Tailgates
Official Vandal tailgates
You are invited to the official tailgate of Vandal football. Let us treat you to a fantastic, pride-filled time at both home and away games. We provide all the fun of tailgating without the hassle of planning one yourself, offering Vandal alumni, fans and friends a perfect way to start game day.
Game Day at the Kibbie Dome
The official Vandal Tailgate 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! Vandal Tailgate 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.
Away game tailgates
Join Alumni Relations at the official Vandal Tailgate at select away games. 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 tailgate schedule
Get pumped for Vandal football! Your Alumni Relations team will host tailgate celebrations at home and away games all season long. Events will be updated here as details are confirmed. 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.
Saturday, Aug. 28 at Cal Poly
While we won't be hosting an official Vandal Tailgate for the game at Cal Poly this year, we hope you'll still join us in cheering on the Vandals from the stands! Kick-off is at 7 p.m. Pacific time.
Gather your fellow Vandals, wear your silver and gold and help us create a strong Idaho presence as the team takes on the Mustangs.
Purchase your game tickets here: https://ticketscalpoly.evenue.net/event/ATH27/FB01
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. Game tickets will go on sale Wednesday, July 15.
We can't wait to celebrate another football season with you. Go Vandals!
Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Lamar
Join us for the ultimate home tailgating experience outside the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. Look forward to delicious food truck options, refreshing beverages available for purchase, exciting giveaways and a raffle for Vandal swag at the Alumni Relations tent, plus activities to keep the kids entertained. The fun starts two hours prior to kick off.
Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. Abilene Christian
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, Oct. 3 vs. Montana State
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, Oct. 10 at Weber State
Join the University of Idaho Alumni Relations team and the VandalStore for a pregame celebration before the Vandals take on Weber State! Whether you're enjoying the buffet or simply stopping by to reconnect with fellow alumni and fans, we'd love to see you sporting your black and gold.
Tailgate details
Saturday, Oct. 10
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Mountain time)
Steiny's Family Sports Bar & Grill
3809 Riverdale Road, Ogden, Utah
Tailgate pricing
Tailgate Admission: Free
Want to enjoy the buffet? Add a meal for $20 per person, which includes a delicious buffet.
RSVP online at https://vandaltailgateweber2026.eventbrite.com
Beer, wine and other beverages will be available for purchase.
Be sure to stop by the VandalStore, where you'll find exclusive tailgate specials along with plenty of Vandal apparel and gear.
Game information
After the tailgate, head to Stewart Stadium as the Vandals take on the Wildcats at 1 p.m. Mountain time. Vandal fans will be seated in sections 108-109 and 208-210.
Game tickets
Purchase your game tickets through the Weber State Ticket Office. Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
We can't wait to cheer on the Vandals with you in Ogden. Go Vandals!
Questions?
Contact Sandy Larsen at 208-364-4030 or sandyl@uidaho.edu.
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
Game tickets will go on sale soon.
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.