University of Arizona Tailgating
An exciting University of Arizona tailgating experience awaits. Is your RV ready to go? The Arizona Wildcats in Tucson, Arizona, wait for no one.
Event information
Any RV trip to Tucson is going to be memorable for the whole family. This Pima County city in Arizona offers plenty of fun things to do, such as the Arizona State Museum, The Tucson Rodeo, the Pima County Fair, and Tucson Mountain Park.
However, it’s also home to the Arizona Wildcats of the University of Arizona athletics program that incorporates football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, and more. A visit to Tucson will also help entertain your crew with University of Arizona tailgating experiences, followed by a sports game where you can wear your navy blue and cardinal red supporter’s gear with pride and sing Bear Down, Arizona led by Wilbur and Wilma the Wildcat mascots.
Arizona Wildcat games are played at the University of Arizona in a range of standout venues. The McKale Center brings thousands of visitors to attend for basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics, while the Arizona Stadium seats over 50,000 fans for football. No matter the venue, RV-goers can rest assured that their visit to Tucson, Arizona, will be memorable for all the right reasons.
Even before the game begins, sports fans are in for a treat. By booking a tailgating spot of over or under 30 feet, sports-mad fans can enjoy a six-hour tailgating experience before a game begins. Consider attending a game with Wildcat rivals when they play the Sun Devils of Arizona State University near Phoenix. Start planning a trip to Tucson, Arizona, just in time for the sports season to begin.
Tickets
Ticket pricing for the University of Arizona games can depend on the event, sport, and time of year. For football games, tickets can be as low as $15, but upwards of $100 for preferred seating, as well. Parking and tailgating fees are additional, and pricing can vary for fans who decide to buy group tickets, season passes, or fan experience packages. Tickets are available online and at the gate, unless sold out prior.
Explore University of Arizona Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The University of Arizona is centrally positioned in Tucson, Arizona, covering nearly 400 acres of land. It’s nestled between the Tucson Botanical Gardens and Reid Park Zoo and is accessible via I-10 and US-77 in and out of the city.
Travelers who are not familiar with the state of Arizona can tune into a traffic aid like AZ 511 for it can provide the most direct route into the city with the least delays. Such an app can also prove helpful for deciding if adventurers have enough time to go hiking at Saguaro National Park or a similar attraction before getting to a sports game at the University of Arizona.
Parking areas
RV-goers may be astounded by the parking options at the University of Arizona. Those who are looking for somewhere to store their motorhome for a game, and anyone keen to get involved in tailgating, will find there are options galore.
By purchasing a tailgating pass in advance, fans can bring their under or over 30-foot motorhome onto campus grounds for a memorable tailgating experience. Single-game and season-long tailgating passes are available for purchase, but waiting lists may apply.
Main gate parking, parking garages, and carpool parking are also all available in or around surrounding streets of the University of Arizona. Parking fees may apply.
Public Transportation
For travelers who prefer to find somewhere accessible with a large RV to set up, then use public transportation, you’re in luck. A CatTran shuttle service is often in operation, not to mention streetcars, rideshare services, taxis, and a bus service with regular pick-up and drop-off points around the university block.
Where to stay
Onsite
While day parking options are plentiful for campervans and tow vehicles, there are no overnight parking spaces available. Once sports fans have cheered the Wildcats from the field, they’ll have to move their motorhome to accommodation near the University of Arizona. Fortunately, from luxury RV campgrounds to primitive RV camping experiences, there are options galore for the avid traveler.
Nearby
Sports fans won’t need to travel too far to access some of the best Arizona RV parks. Tucson Mountain Park, within 13 miles of the University of Arizona, delivers on primitive RV camping experiences at Gilbert Ray Campground.
Catalina State Park within 15 miles also offers camping, as does the Santa Catalina Natural Area within 45 miles. Travelers who prefer service hookups and luxury will find all that and more at Tucson / Lazydays KOA within seven miles of the University of Arizona.
Getting around
Thousands of fans make their way to the athletics facilities of the University of Arizona. Navigating through the crowds with scooters, skateboards, and similar isn’t all that convenient. As a result, the best way to get around all 380-plus acres of the university is on foot. Wear your most comfortable footwear and make use of shuttles from distant parking lots where applicable.
What to pack
Clothing
There’s only one word to describe Tucson, and it’s hot. Tucson has a semi-arid climate that leads to hot summers and mild winters. While any sports fan will be pleased to wear navy and red to support the home team, the time of year can dictate whether those red and blue garments will be shorts or pants.
Alongside sports attire, outdoor adventurers may find it convenient to pack weather-appropriate climates for summertime hiking or wintertime alpine sports at Mount Lemmon.
Gear
The University of Arizona has adopted a clear bag policy, which means that sports fans need to consider what they will leave in their motorhome and what they will take into the sports facility.
Only clear plastic bags and clutches will be allowed, which means a “less is more” approach can speed up security screening. Bring cash and payment cards to make vendor purchases, but leave camping and cooking supplies tucked away in the motorhome for use after the game.
Health & Safety
With warm game day conditions often expected, it makes sense for RV-goers to put a lot of thought into products to make the visit to the University of Arizona more comfortable. Those who are partaking in a University of Arizona tailgating experience will need plenty of sunscreen to keep the rays at bay. Drinking water, a sun hat, and sunglasses are also must-have essentials. These items, as well as bug spray, will suit any avid traveler who is also looking to go hiking at Picacho Peak State Park near Red Rock and Picacho.
Where to eat
Cooking
Cooking is an exciting experience for any RV-goer looking to attend a Wildcats game. Not only can you use your propane grill on your prebooked tailgating site, but at Tucson RV campgrounds near the University of Arizona, as well. Pay attention to any RV camping rules, such as limitations on fire pits and charcoal grills, and pick up supplies from the grocery store within a one-mile drive of the university.
Restaurants
Cheering and hollering for the Wildcats can make any sports-mad fan work up a hunger. Fortunately, Tucson covers all bases with the cuisine. The area is known for its Sonoran-style Mexican food, including the Sonoran hot dog. Other options include burgers and fries from nearby takeout joints and hearty bistro meals within a short five-mile driving distance.
Vendors
Vendors at the University of Arizona make sure that no Wildcat fan has to go hungry. Bring cash and payment cards and take your place in line to purchase all manner of delicious hot and cold food. Frosty beverages to keep the hot summer sun at bay are also always popular. The concession stands at each university sports facility are well marked for easy access from the grandstands.
Safety
Security
The clear bag policy put in place by the University of Arizona aims to make sure every visitor and player is as safe as possible. Any large bags, weapons, outside food and beverages, noisemakers, or distracting or damaging goods will be turned away. Any sports fan with a concern may approach an official. There is also a police station within one mile of University grounds.
Weather
Weather conditions can be quite intense in Tucson, with temperatures dropping as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit in January, but skyrocketing to 100 degrees from June until August. Before you set off on an RV trip in your motorhome rental in Tucson, pay attention to a weather app. You can then put more emphasis on carrying water onboard, making sure freshwater tanks are topped up and checking the heating and cooling units.
Medical
Whether you’re adventuring at the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area or simply walking into the University of Arizona grounds, accidents can happen unexpectedly. Always travel with a first-aid kit on board your motorhome, and stock it up if necessary, at a pharmacy within a short one-mile drive of the university. There is also a hospital for treatment under a mile from the university. Always remember to dial 911 in an emergency.
