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First Stanford Game - Printable Version

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First Stanford Game - Boss Barkley - 08-28-2016

Hey guys,

This Friday I'll be in town for the Stanford football game.  I'm a Penn State fan, making my way across all the BCS schools (both in football and basketball).  This will be stadium 27 for me and my first in the Pac-12.  The football game is a little bit of a flyby for me, as I'll be off to Seattle for the Washington game (and a few other things) on Saturday morning.  I plan on exploring the campus more when I come back for to see the basketball team.  That being said, I'm not going to have a whole lot of time between my flight landing and getting to the game.  So coming from the SFO airport, I was wondering what you guys think will be the most time effective option.

I heard one option is to take the Caltrain.  I read that's its quickest to take an uber 10 minutes down the road and catching a downstream station and going into Palo Alto.

Also considering picking up a rental, which is convenient from the standpoint of storing my luggage during the game.

I was originally going to take the Caltrain for sure, but my Airbnb flaked this week, so I'm trying to regroup a little.  My biggest handicap is trying to put my bag somewhere, because my flight takes off in the morning before SFO's luggage storage opens.  My main priority is getting to the game.  I'm fairly flexible with money, but prefer to save where possible.

Thanks guys

Re: First Stanford Game - yvonne - 08-28-2016

Airtrain - BART --- > CalTrain will probably get you there sooner than a car rental, since you have to wait in line for a car rental. Lyft might be a better solution, but neither of these solutions will enable you to store your bags, AND the stadium now has an NFL-like clear bag policy.

Given all that, I'd say rent a car.

Re: First Stanford Game - Griffins78 - 08-28-2016

If you can get there via car rental in time - that is probably your best option. You'll have more flexibility on where you stay, where you eat, and when you go back to SFO. If you're a member of Hertz Gold or something like that you can just go to your car and drive away - it'll be fast. If you're not a member - pre-pay and become a member of their program so you can get out as quickly as possible.

Other alternative is to stay at one of the hotels near Stadium (but probably booked and expensive)

Re: First Stanford Game - Embo - 08-28-2016

Welcome to Stanford, and welcome to The Cardboard.

I've done a little research, and I have to agree with Yvonne.  A rental car is your best option, given that you will have luggage to store.

The only other option you have would be what Yvonne said:  Air Train to BART to Caltrain.  Yes, public transit would be feasible, easy, and very reasonably priced.  You would get off at the University Avenue Caltrain station, quickly check your bags into a hotel that is within walking distance, then walk a long block along El Camino Real to the stadium.  Only here's the biggest issue:  The hotels, either the Sheraton Palo Alto or the Westin, have no vacancies for that night, and both are, as you could imagine, not compatible with the preference to save where possible.

You should make your car reservation now, since SFO is busy during the Labor Day weekend.  I did look - just to get the car Friday afternoon and return it Saturday AM will set you back $64.  (That blows me away, because I got a car on New Years Eve for the Rose Bowl and returned it January 2nd for a total of $31!)

One more thing - parking on campus is easy and free.

Enjoy your trip, the game, and be safe.

Re: First Stanford Game - 82lsju - 08-28-2016

if the flights work you'd be better off flying in and out of San Jose.  Much less likely to have flight delays and generally a shorter drive to the stadium.

Re: First Stanford Game - TreeWeird - 08-28-2016

(08-28-2016, 05:35 PM)Embo link Wrote:  Only here's the biggest issue:  The hotels, either the Sheraton Palo Alto or the Westin, have no vacancies for that night, and both are, as you could imagine, not compatible with the preference to save where possible.

These hotels are between the PA Caltrain station and the stadium.  It's worth a call to the hotels to see if you can check your bags there even if you aren't staying there.  May as well ask.

Re: First Stanford Game - terry - 08-28-2016

Parking on campus is free, if you know where to park. I think you have to pay $20 or $30 to park in the official football parking areas. But if you're willing to walk a little bit, you can park a little farther away for free. The spaces marked for "A" permits, "C" permits, and parking meters usually are restricted only on weekdays before 4 pm. On weekends, or on weekdays after 4 pm, the A and C permit spaces and the metered spaces generally are available for free. But read the fine print on the signs and the meters to make sure.

Re: First Stanford Game - winflop - 08-28-2016

If you need somewhere to store your bags, you should rent a car.  You won't be able to bring them into the game with you.

Have a great time!

Re: First Stanford Game - martyup - 08-29-2016

Boss, I have dreamed of doing what you are doing.  Have a great journey in visiting all the FBS schools.  You should try to hit College Game Day games and put up a sign about your quest  (e.g., "BOSS GAME #45").  Post the sign here on the Cardboard and we will watch for it on Saturday mornings.  Good luck and be safe.

P.S.  Root for the Cardinal.

Re: First Stanford Game - Boss Barkley - 09-02-2016

Thanks for all the help guys.  I think I'm going with the public transport method.  I got an airbnb two blocks from the Palo Alto station, so everything should work out as my flight is on schedule.  Thanks for the feedback. It could be used again when I visit for the basketball game.  I love the bay area (can't say the same about southern california).  I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Re: First Stanford Game - Redrum - 09-02-2016

The quirky Stanford academic calendar has most of the students arriving a couple weeks after that first game.  Do not expect a large crowd or intense football atmosphere.  Likewise, don't write off Stanford as having a lousy game day atmosphere.  Once school is in, home games are rockin', particularly against opponents USC, Notre Dame, and Cal.  Luckily, the stadium is smaller than some of those you might have visited. UM's Big House comes to mind.  Ditto Ohio State and any number of SEC venues.  We can go up against any of those on the playing field. In the stands?  Ummm...not so much.  We're just a smaller school with a smaller fan base.  Luckily for you, you will probably get all the game day ambiance you'd want watching the UDub game Saturday in their new, expanded stadium designed, BTW, to amplify crowd noise.