Spartan Stadium

Capacity: 75,005

Home Teams: Michigan State Spartans (NCAA College Football)

Spartan Stadium Events

Spartan Stadium of East Lansing, Michigan, recently celebrated its centennial in 2023, toasting 100 years of Michigan State Spartans football games that the stadium has paid witness to. While a huge stadium in its own right, Spartan Stadium is nowhere near the largest in its state, dwarfed by the behemoth that is Ann Arbor’s Michigan Stadium (largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere and third largest in the world, having hosted games with over 115,000 fans). The accomplishments of the Michigan State Spartans, impressive by virtually any other metric, also pale when placed against those of their state rivals, the denizens of Michigan Stadium, the Michigan Wolverines, who are by many measures the most successful college football team of all time. Even the record that Spartan Stadium once held for hosting the largest-ever crowd (74,554) at an outdoor hockey game between the two rival schools (which did end 3-3 and was thus nicknamed “The Cold War”) was eclipsed in a 2010 rematch in Ann Arbor, where well over 100,000 fans turned up to Michigan Stadium to watch their team win 5-0, just to rub it in a little more. And yet still, whether it is sheer devotion to their school or pure love of being the underdog, Spartans fans refuse to surrender their state. Year after year, they come back for more, dreaming that this could be the season where they win it all, or at least outdo their mighty rivals. The Spartans football team has actually given its fans quite a bit to cheer about over the years at Spartan Stadium, posting an impressive 730–487–44 all-time record for a winning percentage of .596. Playing most of their history in the powerful Big Ten Conference, the team has nonetheless claimed 11 conference titles (9 of them Big Ten titles), as well as 6 national titles and 14 Bowl victories. While their Bowl record looks less than impressive at 14-16, recent outings have been encouraging, with victories in the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Peach Bowl among others in the past 15 years (they have won 7 out of their last 9 Bowl games) adding to the 3 Big Ten Conference titles won in the same time period. Fans flock to games from all over the state and beyond, reveling in the pregame buildup of parties, tailgating, and camaraderie leading up to the game. Many fans line up to cheer the team along the Spartan Walk past the Spartan Statue into the stadium prior to the game, bellowing out “Go Green! Go White!” whilst sporting those colors themselves. Once in the stands, the fans really get going just prior to kickoff after the stadium announcer calls out the weather forecast and (no matter what it is) booms “It's a beautiful day for football!” The Hollywood film 300 (a story of ancient Sparta fighting the Persians at Thermopylae) has also inevitably infiltrated Spartan Stadium as well, with a clip from the film played on the big screen whenever the opponent is on third down and fans shouting "Ha-Ooh!" while raiding their fists like spears. Star of the film Gerard Butler actually wowed the crowd in 2010 when he attended a game and revved up the crowd with some of his character’s best lines. Aside from Spartans home games and one outdoor hockey game, Spartan Stadium has also occasionally hosted large-scale concerts. Visitors who arrive at Spartan Stadium hungry will find plenty of tasty stadium snacks, including slices from Sparty’s Pizza, burgers from Sparty’s Grill, and brats from Spartanville, along with plenty of cold beer. If in the market for some Spartans merchandise, check out one of the kiosks or shops inside Spartan Stadium or around campus. 

Spartan Stadium Seating Chart

Spartan Stadium is a large venue that provides many different seating options for visitors to choose from. Premium seating areas such as the MSUFCU Club, MSUFCU Suites, or Sideline Club are the best choices for those looking to spend game day in extra comfort, with five-star food and beverage service alongside first class amenities and excellent views of the action. If you would rather get into the mix with the loudest and most passionate fans, plenty of general admission seating is available throughout the rest of the stadium. For affordable tickets to Michigan State Spartans games or other events held at Spartan Stadium, check our listings on TicketX. Our handy seating chart can help you compare different seating options to find those that suit your price range and location preferences.

Getting to Spartan Stadium (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access Spartan Stadium via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to Spartan Stadium via public transportation

Local East Lansing buses can get you to Spartan Stadium from around town, but most people tend to use the dedicated shuttle buses that run on game days instead ($5 round trip). Walking or cycling to the stadium, or taking a taxi or ride-share, are other possible options. Check out the Michigan State Spartans website to learn more about shuttle schedules, routes, and pickup locations.

Getting to Spartan Stadium by car

Getting to Spartan Stadium in one’s own vehicle tends to be the most popular option in East Lansing, which is fine as long as you arrive early (better to enjoy the buildup anyway!) and plan your route in advance. Many drivers make use of the shuttles, parking some distance from the stadium to avoid traffic congestion. The Michigan State Spartans website has clear driving directions and detailed maps. 

Does Spartan Stadium have on-site parking?

There is plenty of parking within a short walk of Spartan Stadium. Premier lots nearest the stadium are allocated to donors and season ticket holders, but fans will find spaces in other lots around campus and town. Shuttle services are available from certain lots and pickup points. Head to the Michigan State Spartans website for a parking map and detailed explanations of different parking areas.

How much does Spartan Stadium parking cost?

Parking on game days around Spartan Stadium generally costs $20 with Cherry Lane Field parking charging $30. Shuttles from the parking lots to the stadium generally cost $5 roundtrip. Go to the Michigan State Spartans website to learn more about parking prices for games and events at Spartan Stadium.