The Cal Poly Partners Plaza, a 14,200-square-foot addition north of Spanos Stadium, will open for Cal Poly’s first home football game of the season against the Western Oregon Wolves on Sept. 14, Aaron Lambert, Communications Specialist for Cal Poly Partners, said.
Featuring three terraces, a VIP section for large groups, a Mustang Shop, a lawn area, and three food and drink venues, the plaza began construction in November 2023 in an effort to enhance the John Madden Football Center. The food venues, seating and picnic areas will be open to the public Monday through Thursday, and fans can purchase tickets to the terrace sections for game days.
“[The plaza] will complement the John Madden Football Center and create a more intimate and fun athletics venue for fans,” Lambert said. “It will provide another gathering space for students, faculty and staff during the week and it will create a fun event space for university and off-campus groups.”
Tickets to the terrace experience include a game ticket, access to eating and standing areas in the three terraces and a voucher for a complimentary food or beverage item, including beer and wine. Tickets are priced at $52, which are available through the Cal Poly ticket office, Lambert said.
According to the Cal Poly Partners website, tickets to the VIP Experience are priced at $5,000 a group and give 100 guests access to a private VIP area with customizable catering and a dedicated bar. The VIP area is available for special events and private groups year-round and can be reserved through Erin Scherer, Cal Poly Partners Director of Conference and Event Planning.
During the week, students can use their dining dollars at the food venues which will be similar to the Mustang Eats venue outside of Campus Market (Bldg. 24), Lambert said. However, students will not be able to use their dining dollars at the venues during games.
Director of Athletic Communications Connor Leary said the plaza will make a positive impact on the football and soccer game day experience.
“It makes an already great stadium look even nicer and will make attending our athletic events at Mustang Memorial Field that much more enjoyable for all our fans,” Leary said.
In addition to sports games, Cal Poly Partners is also exploring different uses for the venue.
“On top of the touchdowns and GOOOOOAAALLS Cal Poly Partners Plaza will be open and available for upcoming concerts AND commencement,” the Cal Poly Partners website stated.
The project’s budget was $4.75 million. Cal Poly Partners will celebrate the official opening of the venue in a celebration on Oct. 5, Lambert said.
Leary believes this addition will appeal not only to students, but to families and community members as well.
“I think it will make fans [of all] ages want to continue to come back and see our games even more,” Leary said. “It will be a one-stop shop where fans can grab food, drinks, snacks and then sit down at our tiered tabling and watch games. For families with kids, the kids zone play area will be a fun, safe environment that they will love.”
