Tailgates

Vandal Fan Zone home and away game tailgates

You're invited to the Vandal Fan Zone, the official spot for celebrating before all home football games. Enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks, refreshing beverages, special appearances by the Sound of Idaho Marching Band and Vandal Spirit Squad, plus family activities, games for kids, giveaways and more.

Tailgate and pre-game activities are also planned for every away game to amp up the energy for cheering on the Vandals to victory.

Game Day at home games

The Vandal Fan Zone tailgate area is located in front of the ICCU Arena. You’ll find food by local vendors, music, performances, a visit by the Sound of Idaho Marching Band and Vandal Spirit Squad, giveaways, games for kids and more! The Vandal Fan Zone opens two hours prior to kickoff. This event is free, family-friendly and open to all.

Vandal-fan-hosted tailgating is allowed in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome parking lot and nearby lots starting four hours prior to kickoff. Reserved spots are available in designated lots for certain Vandal Scholarship Fund donors.

Fans may bring their own beverages to the university-hosted tailgate area, as long as (1) the liquid is in an opaque container, (2) the container is not labeled by an alcohol manufacturer or distributor and (3) beverages stay within one of the designated tailgating parking lots. U of I has implemented a clear bag policy for large events and bags can be purchased at the VandalStore.

Vandal gatherings at away games

Join Alumni Relations at tailgate and pre-game gatherings for all away games this season. Enjoy food and drinks and a rousing round of the fight song before taking your seat in the stands. Event schedule and prices vary by location. Please check the Alumni events calendar and be sure to update your contact information to get the latest news on events, watch parties, special offers and more.

Things to know

2026 Vandal Football and tailgate schedule

Get pumped for Vandal football! Your Alumni Relations team will host tailgate celebrations at home and away games all season long. Single game and season tickets go on sale this summer! Be sure to update your contact information to be notified of where to catch the action with Vandals.

Friday, Aug. 28 at Cal Poly

While we’re not hosting an official Vandal Tailgate for the Friday, Aug. 28 game, a Vandal alumna has secured Tailgate Spot #1 on the corner of South Perimeter Road and Via Carta so there’s still a place to gather with your fellow Vandal fans!

Tailgate Spot #1

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus
Friday, Aug. 28, 4 p.m. Pacific time | Kickoff: 7 p.m.

No-host tailgate — bring your own food and beverages and come ready to cheer on the Vandals! Check out Cal Poly’s tailgating FAQ for what is allowed.

The tailgate map shows the location of Spot #1.

Guests can park nearby at the Grand Avenue Parking Complex.

Get your game tickets — Vandal fans can purchase general admission (GA) tickets in Sections 104 and 105.

Come early, wear your black and gold and let’s pack the stands with Vandal pride!

GO VANDALS!

Thursday, Sept. 3 at Utah

Join fellow Vandals in Salt Lake City as we kick off football season before Idaho takes on the Utes! Whether you're fueling up with great food or simply stopping by to reconnect with fellow alumni and fans, we'd love to see you decked out in black and gold for this pregame celebration.

Tailgate details

Thursday, Sept. 3
4-7 p.m. (Mountain time)
Dave and Buster's
140 S. Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, Utah

Tailgate pricing

Early Bird (through 5 p.m. Mountain time Monday, Aug. 27): $30 per person

After Aug. 27 and on-site: $35 per person

Not planning to eat? You're still welcome to join us! Attendance is free if you simply want to stop by, visit with fellow Vandals and enjoy the pregame atmosphere.

Your Tailgate Ticket includes a variety of delicious appetizers such as flatbreads, mini pretzel dogs, boneless wings, garlic butter pretzel sticks with ranch, house salad with dressing and unlimited soda, tea and coffee.

You can also purchase a Special Events Power Card for just $25 (a $39 value) and receive 156 game chips! They will also be available for purchase at the event.

RSVP today at https://vandaltailgateutah2026.eventbrite.com

A no-host cash bar will also be available.

After the tailgate, grab a TRAX just down the street and head to Rice-Eccles Stadium for kickoff at 7 p.m. Mountain time. Vandal fans will be seated in Sections W06, W07 and W08. After the tailgate, head to Rice-Eccles Stadium for kickoff at 7 p.m. Mountain time. Vandal fans will be seated in Sections W06, W07 and W08. Click HERE to reserve your seat!

We can't wait to celebrate another football season with you. Go Vandals!

Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Lamar

It’s the first home game of the season, and we’d love to see you in the Vandal Fan Zone. You can’t miss us right outside the ICCU Arena before kickoff. Enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks, refreshing beverages, special appearances by the Sound of Idaho Marching Band and Vandal Spirit Squad, plus family activities, games for kids, giveaways and more.

Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. Abilene Christian

Whether you’re into the action on the field or the party before kickoff, the Vandal Fan Zone is where the Vandal spirit comes alive. Get the whole family decked out in Vandal gear, bring your Vandal spirit and get ready for some fun and connection.

Friday, Oct. 2 vs. Montana State and Tap the Keg

Tap into the fun before the big game! At Tap the Keg Craft Brew Fest and Fundraiser, raise a glass, enjoy great food and support University of Idaho Alumni Association programs throughout the year. We’ll also have food trucks, fun for the kids and more excitement at the Vandal Fan Zone.

