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Spartan Stadium Seating Chart
Spartan Stadium, home of the Michigan State Spartans football team, has a capacity of 75,005.
The stadium opened in 1923 and recently underwent expansions in 2005 and 2008 that increased the seating capacity from 72,027 up to its current number of 75,005. Here is a link to the Spartan Stadium Seating Map.
Remember to purchase tickets well in advance, especially for popular games, as they can sell out quickly. Additionally, be sure to check the official MSU Athletics website or contact the ticket office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on ticket availability and purchasing options.
Tickets To Michigan State Games
- Get your Michigan State Tickets Here! Whether you’re looking for Michigan State Football tickets, or Basketball or any event, our partners at Vivid Seats have you covered.
- Official MSU Athletics Website: The primary and most reliable source for purchasing tickets to MSU games is through the official athletics website. You can visit the MSU Athletics website and navigate to the ticketing section to purchase tickets online.
- Ticket Offices: MSU has ticket offices where you can purchase tickets in person. The main ticket office is located at the Spartan Ticket Office in the 1855 Place complex on campus. You can also find satellite ticket offices at various locations, especially during game days.
- Season Ticket Packages: If you’re a dedicated fan, consider purchasing season ticket packages. These packages often provide access to a specific sport’s home games throughout the season at a discounted rate compared to individual game tickets.
- Ticket Resale Groups: Joining local ticket resale groups on social media platforms like Facebook can sometimes provide opportunities to purchase tickets from other fans who are unable to attend the game.
- Student Tickets: If you’re a student at MSU, you may have access to student tickets at a discounted rate. These tickets are typically available through the university’s student ticketing system.
- Group Tickets: Some games may offer group ticket discounts, which can be a great option if you’re attending the game with a large group of friends or family members. Contact the MSU ticket office for more information on group ticket options.
Best Seats At Spartan Stadium
Spartan Stadium in East Lansing is home to Michigan State football and holds about 75,000 fans, making it the sixth-largest stadium in the Big Ten. The vast majority of seats at the stadium are bleacher seating, meaning no chair backs, so comfort considerations are important when choosing your seats. With season ticket membership prices starting at $330 ($55 per game for the six-game home schedule) and single game tickets available, here are your best non-premium seating options:
Best Non-Premium Seats
The sweet spot for great views without premium pricing are the lower bowl sideline sections that aren’t part of the exclusive clubs. The sections at Spartan Stadium are numbered with the lower bowl consisting of sections 1-30. Sections 15-21 and 26-30 offer excellent field views from the sidelines without the premium costs of the Sideline Club sections (7-10, 22-25). You’ll be close to the action with clear sightlines to both ends of the field.
Why these are ideal: Close to field level, great viewing angles, and you avoid both the premium club costs and the visiting team sections.
Best Value: Upper Deck Behind Spartans Bench
The upper sections consist of 105-112 on the visiting team side and 120-127 behind the Michigan State bench. Sections 120-127 provide excellent value with a decent view of the field from a more aerial perspective while keeping you with fellow Spartan fans. With 32 numbered rows of seating and entry tunnels located at Row 8, getting to the seats is not as difficult as some of the larger lower level sections.
Pro tip: Sections 122-125 offer the best straight-on view of the field from the upper deck, while 120-121 and 126-127 are slightly angled but often cheaper.
Budget-Friendly Options
For the most affordable non-premium seats, consider the lower endzone sections. These seats typically cost around $30 and offer very good value. The only problem is that once you get past the 30 yard line on the other side, it’s hard to see. These sections put you close to the action for goal-line plays and touchdowns, though you’ll have a limited view of plays on the far end of the field.
Budget hack: The cheapest get-in prices for many games start around $43, showing that budget options under $50 are available for most matchups.
Sections to Avoid (Unless You’re a Visiting Fan)
Sections 105, 120, 127, and 4 are the designated visiting team sections at Spartan Stadium. If you’re a Spartan fan, you’ll want to avoid these areas to ensure you’re surrounded by fellow MSU supporters.
Premium Seating Options
So you’ve been sitting in the bleachers watching the Spartans, and you’re wondering what all those fancy seats are about. Maybe your back is tired from those metal benches, or you’re just curious about how the other half lives on game day. Let’s break down Spartan Stadium’s premium options and figure out if any of them are worth your hard-earned cash.
