trail: Walk, jog, or bike along the Provo River Trail, which offers picturesque views, serene surroundings, and a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Explore Downtown Provo: Discover charming boutiques, art galleries, and a variety of dining options in the heart of downtown Provo. The historic Center Street offers a delightful atmosphere for strolling and shopping.
- Take a Scenic Drive: Drive the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway to experience breathtaking mountain vistas, alpine meadows, and colorful foliage during the fall season.
- Attend a Performance at the Covey Center for the Arts: Enjoy live performances, concerts, and cultural events at the Covey Center, showcasing local talent and visiting artists.
- Thanksgiving Point: Located nearby in Lehi, Thanksgiving Point offers attractions such as the Museum of Ancient Life, Ashton Gardens, and farm-themed activities for families.
- Rock Canyon Park: Rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Rock Canyon Park, renowned for its climbing routes and picturesque surroundings.
- Explore Nearby National Parks: Some of the most spectacular scenery in the U.S Is near here. Provo is conveniently located within driving distance of several national parks, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park.
These are just a few of the wonderful things to do in Provo, Utah. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, Provo has something for everyone to enjoy. And BYU Fans are generally the best!
If you’re looking for some additional guides, check out our guide to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Here are some road trips Cougars fans will be making in the new Big 12 the next few years:
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.