SDSU’s season opener: Here’s where to park, how to take the trolley and what to eat

San Diego State football fans were warned three years ago: There would come a day when Snapdragon Stadium parking would be impacted by construction elsewhere on the 135-acre SDSU Mission Valley property.

That day has arrived.

SDSU fans coming to the Aztecs’ season-opening football game Thursday night against Stony Brook will see that ground has been broken on the first phase of residential and retail development, which will include 621 multi-family units along with 30,000 square feet of retail space.

Those who attended FanFest two weeks ago noticed a large fenced-off area in the Orange Lot east of Snapdragon Stadium. Additional fencing has since gone up, walling off a giant pile of excavated dirt in the Orange Lot and blocking a portion of Jacaranda Street that provides access to the stadium.

This will require some fans to tailgate in different locations in the Orange Lot and take alternate routes driving into the lot and walking to the stadium.

Here’s more to know as the Aztecs’ season opener arrives:

Where to park

Expect more congestion getting into the stadium through the main entrance at Mission Village Drive because of the construction closures.

Fans can still access the Orange Lot through the main entrance, but they should consider entering via San Diego Mission Road northeast of the property. It is also the best entrance for those who will be parking in the Purple Lot.

The main entrance is still the most direct access for those parking in the Green Lot north of the stadium.

Those who have parking passes for the Thrive Lot west of Snapdragon and the Yellow Lot south of the stadium should use Friars Road to the northwest entrance of the property.

After the game, fans will be directed to exits at the northwest corner to Friars Road, northeast to San Diego Mission Road and southeast to Rancho Mission Road.

Pro tip: If you plan on tailgating, designate one person in the group to drive in with everything for the tailgate while everyone else takes the trolley.

Not tailgating? Take the trolley.

How to ride

The Stadium Station trolley stop is located in the southern part of the SDSU Mission Valley site, about a 5- to 7-minute walk from the stadium for most people. Trolleys typically arrive every 15 minutes, although trains run more frequently on game days.

Extra service is included postgame until fans have been dispersed. Each three-car train holds from 525 to 600 passengers. Purchase round-trip tickets to avoid time-consuming waits at ticket machines.

Adult fares for the trolley are $2.50 each way. Reduced fares of $1.25 each way are available for senior citizens (65-plus), Medicare recipients, disabled persons and kids ages 6 to18. Those getting reduced fares must be able to show identification.

The MTS offers an Aztecs All-Season pass for $20; it’s good for each of the six home games.

Additional trolley information is available at sdmts.com.

Trolley stations west of the stadium with free parking include Old Town Transit Center (4009 Taylor St., 412 parking spaces), Morena/Linda Vista (5210 Linda Vista Rd., 199 spaces) and Fashion Valley (1205 Fashion Valley Rd., 63 spaces).

Trolley stations east of the stadium with free parking include Grantville (4510 Alvarado Canyon Rd., 100 spaces), 70th Street (7255 Alvarado Rd., 125 spaces), Grossmont Transit Center (8601 Fletcher Pkwy., 220 spaces), Amaya Drive (9100 Amaya Dr., 236 spaces) and the El Cajon Transit Center (352 S. Marshall Ave., 469 spaces).

Of note: the MTS no longer has a parking agreement with the Hazard Center property owner.

According to the MTS schedule, the ride from Old Town to the stadium takes an estimated 18 minutes. It’s 25 minutes from the El Cajon Transit Center to Snapdragon.

What to eat

Batch & Box cookies

Snadpragon Stadium locations: Southeast cookie cart, Northwest and West (upper level) in The Markets.

Signature item: The Classic chocolate chip cookie.

Best Pizza & Brew

Snapdragon Stadium locations: East, Southwest, Northwest (upper).

Signature item: Best White Slice, includes rosemary garlic oil, spinach, ricotta, caramelized onions, roasted garlic with mozzarella and provolone.

Cali BBQ

Snapdragon Stadium location: East.

Signature item: Pulled pork sandwich, with side choice of wedding beans or potato salad.

Bonus bite: Wicked peach cobbler w/vanilla ice cream.

The Crack Shack

Snapdragon Stadium location: Northeast.

Signature item: Coop DeVille with Schmaltz Fries, a fried Jidori chicken breast, pickled fresno chiles, pickles, lime mayo, napa cabbage, brioche.

Empanada Kitchen

Snapdragon Stadium location: Unavailable as of press time.

Signature item: Argentine-style empanadas.

Gaglione Brothers

Snapdragon Stadium location: East.

Signature item: Cheesesteak, with grilled onions and American cheese.

Hodad’s

Snapdragon Stadium locations: East, Southwest, West (upper level).

Signature item: Cheeseburger with fries.

Negihama Sushi

Snapdragon Stadium location: Unavailable.

Signature item: Crunchy roll, with shrimp tempura, crab salad & avocado, topped with crunchies, mayo and eel sauce.

Tarantino Gourmet Sausages

Snapdragon Stadium locations: Various.

Signature items: Bratwurst or Kielbasa.

The Taco Stand

Snapdragon Stadium locations: Northeast, Southeast.

Signature item: Two carne asada tacos with chips and salsa.

Grab & Go

Snapdragon Stadium locations: North, South, West (upper level).

Signature item(s): Set up like convenience stores, the Grab & Gos offer candy, chips, ice cream, soda, coffee and beer.

Food trucks

Stadium location: Northeast corner.

Signature item(s): Menus will vary, with trucks rotating from game to game.

Remember …

No paper money: Snapdragon Stadium is a cashless venue. Reverse ATMs are available inside the southeast and southwest entry gates to load cash onto prepaid debit cards.

Clear bag policy: Clear plastic or vinyl bags that do not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, with only one permitted per person. Purses, bags or clutches are permitted but can be no larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches Bag-check lockers are available for rent outside the east area of the stadium.

Food and drink policy: Sealed water bottles (unfrozen) and empty refillable water bottles (32 oz. or smaller) are the only beverage containers allowed into the stadium. Outside food is not permitted, though exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.

Additional information: Visit snapdragonstadium.com