Our Pick for Best Value
If you’re ready to dip your toes into the premium waters without diving headfirst into financial ruin, the Sideline Club is your sweet spot. For $1,500-$1,750 per seat (plus your season tickets), you’re getting:
- Actual chairs with backs! Revolutionary concept, right?
- Prime real estate between the 20-yard lines
- First 7 rows from the field – you’ll practically be able to high-five the players
- About 1,000 green chairback seats that’ll make you feel fancy
The verdict: This is where smart money goes. You get the premium experience without selling a kidney.
The Indoor/Outdoor Experience: MSUFCU Club
Now we’re talking serious money – $3,500 to $7,000 per seat premium. But hey, you get what you pay for:
- Your own 18,500-square-foot playground on the 4th floor
- Living room furniture, multiple TVs, and private bathrooms (no more stadium bathroom lines!)
- Covered and heated seats for when Michigan weather decides to be Michigan weather
- Air conditioning for those rare hot September games
- Currently getting a $18 million makeover – first major renovation since 2005
The verdict: Perfect if you want to impress clients or just really, really hate crowds and weather.
Huntington Bank Club
These folks are so exclusive they don’t even publish their prices (you know what that means). Here’s what your mystery money gets you:
- 9 private sections with extra-wide padded chairs
- Free buffet and cash bar with beer and wine
- Weather protection without sacrificing the stadium atmosphere
- First dibs on concert tickets when big acts come to town
The verdict: If you have to ask the price, this probably isn’t for you.
MSUFCU Suites
Want to feel like a team owner? These suites come in two flavors:
- The Big Kahuna: 36 people with 24 theater seats
- The Intimate Option: 18 people with 12 theater seats
You get your name on the door, in-suite catering (yes, they’ll bring you food), and bragging rights for life. Just remember – the suite doesn’t include tickets, so you’re paying for the room AND the seats.
The verdict: Perfect for corporate entertaining or if you’ve recently won the lottery.
Here’s our honest take: The Sideline Club is the obvious winner for most people.
Why? The math is simple. You’re looking at roughly $1,750 for chairback seats in prime location versus $3,500+ for indoor club access. That’s literally double the price for what amounts to access to a fancy lounge. Unless you’re planning to spend more time inside than watching football, save your money and enjoy those field-level views.
For most Spartan fans, the jump from bleacher seats to Sideline Club gives you 80% of the premium experience for a fraction of the cost. The jump from Sideline Club to the upper-level clubs? That’s paying a premium for amenities you might not even use.
Our recommendation: Start with Sideline Club, enjoy the chairbacks and prime location, then decide if you really need the indoor lounge experience. Your back (and your wallet) will thank you.
Spartan Stadium Bag Policy
The bag policy for Spartan Stadium allows clear bags into the venue. According to Michigan State Athletics security guidelines, fans can bring the following types of bags:
- A clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
- Small clutch bag, camera, and binocular cases not exceeding 4.5″ x 6.5″
Exceptions can be made for medically necessary, childcare, or dietary items after proper inspection. Additionally, seat cushions without backs, binoculars (without the case), pagers, cell phones, small cameras, radios, blankets, rain apparel (no umbrellas), and one factory-sealed 20-oz. bottled water per person are permitted.
Spartan Stadium: The Michigan State Gameday Guide
Here is an overview of some of the policies at Spartan Stadium. For a full and updated list check out the Michigan State website. Here is an overview:
Additional Policies
- Prohibited items include weapons, containers of any kind, alcoholic beverages and food, coolers, thermoses, camcorders, tripods, strollers, and other potentially dangerous objects
- Michigan State University has a no re-entry rule for safety purposes and is a smoke-free campus. The Will Call window is located on the west side of the stadium between gates G and H.
- All fans are reminded of the “open container” ordinance adopted by the MSU Board of Trustees.The ordinance bans open containers of alcohol on campus and in all public areas of campus buildings.
- However, on home football game days, the rule will not be enforced on campus for people of legal drinking age, when the parking lots are open for tailgating. The areas where alcohol is still not allowed are the walkways next to Spartan Stadium and all public areas inside campus buildings. Just remember that you can’t have open containers in East Lansing, even during football game days.
Spartan Stadium Parking
Picture this: it’s a crisp fall Saturday morning, you’re decked out in green and white, and you’re ready to cheer on the Spartans. But first, you need to figure out where to park among the 75,000+ fans descending on East Lansing. Don’t worry – while Spartan Stadium parking might seem overwhelming at first, Michigan State actually does a pretty good job accommodating the massive crowds. Here’s your insider guide to navigating game day parking like a pro.
