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School
University of Arizona
Stadium
Arizona Stadium
Capacity
50,800
Conference
Big 12
The neighborhoods where Tucson fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.
Main entertainment corridor through U of A campus. Packed with bars, restaurants, and red-clad fans on gameday. Walking distance to Arizona Stadium.
Notable Bars
Historic bohemian district with eclectic bars, shops, and restaurants. More diverse and artsy than University Boulevard.
Notable Bars
Major corridor near campus with bars and restaurants. More spread out than University Boulevard.
Notable Bars
University of Arizona campus surrounds Arizona Stadium. Tailgating central on gameday.
Notable Bars
Plan your game day around the University of Arizona Wildcats home schedule
Sep 5
Sep 12
Sep 19
Sep 26
Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
Oct 31
Nov 7
Nov 14
Nov 21
Nov 28
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Fall football weather in Tucson brings a mix of conditions from warm September afternoons to cold November nights. Layers are your best friend on game day.
78°
High
55°
Low
65°
High
44°
Low
50°
High
32°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Arizona Stadium.
Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.
The definitive guide to Tucson's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.
from Arizona Stadium
Atmosphere
College sports bar/brewery
Known For
from Arizona Stadium
Atmosphere
British pub
Known For
from Arizona Stadium
Atmosphere
Pizza bar
Known For
from Arizona Stadium
Atmosphere
Burrito bar
Known For
from Arizona Stadium
Atmosphere
College dive bar
Known For
from Arizona Stadium
Atmosphere
Craft cocktail bar
Known For
from Arizona Stadium
Atmosphere
Craft beer bar
Known For
from Arizona Stadium
Atmosphere
Fast casual restaurant
Known For
The best order to hit Tucson's top bars on game day — optimized for walking distance, atmosphere, and crowd energy.
Start
Gentle Ben's Brewing Company
Est. Time
2.5-3 hours
Total Distance
1.5 miles
Start Here
Gentle Ben's Brewing Company
865 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
874 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
920 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
871 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
305 N Herbert Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
1 National Championship Dr, Tucson, AZ 85721
End Point
Arizona Stadium
University Boulevard is the heart of Wildcats gameday. Start at Gentle Ben's rooftop 3-4 hours before kickoff, work your way down the strip, and walk 5 minutes to Arizona Stadium. Bear Down!
What makes Wildcats game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.
Bear Down is Arizona's motto and rallying cry, born from the dying words of student body president John "Button" Salmon in 1926. When someone shouts "Bear Down!" the crowd responds "Bear Down!" It's used at every game, in every bar, and across campus. It's more than a chant — the soul of the University of Arizona.
The ZonaZoo is Arizona's legendary student section, consistently ranked among the best in college football. Students pack the north end zone in red and blue, creating an intimidating wall of noise. The ZonaZoo has been known to rattle opposing quarterbacks and turn the tide of games.
Gentle Ben's Brewing Company on University Boulevard is the unofficial headquarters of Arizona gameday. The rooftop deck fills with red-and-blue fans hours before kickoff, house-brewed beers flow, and the energy builds to a fever pitch. It's been a U of A tradition for decades.
Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat are Arizona's beloved mascot duo — one of the few schools with both a male and female mascot. They roam the sidelines together, interact with fans, and have been a fixture at Arizona Stadium since 1959. Kids love them, and they're always up for a photo.
Before every home game, Tucson fans make a pilgrimage to Eegee's for frozen fruit drinks — a Tucson institution since 1971. The frozen drinks are perfect for hot desert gamedays, and the ritual of stopping at Eegee's before the game is game itself to true Tucsonans.
Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.
Mexican · 3.2 miles from Arizona Stadium from stadium
James Beard Award winner for the iconic Sonoran hot dog — bacon-wrapped, topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and jalapeño sauce. A Tucson original and absolute must-try.
Fast Casual · 2.8 miles from Arizona Stadium from stadium
Tucson's beloved local chain since 1971. The Ranch Fries are legendary — crinkle-cut fries with ranch dressing. The Eegee frozen drink (like a slushie) is perfect for hot gamedays. Try the monthly flavor!
Brewpub · 0.4 miles from Arizona Stadium from stadium
Right on University Avenue, Gentle Ben's is the ultimate Wildcat gameday spot. Rooftop patio, craft beers brewed on-site, and classic pub fare. The Copperhead Pale Ale is a Tucson favorite.
Mexican · 4.1 miles from Arizona Stadium from stadium
Family-owned since 1990, serving authentic Sonoran-style Mexican food. The carne asada burrito is massive and perfectly seasoned. The rolled tacos (taquitos) with guacamole are a local favorite.
Deli · 0.5 miles from Arizona Stadium from stadium
University of Arizona's favorite sandwich shop since 1977. The Bison Witches signature sandwich is loaded with turkey, bacon, avocado, and sprouts. Great beer selection and a college dive bar vibe.
Burgers · 1.8 miles from Arizona Stadium from stadium
Tucson's best burger joint on 4th Avenue. The Lindy's Burger is a half-pound of beef with all the fixings. The sweet potato fries are crispy and addictive. Great craft beer selection.
The top districts in Tucson for game day bar crawls and nightlife.
Main entertainment corridor through U of A campus. Packed with bars, restaurants, and red-clad fans on gameday. Walking distance to Arizona Stadium.
Historic bohemian district with eclectic bars, shops, and restaurants. More diverse and artsy than University Boulevard.
Major corridor near campus with bars and restaurants. More spread out than University Boulevard.
University of Arizona campus surrounds Arizona Stadium. Tailgating central on gameday.
Turn your love of Wildcats football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Arizona Stadium
University Boulevard is THE place to be - arrive early gets packed
Desert heat is intense - hydrate constantly, especially for day games (90°F+ common)
Gentle Ben's rooftop deck has the best views on University Boulevard
Bear Down is the Arizona rallying cry - learn it and use it
ZonaZoo student section is one of the most energetic in college football
Try an eegee's frozen drink - it's a Tucson tradition (not alcoholic but essential)
Parking requires permits - buy in advance or use streetcar from downtown
The Hut is cash only - hit an ATM before going
Night games are better - desert cools down and atmosphere heats up
4th Avenue offers unique Tucson vibe - worth exploring before or after the game
Top hotels near Arizona Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Tucson game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
University of Arizona Athletics
Official athletic department website for schedules and tickets
Arizona Stadium Info
Stadium policies, parking maps, and fan guide
Tucson Visitor Bureau
Official city tourism and hotel information
Big 12 Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast info
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage
Tucson Bar Scene Guide
Explore the best bars and bar districts in Tucson on game day
Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Arizona Stadium, and discover where Wildcats fans drink on game day.