STANFORD, Calif. - If you have ever wanted maximum exposure to Stanford Athletics, Saturday, April 11, is your chance. Seven varsity sports will be competing on campus starting at 10 a.m. PT, in what is being called Cardinalpalooza – The Free Stanford Sports Festival.
There is truly something for everybody, highlighted by the Cardinal and White Spring Football Game at 1 p.m. in Stanford Stadium.
“We’re delighted to be a part of it,” said women’s water polo head coach John Tanner, whose second-ranked and defending national champion team hosts top-ranked UCLA at noon in the Avery Aquatic Center. “I’m just excited about the atmosphere. When you try to explain what makes Stanford special, it’s the electricity and buzz. You’ll definitely feel it out here.”
In a variety of ways, starting with No. 10 women’s tennis hosting Washington State at the Taube Family Tennis Center at 10 a.m., and concluding with a softball game at 7 p.m. No. 8 UCLA at the Smith Family Stadium. Other events include: an all-day Sand Volleyball Tournament at the new Sand Volleyball Stadium; No. 38 men’s tennis team taking on No. 7 USC at 2 p.m.; and track and field (Big Meet) against Cal at 3 p.m. at Cobb Track and Angell Field.
There will be opportunities for fans to meet student-athletes following each event, and a 10% discount on related merchandise at the Stanford Athletics Shop. The Stanford Band will also entertain.
Stanford Stadium will open at 12:30 p.m. and spectators should enter through gates 2, 3 and 4. This marks the end of spring practice, as players try to make good impressions on the coaching staff until the team re-assembles for training camp in August.
Stanford begins the 2015 season on Sept. 5 at Northwestern.
Fan activities will be held in the east concourse and include an autograph session with former Cardinal alums and NFL players; a trivia contest with prizes; a gear and photo station; a virtual reality station; a bean bag toss; face painting and temporary tattoos; and a trophy table.
Following the game, current football student-athletes will be available for autographs in the west concourse. Free posters will also be distributed.
Admission and parking are free, and families are encouraged to tailgate, picnic or sample the offerings of food trucks in the Pac-12 Plaza outside Sunken Diamond from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where a variety of scrumptious food and beverages will be served.
Parking will be available on Saturday in Lot 2, Lot 3, Toyon Grove, Sunken Diamond/Varsity Lot and the Track House. In addition, Lot 2 will open at 4 p.m. on Friday for overnight parking and restrooms are available.
“Bring your kids and grandkids, stay at one venue, or bounce around from event to event,” Tanner said. “It should be an exciting day.”
For questions, please email stanfordathleticsmarketing@stanford.edu or visit gostanford.com/cardinalpalooza.