When Do the Lots Open?
This is crucial to know: parking lots open at 7 AM for afternoon games and 11 AM for evening games. Don’t show up earlier – they won’t let you in, and you’ll just be sitting in traffic. MSU is pretty strict about this, so plan accordingly.
Pro tip: Sign up for game day text updates by texting SPARTANFB25 to 888777. Trust me, you’ll want real-time parking and traffic info.
Your Parking Options
The Standard Play: Campus Parking ($30) Most fans go this route. You’ll pay $30 to park somewhere on campus, and the good news is tailgating is allowed in all these lots. The bad news? You might be walking for a while depending on which lot you snag. But hey, that’s part of the game day experience, right?
The Budget Winner: Lot 89 ($20) Here’s where smart fans save money. For just $20, you get parking at Lot 89 (corner of Mt. Hope and Farm Lane) PLUS a shuttle that runs from two hours before kickoff until after the game ends. Unless you really need to tailgate right next to your car, this is a fantastic deal.
The VIP Experience: Premium Lots Want to park right next to the stadium? You’ll need to be a Spartan Fund donor at the $250 level or above. These lots (62, 61, 79, 124, and 56) are as close as it gets, but they require season passes and donor status.
Shuttles and Public Transportation To Spartan Games
Here some public transportation and shuttle options available for getting to Spartan football games and other events at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Here are some of the key options:
- Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA): CATA provides bus service to campuses and surrounding areas. Several buses serve the area near Spartan Stadium on game days. Buses equipped with bike racks are also available. Fare is $1.50 per ride.
- Game Day Shuttle Service: Spartan Sports runs shuttle service from the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Hannah Administration Building, and select parking lots to Spartan Stadium. Shuttle fare is typically $5 round trip.
- Rideshare Services: Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft generally have drivers available to drop off/pick up near Spartan Stadium for a fare. Surge pricing may be in effect for big games though.
Additionally, some Spartan fan clubs and local bars run private shuttle buses to games. And the stadium area is walkable from nearby neighborhoods and hotels if close enough. I’d advise visitors to check all public transportation and shuttle options in advance to choose what works best logistically and financially.
Rideshare Options:
- Uber: Uber services are available in East Lansing, providing a convenient option for transportation to Spartan Stadium.
- Lyft: Lyft is another rideshare service operating in the area, offering additional transportation choices for visitors.
When heading to Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, there are several transportation options available, including rideshare services.
Hotels Near Spartan Stadium
East Lansing transforms into a bustling hub on Michigan State football game days, with over 75,000 fans descending on Spartan Stadium. The city offers a diverse range of accommodations from luxury on-campus hotels to budget-friendly options just minutes from the action. Smart visitors should book early for big games like Michigan rivalry matchups and homecoming, as hotels fill up quickly and rates spike. The key is finding the right balance between proximity to campus, downtown nightlife access, and your budget. Here’s your complete guide to the best places to stay near Spartan Stadium.
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center: The crown jewel of MSU accommodations, this upscale hotel sits right on campus with 160 guest rooms and suites featuring modern décor. Amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, award-winning State Room Restaurant, and prime location for walking to Spartan Stadium. Perfect for special occasions but book months ahead for game weekends.
Graduate East Lansing: This Hilton property perfectly captures MSU spirit with university-inspired design and creative interiors showcasing Spartan traditions. Located downtown across from campus, it’s just 0.5 miles from Spartan Stadium. Features include a rooftop bar with amazing views, modern guest rooms, and that perfect college town atmosphere. Rates typically start around $120-150/night.
Marriott East Lansing at University Place: Popular choice offering well-appointed rooms about 2 miles from Spartan Stadium. Features fitness center, business center, bistro area, and convenient Amazon package pickup. Solid mid-range option with rates starting around $110-130/night.
Hampton Inn & Suites East Lansing: Highly rated hotel with convenient campus location, modern rooms with upscale bathrooms, indoor pool, free breakfast, and bar & lounge. Consistently good service and amenities make this a reliable choice for game weekends.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott East Lansing University Area: All-suite hotel with spacious layouts equipped with mini-fridges and microwaves. On-site amenities include pool, fitness center, and sports bar serving American fare. Great for families or longer stays.
