Michigan State University’s football program will open the 2026 season on Friday, September 4, when the Spartans host Toledo at 8 p.m. in Spartan Stadium.
Parking restrictions and pass requirements
Several of the most heavily used lots — including 62, 124, 61, 61SV and 79 — will be closed from 10 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, through 11 a.m. on game day, meaning a parking pass will be mandatory for entry. Smaller lots such as 63 and 126 will be shut from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., also requiring a pass. Faculty, staff and students with permits may park until 1 p.m., but access to the football‑specific lots will be limited after that hour.
When the restricted lots reopen, they will do so at 11 a.m. with a valid pass, while the remaining football lots will open later at 2 p.m. Roadwork surrounding the campus is expected to affect travel times, prompting fans to rely on GPS for alternate routes and to consider the $20 commuter lot, Lot 89, which includes a shuttle service.
Tailgating remains permitted across all public parking areas, and premium full‑service tailgate experiences are available through REVELxp. Season tickets for the 2026 campaign are still on sale, and all fans must present digital tickets and parking passes on their mobile devices for entry. Updates on traffic, parking and other gameday details can be received via text or the SafeMSU app.
Levy, the stadium’s food and beverage partner, is introducing new cashless concessions, including Just Walk Out technology in sections 1 and 23, and a clear‑bag policy that allows plastic bags up to 12 × 6 × 12 inches or one‑gallon freezer bags.