BYU football Saturdays are unlike any other game day in college football. The atmosphere at LaVell Edwards Stadium is electric, the fans are passionate (and famously polite), and the Wasatch Mountains provide the most dramatic backdrop in the sport. Whether you're a lifelong Cougar fan, a visiting supporter, or a first-timer who just wants to experience a college football Saturday, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The Stadium
LaVell Edwards Stadium seats 62,073 — the largest football stadium in the Big 12 — and sits at the north end of BYU's campus. It is a single-tier box bowl with no upper deck, which is exactly why the view works: from the east side you are looking straight out at the Wasatch Front, with Y Mountain standing over the south end. It is one of the few stadiums in America where the scenery competes with the game for your attention.
The stadium is named after legendary coach LaVell Edwards, who led BYU to its 1984 national championship and 257 career wins. BYU joined the Big 12 Conference in 2023, which means the schedule now includes major conference opponents in addition to traditional rivalries.
For the building itself — how it grew from an orchard, the no-bag rule that catches visiting fans out, the attendance record that can no longer be broken, and what the weather actually does across a season at 4,500 feet — see the full LaVell Edwards Stadium guide.
Getting Tickets
Season tickets are the most affordable option for locals who plan to attend multiple games. Single-game tickets are available through BYU's ticket office and secondary markets. Pricing varies significantly by opponent — Big 12 conference games and rivalry matchups (Utah, Utah State) command premium prices, while non-conference games against smaller programs are more affordable.
Student tickets are available at a significant discount for enrolled BYU students. The student section (south end zone) is loud, standing-room energy — the best atmosphere in the stadium.
Visiting fans: Tickets for visiting team sections are available through the visiting school's ticket office or secondary markets. BYU's fan base is welcoming to visitors — you won't face hostility, even in opposing colors.
Parking & Getting There
Parking near LaVell Edwards Stadium is limited and fills early. The short version is below; our full parking and game-day traffic guide covers the free lots, the tailgate-lot rules, RV and disability parking, and how to get out afterward.
BYU lots: Several campus parking lots open for game-day parking, typically $20–$30. These fill 2–3 hours before kickoff for popular games. Arrive early.
Street parking: Free street parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods but fills up fast and may require a 15–20 minute walk. Respect residential parking restrictions.
Ride transit: UTA provides free special-event bus service between Orem and Provo on game days, with multiple stops north and south of campus. This is the easiest, lowest-stress option.
Walk from downtown: If you're staying at a downtown hotel or eating on Center Street before the game, the walk to the stadium is about 15–20 minutes. It's pleasant and avoids all parking hassles — and it is the move we recommend to visiting fans flying in.
Ride-share: Uber and Lyft operate in Provo but can have limited availability and surge pricing after games. Set a pickup point away from the stadium for faster service.
Tailgating & Pregame
BYU tailgating has its own character — family-friendly, food-focused, and enthusiastic without the alcohol-fueled intensity of some other programs (BYU is a dry campus).
Cougar Canyon: The official pregame gathering area along Canyon Road, west of the stadium. Live music, food vendors, sponsor activations, and fan activities set up several hours before kickoff. It's the central hub for the pregame experience.
Independent tailgating: Fans set up in parking lots and grassy areas near the stadium. Grills, coolers, lawn games, and team gear are the standard setup. The atmosphere is social and welcoming — introducing yourself to neighboring tailgaters is encouraged.
Pregame meal: Many fans eat on Center Street before the game — the restaurants are a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Station 22 on Center Street and Black Sheep, a block up University Avenue, are the popular downtown pregame spots. Brick Oven is the other fixture and is closer in, at 800 North rather than downtown. Or grab a J Dawgs hot dog near campus for a quick, cheap option.
Game Day Food
Inside the stadium: Standard concession fare — hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, sodas, and the usual lineup. BYU Creamery products (including the famous chocolate milk) are available at concession stands.
Near the stadium: J Dawgs (gourmet hot dogs), food trucks that set up near Cougar Canyon, and several fast-casual options along University Avenue near campus.
After the game: downtown restaurants fill up fast after a game. Make a reservation if you're planning a postgame dinner. Station 22 is on Center Street; Communal is a block up at 102 N University Avenue; Brick Oven (root beer and pizza) is neither, sitting on 800 North closer to campus. Alternatively, grab food near campus before the postgame traffic clears.
The Fan Experience
What Makes BYU Unique
BYU has one of the most distinctive fan cultures in college football. The crowd is passionate and knowledgeable but famously clean — no profanity, no alcohol in the stadium, and a genuine politeness toward visiting fans that surprises first-timers. This doesn't mean the atmosphere is tame — when 62,000 fans are engaged in a close game against a conference rival, LaVell Edwards Stadium gets loud.
The Cosmo the Cougar mascot is one of the best in college sports — known for acrobatic stunts, crowd interactions, and genuine entertainment value.
Traditions to Know
The fight song: "Rise and Shout, the Cougars are out" plays after every BYU score. Learn the first verse to fit in.
The wave: Happens in the student section and sweeps through the stadium. Participate.
White-outs and blue-outs: For major games, BYU occasionally calls for all fans to wear a specific color. Check BYU Athletics social media before the game for any dress code requests.
Where to Stay
If you're visiting from out of town, book accommodation well in advance for football weekends — Provo's hotel inventory is limited and fills up quickly. For the full zone-by-zone picture, see our where to stay in Provo guide — and for the specific hotels that let you walk home from the stadium, our hotels near BYU guide maps the walkable pocket.
Best options near campus: Best Western Plus Provo University Inn (walking distance), SpringHill Suites by Marriott Provo, Days Inn Provo.
Downtown: Provo Marriott, Hyatt Place Provo — walking distance to both Center Street restaurants and the stadium.
Budget option: Hotels in Orem (10 minutes north) are often cheaper and available when Provo is sold out.
For full hotel recommendations, see our Parent's Guide to Visiting Provo.
Beyond the Game
A BYU football Saturday is a great excuse to explore Provo. Arrive Friday evening for a Center Street dinner. Saturday morning, hike the Y (you'll see it lit up during night games) or walk the campus. Attend the game in the afternoon or evening. Sunday, drive up Provo Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls or Sundance before heading home.
Related Guides
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Best Wings in Provo Last updated: April 2026. Game schedules, ticket prices, and policies change annually. Check BYUCougars.com for current season information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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