Residence Inn by Marriott East Lansing: Top choice for longer visits with full kitchens in all suites, separate living & sleeping areas, free hot breakfast, evening receptions, and pool. Perfect for parents visiting for multiple games or extended campus visits.
Hyatt House Lansing / University Area: Extended-stay hotel within walking distance of MSU with fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas, and residential-style comfort. Adjacent to Municipal Park and close to the scenic Lansing River Trail.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott: All-suite hotel with workspace areas and full kitchens, outdoor pool, free WiFi and breakfast. Just a 5-minute drive from campus with good value for families.
Candlewood Suites East Lansing: Extended-stay focused hotel featuring contemporary decor, fitness room, and fully-equipped kitchens in every suite. Good option for budget-conscious longer stays.
Clarion Pointe East Lansing University Area: Solid budget option offering free WiFi, free breakfast, and basic amenities just minutes from campus. Perfect for fans who plan to spend most of their time at tailgates and games rather than in the hotel.
Bars and Restaurants in East Lansing
East Lansing has developed several vibrant entertainment districts perfect for grabbing a bite or continuing the festivities post-game. The campus area along Grand River Avenue offers a lively bar scene flowing with reasonably priced drinks, while downtown East Lansing presents a more eclectic mix of restaurants and pubs suitable for all tastes.
Visitors also rave about the small-town charm of Ann Street Plaza or the Abbot Road corridor. Wherever Spartan fans choose to congregate, they’ll discover an array of dining and nightlife options to cater to any crowd. Here are some places to start:
Restaurants:
- Hopcat: Craft beer bar & gastropub serving burgers and American fare in a cool, rustic-industrial setting
- Tony Sacco’s Coal Oven Pizza: Share one of their acclaimed coal-fired pizzas with the group.
- Georgio’s Gourmet Pizzeria: A popular pizza place serving New York-style pies since 1975.
- Meat BBQ: Southern BBQ: BBQ joint featuring smoked brisket, pulled pork, & creative loaded tater tots
- Golden Harvest: Breakfast & lunch diner known for their huge pancake/omelette options and hash brown casserole
- El Azteco: Popular Mexican spot with a festive atmosphere & daily lunch specials – great margaritas!
Bars:
- Peanut Barrel: Iconic multi-level bar & grill, located near campus, with a extensive craft beer selection & pub-style food
- Harper’s Restaurant & Brewpub: Local microbrewery with 30+ beers on tap & elevated pub grub options in a chill setting
- The Riv: Known for its epic drink deals and as a top spot for flipping “sivers” on your 21st birthday
- Dublin Square: Laid-back two-floor Irish pub with nightly drink specials & events like trivia and live music
In addition, East Lansing has a great bar scene along Grand River Avenue. Establishments like PT O’Malley’s, Crunchy’s or The Tin Can have great drink specials on game days.
Things To Do In East Lansing
East Lansing, Michigan, is a vibrant college town with plenty of fun activities to offer. Here are some suggestions:
- Explore Michigan State University Campus: Take a stroll through the beautiful campus of Michigan State University. Visit landmarks like Beaumont Tower, the Spartan Statue, and the MSU Botanical Gardens.
- Visit the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum: Explore contemporary art at this striking museum designed by architect Zaha Hadid. Admission is free, and the rotating exhibits offer something new with each visit.
- Go to a Farmers’ Market: Experience local flavor at the East Lansing Farmers’ Market. It’s a great place to pick up fresh produce, artisanal goods, and crafts made by local vendors.
- Hike or Bike the Lansing River Trail: Enjoy the outdoors on the Lansing River Trail, which stretches along the Red Cedar River and connects Lansing and East Lansing. It’s perfect for walking, running, biking, or just relaxing by the water.
- Visit the Wharton Center for Performing Arts: Catch a live performance at the Wharton Center, which hosts a diverse array of shows, including Broadway productions, concerts, and dance performances.
- Attend Festivals and Events: Keep an eye out for festivals and events happening in East Lansing throughout the year, such as the East Lansing Art Festival or the Great Lakes Folk Festival.
- Explore Downtown East Lansing: Wander around downtown East Lansing, where you’ll find shops, cafes, and entertainment options. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic Spartan statue.
Whether you’re a Spartan football fan, a student, or simply an alumni coming back to the campus, a visit to Spartan Stadium promises lasting memories of camaraderie, excitement, and Spartan pride. Here are some other guides:
Ford Field, Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena
Thanks for Reading!
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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.