Saturday, Oct. 10 at Weber State

The team hits the road again to take on the Wildcats in Ogden, Utah. Alumni and friends will get together before the game at Steiny’s Family Sports Bar and Grill, where you can up your gameday gear with specials from the VandalStore.

  • Vandal pre-game gathering starts activities start at 10 a.m. Mountain time
  • Purchase a buffet meal at Steiny’s for $21.99 per person for adults, $11.49 for children under 10
    • Prices include taxes and fees
  • Buy football game tickets through the Weber State ticket office
    • Vandals will be seated in sections 108-109 and 208-210
Saturday, Oct. 17 at Montana

Join fellow University of Idaho alumni and fans in Missoula before the Vandals battle the Griz for the Little Brown Stein! Whether you're fueling up with a great BBQ lunch or simply stopping by to reconnect with fellow Vandals, we can't wait to celebrate game day together.

Tailgate details

Saturday, October 17
10 a.m. (Mountain Time)
Spot 2, Kirkland Memorial Grove
East of the indoor practice facility, Missoula, Montana

Tailgate pricing

Early registration: $20 per person
At the door: $25 per person

Not planning to eat? You're still welcome to join us! Attendance is free if you'd simply like to stop by, visit with fellow Vandals and enjoy the pregame atmosphere.

Your tailgate ticket includes:

  • BBQ pulled pork sandwich
  • Creamy coleslaw
  • Vegetarian baked beans
  • Cornbread with honey butter
  • Iced water
  • A no-host beer and wine bar will also be available.

RSVP at https://vandaltailgatemontana2026.eventbrite.com

Game information

After the tailgate, get ready for one of the biggest rivalry games of the season as the Vandals take on Montana for the Little Brown Stein at 1 p.m. Mountain Time at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Vandal fans will be seated in Section 103.

Game tickets

Reserve your football tickets at https://griztix.evenue.net/event/FB27/FBG05. Order today before they sell out!

We can't wait to cheer on the Vandals with you in Missoula. Go Vandals!

Questions?

Contact Sandy Larsen at 208-364-4030 or sandyl@uidaho.edu.

Saturday, Oct. 24 vs. Southern Utah — Homecoming

Join us for the ultimate Homecoming weekend tailgating experience outside the P1FCU Kibbie Dome! Enjoy delicious food truck options, refreshing beverages available for purchase, exciting giveaways and a raffle for Vandal swag at the alumni tent, plus plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. The fun kicks off two hours prior to kickoff.

Saturday, Oct. 31 at Portland State

Calling all Vandals in the Pacific Northwest: Let’s take over Portland! Before Idaho faces Portland State, stop by the official Vandal Tailgate to fuel up, catch up with fellow alumni and fans and kick off game day the right way. Check back for more details.

Saturday, Nov. 7 vs. Eastern Washington — Parent and Family Weekend

Join us for the ultimate home tailgating experience outside the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. You can look forward to delicious food truck options, refreshing beverages available for purchase, exciting giveaways and a raffle for Vandal swag at the alumni tent, plus activities to keep the kids entertained. The fun starts two hours prior to kick off.

Saturday, Nov. 14 vs. UC Davis

Join us for the ultimate home tailgating experience outside the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. You can look forward to delicious food truck options, refreshing beverages available for purchase, exciting giveaways and a raffle for Vandal swag at the alumni tent, plus activities to keep the kids entertained. The fun starts two hours prior to kick off.

Saturday, Nov. 21 at Idaho State — Battle for the Potato State Trophy

Join fellow University of Idaho alumni and fans in Pocatello before the Vandals battle Idaho State for the Potato State Trophy! Whether you're enjoying a delicious potato bar or simply stopping by to reconnect with fellow Vandals, we can't wait to celebrate game day together.

Tailgate details

Saturday, Nov. 21
1-4 p.m. Mountain time
Bonneville Park
Located directly across the street from the ICCU Dome (formerly Holt Arena), Pocatello, Idaho

Tailgate pricing

Early registration: $20 per person
At the door: $25 per person

RSVP today at https://vandaltailgateisu2026.eventbrite.com

Not planning to eat? You're still welcome to join us! Attendance is free if you'd simply like to stop by, visit with fellow Vandals and enjoy the pregame atmosphere.

Your tailgate ticket includes:

  • A delicious baked potato bar with all the toppings
  • No-host beverages will be available
  • Great company and plenty of Vandal spirit
  • The VandalStore will be on-site with exclusive Vandal apparel, gifts and game-day gear, making it the perfect opportunity to stock up for the holidays.

Can't make it to the tailgate? Stop by the VandalStore at the Bennion Student Union in Idaho Falls on Friday, Nov. 20, where they'll also be selling Vandal gear ahead of game day.

Game information

After the tailgate, head across the street to the ICCU Dome as the Vandals take on Idaho State in the battle for the Potato State Trophy!

Game tickets

Game tickets are available at idahostate.evenue.net/event/FB26/FB7. The Vandals will be seated in sections L and M.

We can't wait to cheer on the Vandals with you in Pocatello. Go Vandals!

Questions?

Contact Sandy Larsen at 208-364-4030 or sandyl@uidaho.edu.

Watch parties

If you can’t make it to a game this season, attend or host a Vandal football watch party or pregame in your area.

Join the party